Sam Oconnell

Project Manager @The Bernard Group, Inc.

Chanhassen, MN, US

PRODUCTION LEAD / SCHEDULER / PLANNER / PROJECT MANAGER • Initiate and guide continuous improvement projects in coordination with the production team, targeting process streamlining, cost reduction, and enhanced throughput.• Advance through multiple leadership and operational roles (operator to planner to project manager) by consistently demonstrating initiative, business curiosity, and cross-functional adaptability.• Enforce high standards of quality and compliance to ensure that all product output aligns with customer specifications and regulatory benchmarks.• Supervise the implementation and compliance of safety protocols across teams, contributing to a culture of workplace accountability and hazard reduction.• Strategically allocate production workloads by analyzing job flow and resource availability to prevent bottlenecks and maintain steady operational pace.• Engineer detailed production layouts to support optimal flow of jobs across machinery and personnel.• Communicate directly with internal teams and senior leadership to resolve workflow issues and keep all project stakeholders informed of evolving timelines and priorities.• Champion training and mentorship programs for junior team members, fostering knowledge transfer and reinforcing company values through peer development.• Earned recognition from management for significantly improving production flow by reordering key production processes, resulting in a notable cycle time reduction.

University of Northern Iowa

Bachelor of Arts (BA)