David Griffis

About David Griffis

Dynamic Executive Manager (BSME / MBA) with over 30+ years of experience in business development, product management, design engineering, development and manufacturing scale-up for the dock loading equipment, automotive, transit and printing industries. Skilled people manager, leader and cross-functional teammate. Expertise in development of new products, new engineering applications, sales growth of international markets, partner with international divisions on strategies and ideas, managing multiple projects and leading Kaizen approach. Thorough knowledge of Program Management, Business Operations, Application Engineering, New Product Development toll-gate processes, Non-disclosure Agreements, Patents, Trademarks, International Business Relations, Overseas Procurements, Value Stream Mapping, ISO procedures, 5S, Value Analysis Value Engineering and Lean Manufacturing.

Experience

1. Director Program Management

   4FRONT Engineered Solutions

   Apr 2023 — Present · Brookfield, WI, US

   As the Director of Program Management, I am responsible for NPDI (New Product Development & Introduction) and stewarding new products from initial concept through technical research/design/manufacture to product launch. Manage program performance to achieve business objectives throughout the program lifecycle. Effective and regular communication with multiple internal stakeholders is key to success. Ensure effective program/project management processes, scheduling, cost, resources deployment, risk assessment/containment, and project change management. Provide leadership to a matrix team from varying cross-functional areas. Regular interaction with team members, Site leaders, and Group team leaders; coordination including multiple sites.

Education

• University of Illinois Chicago

  MBA, Int'l Bus, Strategic Mngt, Info Sys

  1999 — 2002

• Michigan Technological University

  Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

  1992 — 1997

Skills

• Project Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Business Strategy
• Product Development
• Mechanical Engineering
• Product Design
• Kaizen Facilitation
• Product Launch
• Management
• Team Building
• Design for Manufacturing
• Purchasing
• Value Stream Mapping
• Launch of New Products
• Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing
• International Business
• Automotive
• New Product Ideation
• Value Engineering
• International Sales
• Procurement
• Kaizen
• Project Planning
• Engineering
• 5s