Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Information
Languages
Interests
Accomplishments
Websites
Timeline
Generic
Sean Michael Thomas

Sean Michael Thomas

Tredegar

Summary

Experienced professional in systems and processes with 37 years in the automotive industry, specializing in end-to-end operations. Proven track record in leading teams and optimizing business processes to consistently achieve objectives. Expertise in resolving complex aviation equipment challenges under tight deadlines while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Committed to team development through effective training initiatives.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head of Business Systems & Processes

REE Automotive
01.2022 - Current
  • Oversaw implementation, configuration, testing, and deployment of SAP ERP systems to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Ensuring the ERP system aligns with business processes and goals, collaborating with cross-functional teams to streamline operations.
  • Managed teams of ERP professionals and led project teams to deliver projects within budget and timeline constraints.
  • Managed system operations to ensure optimal performance.
  • Ensuring data integrity, security, and compliance with regulations.
  • Identifying and resolving issues and bugs in the ERP software.
  • Providing training and support to end-users of the ERP system.
  • Developed and managed governance processes ensuring robust business cases for all change requests and SAP projects.
  • Keeping abreast of the latest ERP trends and technologies and recommending improvements to the system.
  • Project Budget Management.
  • Maintaining a deep understanding of SAP modules, tools, and methodologies (e.g., ABAP, Netweaver, HANA, SAP).
  • Developed strategic plans to improve operational efficiency.
  • Improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity within the organization by implementing and driving Lean methodologies.
  • Managing stakeholders at all levels, addressing concerns, and facilitating effective collaboration.
  • Designed manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and quality.
  • Improving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity within the organization by implementing and driving Lean methodologies.

Business Process Manager

REE Automotive
01.2021 - 01.2023
  • Developed the business blueprint and supported the deployment of SAP ERP systems within the REE organisation.
  • Delivered operational processes across the business, evaluating future end-to-end physical and systems processes for internal and external customers.
  • Implemented processes to integrate new technology into operations, minimising errors and reducing financial risks during process or design construction.
  • Maintain focus on top projects and business improvement process priorities to ensure that measurable results are obtained.
  • Collaborate across business functions to ensure consistent implementation of new and improved processes.
  • Support the launch programs by either leading projects and kaizen activities or supporting the assigned AME project leaders.
  • Passionately driving Continuous Improvement visibility and awareness across the business unit and act as change agents to grow the Lean culture.
  • Trains and develops associates of all levels within the organization on Business Improvement Processes.
  • Provides management with updates via tracking reports on project progress in line with set priority and timing targets.
  • Built relationships with REE managers and business leads to identify potential system and process improvement projects.
  • Ensuring process or flow drawing designs are produced on time, to a high quality, and are easy to decipher.
  • Attended new product development meetings as a core team member.
  • Develop the operations teams' capability and technical understanding and mastery of process control through data collection and analysing.

Senior Corporate Manager

Tenneco
01.2019 - 01.2021
  • Utilised SAP experience to facilitate technical developments that generated annual savings through new processes reducing waste and resources globally.
  • Supported director of supply chain in identifying and implementing cost-saving strategies across all plants in Europe, tracking achievements against blue chip targets.
  • Developed and shared best practices across the company, including KPIs policies and processes.
  • Delivered management training and development sessions to uphold exceptional service levels and professionalism in support of the global business.

Supply Chain Process Manager

Tenneco
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Oversaw teams of up to forty professionals on-site and off-site, managing diverse IT projects to meet strategic objectives.
  • Maintained a comprehensive understanding of national and international regulations for guaranteed company compliance.
  • Monitored system performance using SAP GRC Firefighter approver log, implementing changes to enhance system effectiveness.
  • Assessed reported issues and diagnosed faults, implementing corrections to maintain operational standards.
  • Conducted thorough dimensional inspections, ensuring quality business standards are maintained in the global business.

SAP Global Business Process Owner

Tenneco
01.2015 - 01.2017
  • Defined and designed new end-to-end business processes that aligned with business strategy and goals.
  • Advised senior managers and IT steering board on IT issues, identifying business gaps and investment needs, and collaborated in planning phases to align solutions with business requirements.
  • Review all business GAP priorities, system developments, maintenance, to ensure maximum efficiency is being achieved across the global business.
  • Analysed process gap needs across plants, collaborated with IT to develop technological solutions that met and exceeded operational goals.
  • Managed plant launches and retro upgrades, ensuring seamless project execution and alignment with global business objectives.
  • Test new SAP solution for quality and functionality benefits, ensuring faultless end results.

Senior Project Manager & Lean Co-Ordinator

Tenneco
Merthyr, UK
01.2012 - 01.2015
  • Executed on-time, under-budget project management on complex issues for senior leadership and local management.
  • Oversaw major IT projects, pertaining to new warehouse staff and designed the layout footprint for manufacturing warehouse and material flows.
  • Monitored team progress, ensuring adherence to deadlines and project milestones.
  • Drafted intensive work scopes and estimates to detail a new factory opening in the UK.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures for the organisation team to standardise operations.
  • Trained staff on material handling processes, streamlining delivery times to production.
  • Led training sessions for warehouse team on FIFO monitoring techniques.
  • Managed ownership of all SAP modules implemented across the business.

