Timothy Thompson

About Timothy Thompson

Accomplished operations and supply chain leader with over 27 years of experience driving performance, efficiency, and profitability across dynamic manufacturing environments. I’ve led high-performing teams of 400+ in union and non-union settings, consistently delivering top-line growth and bottom-line improvements, often in the face of supply chain disruptions, labor challenges, and tight production deadlines.My expertise spans the full scope of end-to-end operations, including inventory control, logistics, strategic sourcing, and workforce development. Whether navigating multimillion-dollar production floors or managing complex distribution networks, I bring a hands-on leadership style that balances strategic planning with day-to-day execution.I’m passionate about building strong, aligned teams and implementing Lean methodologies to eliminate waste, increase throughput, and elevate quality standards. I’ve consistently improved operational performance by turning stagnant processes into agile systems that support strategic growth.Selected Accomplishments: Operational Cost Reduction: Reduced daily air freight costs from $2.5 million to by implementing an international transportation plan and renegotiating freight agreements, increasing budget performance for Mexico Truck Plants. Inventory Optimization Strategy: Lowered raw material inventory levels by $4 million through data-driven planning, supplier coordination, and improved material flow processes aligned with company-wide supply chain goals. Process Efficiency Advancements: Cut process waste by 50% and increased productivity by 20% by streamlining standard work procedures and introducing daily improvements and accountability systems across planning and materials functions. System Modernization Leadership: Led the migration from a legacy Telnet MRP system to SAP, supporting real-time inventory tracking, supply planning accuracy, and cross-functional operational visibility.

Experience

1. Materials Manager

   Oshkosh Defense

   Sep 2025 — Present · Spartanburg County, SC, US

   Lead the Materials Management team through Frequent Meaningful Conversations to achieve business results and develop team members.Lead continuous improvement of the organization by engaging with segment business leaders to drive segment compliance with the corporate material flow strategy by leveraging extensive analytical and leadership capabilities to resolve the barriers to implementation.Maintain the MRP report card including inventory accuracy, on-time delivery, inventory levels, E&O inventory reduction.Leverage shop-floor lean material flow implementation experience to lead and support projects focused on synchronization of material consumption with production, maximizing efficiency of material conveyance routes and optimal material presentation to the point of use.Significantly reduce excess material handling through value stream analysis and development of business solutions.Lead projects to implement sustainable process improvements that are aligned with the material flow strategy.Configure and align MRP requirements with lean inventory initiatives such as PFEP or Kanban.Automate business processes to reduce information waste, inventory waste and reduce indirect labor.Drive consistency across all segments to ensure materials are ordered and in stock to meet company requirements, while maintain acceptable inventory levels.Support measurable improvement in parts shortage due to poor production and materials planning, inventory errors and damage within the facilities.Sharply reduce excess raw material inventory and work in process inventory by leading lean events and continuous improvement activity focused on establishment of baseline inventory requirements, identification of wastes and implementation of sustainable process improvements.Implement and support cost reduction initiatives that support and advance the material flow strategy to improve financial performance across the enterprise.

Education

• Gardner-Webb University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration and Management, General

  2008 — 2009

Skills

• Parts
• Logistics Management
• Kaizen
• Supply Chain Management
• Automotive
• Logistics
• Business Process Improvement
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• Supply Chain
• Sap
• Operations Management
• Supply Management
• Toyota Production System
• Purchasing
• Value Stream Mapping
• Process Improvement
• Manufacturing
• Supplier Quality
• Six Sigma