Chris Ortega

About Chris Ortega

Welcome to my LinkedIn profile:As a global manufacturing operations executive, I specialize in scaling complex production and distribution networks, driving operational excellence, and delivering sustainable growth. With a proven track record in high-capacity manufacturing environments, I bring expertise in P&L leadership, lean transformation, change management, and global supply chain optimization. I’m passionate about building high-performing teams, implementing scalable systems, and positioning organizations to thrive in fast-moving, competitive markets. Professional Experience:I’ve led transformative operations across multiple global facilities, from North America to Europe, building systems and teams that scale with growth. My work has spanned operational turnarounds, M&A integrations, large-scale CapEx execution, and the deployment of global management control systems that drive accountability and performance. Whether leading through hypergrowth, steering multimillion-dollar expansions, or pivoting production in times of disruption, I focus on aligning strategy with execution to deliver measurable results. My Key Highlights: Delivered positive EBITDA for the first time in company history while scaling revenue from $20M to $100M and expanding facilities by 6X in under five years. Oversaw manufacturing and distribution across two high-capacity sites, supervising 120 employees and driving production of 100K+ units daily to generate $100M in annual revenue. Orchestrated multimillion-dollar CapEx projects, including a $2.1M expansion to address capacity constraints, while ensuring operational continuity. Directed large-scale reconstructions and expansions, creating capacity for pallets with scalability for 5–7 years. Implemented a global Management Control System that standardized communication, improved engagement, and enabled 120+ employee-driven process improvements—cutting turnover by 60%, reducing customer complaints by 33% and sustaining 71% YOY growth in production. Let’s Connect:If you’re looking to collaborate on global manufacturing strategy, large-scale operational expansions, supply chain transformation, or empathetic leadership in high-performing environments, I’d love to connect. I’m always open to conversations about driving growth through operational excellence and building resilient, scalable manufacturing systems.#ManufacturingLeadership #GlobalOperations #OperationalExcellence #LeanTransformation #SupplyChainStrategy #ChangeLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership #MergersAndAcquisitions #P & LLeadership

Experience

1. Director of Operations

   MARQ Labs

   May 2021 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

   My day-to-day responsibilities are the following:I led the full strategy and execution of manufacturing and distribution across two high-capacity facilities, overseeing 120 employees working dual shifts with full P&L accountability. Every day, I monitored production of over units, driving $100M in annual revenue while ensuring operations stayed agile and responsive to shifting business demands. Below are my notable accomplishments I delivered positive EBITDA for the first time in company history, all while leading complex, high-stakes operational projects that fueled sustainable growth. To enable expansion, I managed two major facility reconstructions—overseeing vendor selection, project timelines, and operational continuity—ultimately building capacity for pallets with scalability for the next 5–7 years. During this period, I scaled the business from $20M to $100M in revenue, transforming EBITDA from negative into a $4.1M positive outcome in 2024. Our physical footprint grew from 44K SF to 90K SF in Alexandria, TN, while I also optimized LaVergne operations from 72K SF at acquisition to 144K SF. Strategically, I expanded operations from one facility with 5–6 production lines to two high-capacity sites, growing to 6X the original square footage while keeping profitability intact. I also played a hands-on role in leading acquisitions and integrations, transitioning key functions across in-house production, 3PL partnerships, and contract manufacturing to relieve capacity constraints. On the CapEx front, I submitted and managed multimillion-dollar projects, including a $2.1M proposal designed to address urgent capacity needs. To strengthen communication and performance, I implemented a global Management Control System, which standardized reporting, clarified expectations, assigned accountability, and created a structured escalation platform, resulting in many improvements, most notable, 70% reduction in safety accidents annually

Education

• California State University

  Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration, Management and Operations

  2012 — 2014

• Lean Six Sigma US

  Green belt lean six sigma

• Santiago Canyon College

  Associate of Arts Degree; Associate of Arts Degree, Mathematics and Science; Liberal Arts

  2009 — 2011

Skills

• Eye for Details
• Logistics
• Analytical Skills
• Telephone Skills
• Lean Manufacturing
• Data Analysis
• Six Sigma
• Teamwork
• Supervising
• Time Management
• Lotus Notes
• Lean Six Sigma
• Customer Service
• People Skills
• Accounts Payable
• Work Ethic
• Data Entry
• Microsoft Word
• Inventory Management
• Inventory Control
• Sap
• Administration
• Team-Oriented
• Inventory
• Mathematics
• Critical Thinking
• Spanish
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Improvement
• Close Attention to Detail
• Operations Management
• Manufacturing
• Warehousing
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Goal Oriented
• Dmaic
• Leadership
• Supply Chain
• Microsoft Office