Kenneth Woolridge

About Kenneth Woolridge

Seasoned and self-directed operation transformation executive with over 25 years of diverse domestic and international leadership experience in innovation, operational excellence, strategy development & execution, portfolio & project management, systems & process improvement, change management, and quality management systems. Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt | Transformational Change Leader | Strategy ExecutionerA dynamic, disciplined leader who builds high-performance teams, responds rapidly to changing priorities in fast-paced environments, and, with proven problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making abilities, conducts a detailed analysis of business challenges to formulate customer-centric solutions in line with business objectives, timelines, and budgets.I also provide strategic alignment, tactical direction, and leadership for success through sustainable step-change improvements in organizational performance. I lead, coach, mentor, and train all levels of belts (Black, Green, Yellow, and White). I keenly focus on the rigorous implementation of continuous improvement, productivity optimization, and cost savings initiatives.CORE COMPETENCIESOperation TransformationBusiness Process ManagementValue Chain OptimizationAdvanced Recycling TechnologiesSmart OperationsProgram ManagementPortfolio ManagementGembaKaizen ExecutionTraining & CoachingAccomplishmentsDrove high return on investments (ROI) for transformation projects, powered by next-generation technologies and capabilities, to quickly help clients streamline operations, reduce cost, increase working capital, improve employee engagement, and enhance the customer experience—project ROI of 60%.Streamlined the quality management system, established a customer-focused and employee-centric culture of continuous improvement, led a team of five lean Six Sigma black belts in a top-down and bottom-up approach of engagement, training, and project execution; and created an efficiency savings of $7.6MM.Led corporate strategy, execution, quality, and change management systems at four North American locations by driving a lean Six Sigma mindset and a cultural transformation throughout the company. Delivered over $12MM in cost savings in the last two years alone. Please get in touch with me at W••••••••@gmail.com for any continuous improvement or change management opportunities.

Experience

1. Global Continuous Improvement Lead

   Orion S.A.

   Mar 2025 — Present · Spring, TX, US

   Drives the standardization and effective implementation of Autonomous Management across global plants while guiding plant-based leaders and pillar team members in executing data-driven improvement projects to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

Education

• Texas A&M University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Chemical Engineering

Skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• Lean Transformation
• Project Management
• Adhesives
• Engineering
• R&D
• Polymers
• Customer Service
• Building Relationships
• Consulting
• Chemical Engineering
• Coatings
• Project Engineering
• Coaching
• Product Development
• Process Control
• Process Optimization
• Plastics
• Team Building
• Workshop Facilitation
• Financial Analysis
• Six Sigma
• Manufacturing
• Root Cause Analysis
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Extrusion
• Strategy
• Process Engineering