Customer Team New Product Introduction Manager

Tenneco
Merthyr, UK
01.2009 - 01.2012
  • Coordinated production of project plans and schedules, assessing progress to ensure adherence to new launch timelines.
  • Performed strategy development and budget management tasks, liaising with engineering launch teams to meet customer requirements.
  • Managed day-to-day planning of operations, including supervision and assignment delegation for 12 - member team.
  • Oversaw quality customer service administration, devising policies for effective process implementation.
  • Developed and implemented policies and procedures to enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Addressed negative customer feedback immediately.
  • Monitored daily activities of twenty customer support and planning teams.
  • Managed sales and distribution system using SAP software.

Direct and Indirect Buyer and Logistics Department Supervisor

Tenneco
Merthyr, UK
01.2002 - 01.2009
  • Monitored business demands for Indirect Sourcing to ensure accurate procurement of products at competitive prices.
  • Negotiate with the supplier / manufacturer to get the product at the best price.
  • Tracked supplier performance, created monthly scorecards, and coordinated with QA team to enhance quality and delivery standards.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with suppliers to enhance collaboration and ensure timely product availability.
  • Drafted procurement contracts with suppliers based on future demand and product type while adhering to company legal guidelines.
  • Estimated future buying needs based on market trends and historical data.
  • Placed purchase orders directly with vendors for both direct and indirect products.
  • Attended high-level SOP meetings to represent the Purchasing Department and discuss future forecasts.
  • Updated SAP supplier data and maintained item records within the MRP system.
  • Collecting NPI sample product and analysing them in terms of price, quality, and availability for different suppliers that help the global commodity teams make a buying decision.
  • Submit a report to the top management of an organisation around DOH for materials.

Education

Bachelor - Business

College
Merthyr Tydfil
01-1990

A-Levels - English, Mathematics, Physical education

Tredegar
Comprehensive
01-1986

O-Levels - Geography, History

Tredegar
Comprehensive
01-1986

Skills

  • Project Management Control
  • Project planning
  • Budget Management
  • Contract management
  • Logistics coordination
  • Information Technology / Coordination
  • Strategic planning
  • Cross Functional Program Development
  • Change management
  • Customer / Client Relations
  • Dynamic Team Building
  • Business Leadership and motivation
  • Technical writing

Certification

  • CIPS Management certification.
  • CIPS Procurement and Supply Operations.
  • CIPS Purchasing Contract Law certified.
  • CIPS Purchasing Contract negotiation certified.
  • University of Michigan lean manufacturing.
  • Green belt Lean six sigma certifications.
  • SAP Subject matter expert in (PP-MM-SD-WM-PM).
  • Change Management.
  • Train The Trainer.
  • Logistics Mechanical Equipment Qualified Counterbalance / VNA / Hand Trucks.
  • First Aid Trained.
  • UK Driving License.

Additional Information

I am a self-motivated and progress-driven Senior Corporate Manager Operations with an extensive global background in REE And Tenneco, in every department, with a long-standing record of initiative and innovation, I have developed and executed many strategies that I believe have delivered value to Tenneco and now REE. Throughout the course of my career, I have honed my skills and abilities over the past 34 years in Gillet and Tenneco and now REE. (engineering / quality / manufacturing leadership / production planning / customer sales / distribution / purchasing leadership/ engineering buyer / new production introduction lead / project management / lean and continuous improvement / warehousing leadership / SAP subject master expert GBPO). I am an astute problem solver capable of prioritising and managing complex problems with proficiency. In my previous roles, I exercised leadership across all areas of the business, I am driven to turn innovative ideas into realities, and I am always looking to build on current processes and discover strategies for improvement and deliver them down to the business. I have proven to be effective and motivational, with proficiency in critical thinking and collaborative work. I enjoy brainstorming and coordinating efforts to achieve a common goal.

Languages

English
Advanced
C1

Interests

  • Traveling/Global Exposure: Engaging deeply with other cultures
  • Running/Swimming/Mountain Walking
  • Golf
  • Rugby / Football (Watching)
  • Strategic Games (Chess/Puzzle Solving)

Accomplishments

  • Created and developed critical material control policies to consistently exceed quality and production targets.
  • Worked directly with senior leadership to develop and administer SAP department budget, Advised C-suite stakeholders on SAP implementation strategies, change management, and risk mitigation for enterprise-wide transformation.
  • Streamlined business workflow by consolidating lengthy processes and redundant documentation that resulted in more effective business systems and processes.
  • Oversaw programmers to reduce paper waste, resulting in significantly decreased operational costs, enhanced environmental sustainability, and increased efficiency.
  • Developed and instituted employee training and retention initiative that reduced employee skill gaps. Metric-Focused: "Developed and implemented a targeted

training/retention initiative that reduced employee skill gaps by 40% and increased

voluntary retention by 15% within 12 months.

Timeline

Head of Business Systems & Processes

REE Automotive
01.2022 - Current

Business Process Manager

REE Automotive
01.2021 - 01.2023

Senior Corporate Manager

Tenneco
01.2019 - 01.2021

Supply Chain Process Manager

Tenneco
01.2017 - 01.2019

SAP Global Business Process Owner

Tenneco
01.2015 - 01.2017

Senior Project Manager & Lean Co-Ordinator

Tenneco
01.2012 - 01.2015

Customer Team New Product Introduction Manager

Tenneco
01.2009 - 01.2012

Direct and Indirect Buyer and Logistics Department Supervisor

Tenneco
01.2002 - 01.2009

Bachelor - Business

College

A-Levels - English, Mathematics, Physical education

Tredegar

O-Levels - Geography, History

Tredegar
Sean Michael Thomas