Michael H. Lafferty
Vice President Global Operations
- Role
- Vice President of Global Operations at Harsco Rail
- Location
- West Columbia, SC, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Michael H. Lafferty
COO | Operations Executive | Value Creation LeaderOperations executive with 30+ years of experience leading enterprise-scale manufacturing, supply chain, and operational transformation initiatives across industrial, transportation, and heavy manufacturing environments.Specialize in driving EBITDA improvement, cash generation, and operational scalability within complex, multi-site organizations. Proven ability to step into underperforming or transitional environments, stabilize execution, and rapidly implement disciplined operating models that deliver measurable financial results.Currently leading global manufacturing and operations organizations with full accountability for operational strategy, strategic planning, P&L performance, and execution across multi-site footprints. Extensive experience building operating cadence, improving working capital, optimizing cost structures, and aligning people, process, and technology to support growth and value creation objectives.Core value-creation experience includes:• Leading multi-site manufacturing organizations of 400+ employees• Driving $60M+ in cost reduction, margin expansion, and EBITDA improvement• Managing $60M+ operating budgets with strong forecast discipline• Executing footprint rationalization, best-cost sourcing, and capacity optimization• Improving working capital through inventory reduction and supply chain redesign• Launching revenue-generating aftermarket, overhaul, and remanufacturing operations• Leading large-scale technology transfer and M&A integration programs exceeding $2BKnown for a hands-on, operator mindset — comfortable in the plant, decisive in execution, and focused on speed, accountability, and results. Partner effectively with CEOs, private equity sponsors, and boards to translate investment theses into executable operating plans.Operating focus:EBITDA Expansion | Cash Flow | Operational Rigor | Manufacturing Excellence | Supply Chain Optimization | Footprint Strategy | Integration | Turnaround & Transformation
Experience
Vice President of Global Operations
May 2024 — Present · Columbia, SC, US
Vice President of Operations overseeing operations at 3 key locations within the Harsco Rail company.
Education
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc), Electrical and Electronics Engineering
1986 — 1991
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