Rhonda — Project Manager
Rhonda
Industries Served
Service Radius & Travel
Will Work
Work History on Automate America
Achievements
2
Tenure
Profile
Programming Skills (1)
Proficient in SAP with hands-on experience in leveraging its modules for inventory control, production planning, procurement, and maintenance management, supporting data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency across complex manufacturing environments.
About Me
Areas of Expertise
Project Management
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Proven experience as a transformation leader managing complex, capital-intensive projects.
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Currently serving as a Project Manager at a Department of Defense (DoD) facility, overseeing infrastructure and operational initiatives in a high-security, regulated environment.
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Acted as a project manager for construction and manufacturing initiatives, including EV plant builds, new plant - greenfield projects, and logistics coordination.
Construction Oversight
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Oversaw end-to-end logistics and construction coordination for major OEMs, including Ford’s EV plant—directly aligns with site presence and construction supervision.
Subcontractor Coordination
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Directed subcontractor activity and logistics as part of site and enterprise transformations.
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Experienced in plant consolidations and multi-site integration efforts, managing both internal and external teams.
Energy Sector Experience
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Directly supported energy and infrastructure projects, including biomass (Enviva), which aligns with renewable sector demands.
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Familiar with capital projects under regulated conditions (DOE, DoD exposure).
Communication Protocols and Commissioning Oversight
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Managed cross-functional teams during ERP and systems integration—indicative of understanding systems interfaces and operational commissioning.
Renewable Energy / Wind Sector Acumen
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While not explicitly mentioned, her experience with infrastructure and capital projects in energy and manufacturing makes her adaptable to wind energy construction oversight.
Skilled Trades (3)
Deep expertise in Lean manufacturing principles, with a proven track record of deploying Lean strategies to eliminate waste, streamline production, and increase efficiency across complex, high-volume operations. Experienced in training teams, leading Kaizen events, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement at all organizational levels.
Extensive experience leading continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operational environments, utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies to drive process efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance and quality outcomes.
Over 20 years of experience managing skilled trades teams, including maintenance, machining, and technical personnel, with a focus on workforce development, operational safety, and performance optimization across complex manufacturing and infrastructure projects.
Professional Competencies (6)
Over 15 years experience leading, developing, and managing continuous improvement projects.
Extensive experience as a Process Engineer with a strong track record of analyzing, designing, and optimizing complex manufacturing and operational systems. Skilled in identifying inefficiencies, standardizing workflows, and implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Recognized for a hands-on, data-driven approach that delivers measurable results across diverse industrial environments. During one engagement, a senior executive an experienced high-level operations manager referred to me as the best process engineer he had ever worked with, citing my ability to quickly diagnose systemic issues, design practical solutions, and implement lasting improvements with cross-functional teams.
I have over 20 years in leadership at various levels including General Manager, and CEO leadership development.
Proven management leader with a track record of success across executive coaching, general management, and multi-site operations. Adept at driving business transformation, leading cross-functional teams, and executing growth strategies through continuous improvement, Lean management, and operational excellence. Experienced in overseeing diverse functions including inventory control, maintenance and reliability, process engineering, and project execution across complex industrial environments.
Extensive manufacturing leadership experience across diverse industrial settings, including high-volume, unionized, and regulated environments. Skilled in streamlining production operations, implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and optimizing end-to-end processes from machining and forging to assembly and logistics. Proven ability to lead plant turnarounds, enhance throughput, and align manufacturing systems with strategic business goals.
Extensive project management experience leading cross-functional teams and complex initiatives across manufacturing, infrastructure, defense, and energy sectors. Skilled in scope development, timeline management, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation to ensure on-time and on-budget project delivery. Adept at coordinating resources, managing subcontractors, and aligning project goals with organizational strategy in both high-pressure and regulated environments. Known for a structured and disciplined approach, I consistently bring clarity and momentum to complex projects. My leadership has resulted in successful completions of high-impact initiatives, from large-scale construction and plant turnarounds to ERP integrations and supply chain overhauls. I lead with accountability, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset that inspires confidence and delivers value at every phase.
Applications (5)
Bringing over 20 years of experience managing diverse machining operations, including transfer machines, robotics, forging, and injection molding, with a focus on optimizing efficiency, quality, and production performance.
Over 20 years of operational leadership experience in developing, implementing, and refining preventative and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategies, resulting in improved equipment reliability, increased uptime, reduced safety incidents, and minimized unplanned downtime across manufacturing and infrastructure environments.
Over 15 years of experience developing quality control processes and procedures, and leading successful TS16949 and ISO 9000 audits to ensure compliance, enhance product quality, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.
Recognized for strong troubleshooting capabilities, consistently identifying and resolving complex operational and logistical issues across diverse industrial and infrastructure environments to maintain continuity and performance.
Known for a forward-thinking approach, providing strategic vision that aligns operational execution with long-term organizational goals, driving sustainable growth, innovation, and transformation across complex environments.
My Business
Why Choose Me
<p>I bring over 20 years of experience leading complex manufacturing and infrastructure projects, including work at Department of Defense facilities. I have managed operations involving machining, forging, robotics, and preventative maintenance, and possess a strong background in Lean manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and skilled trades management.</p> <p>In addition to hands-on operational leadership, I have served as a fractional executive for both private sector and government-linked organizations, leading business transformation, value creation initiatives, and post-merger integration efforts. This experience provides a strategic perspective that complements my ability to execute effectively at the operational level.</p> <p>I am fully willing to travel more than 60 miles from home, accept emergency contracts, and work weekends when needed. While I prefer not to work night or afternoon shifts, I remain committed to flexibility and responsiveness for critical project needs.</p> <p>I have led multi-site teams, directed plant turnarounds, and overseen logistics, quality systems, and SAP integration. I understand what is required to manage construction projects, coordinate subcontractors, and support project management in high-stakes environments. With a hands-on leadership style, deep technical knowledge, and executive-level strategic insight, I am prepared to deliver results and ensure successful on-site execution.</p>
Work Experience(2)
Fractional Executive Leader | Present Strategic partner to PE-backed and Public Sector companies seeking transformation, value creation, and exit readiness. Create and lead cross-functional teams through enterprise change by embedding scalable systems, strengthening leadership, and instilling operational discipline that drives measurable EBITDA gains. Selected Engagements: • Automotive OEMs: Ford, BMW, Navistar, Nissan (via IAC) • Tier 1 and Tier 2 Suppliers: Clarios (Brookfield), Forvia, IAC, HIM Glass • Defense and Government-Linked: General Dynamics • Energy and Infrastructure: Enviva (biomass, sovereign fund exposure) • Private Equity: Brookfield (via Clarios) Key Initiatives and Outcomes: Ford (EV Program): Led international logistics and tracking for EV plant construction, overseeing end-to-end movement of machinery, tooling, building materials, and installation from overseas to U.S. facilities. Enterprise Transformation: Delivered multi-site operational turnaround, increasing throughput by 20% and cutting logistics costs by $2M through Lean deployment and plant consolidation. Governance & Integration: Built centralized Value Creation Office (VCO) post-merger, aligning leadership and accelerating synergy realization through standardized strategy and reporting. Leadership Development: Designed succession and leadership development frameworks that reduced turnover by 25% and created sustainable talent pipelines for scale. Risk and Compliance Strategy: Implemented risk and performance systems that cut downtime by 30%, reduced compliance costs by 15%, and improved safety outcomes by 40%.
Plant Manager – Advanced Filtration Division | Recruited to lead site turnaround during strategic restructuring, with a focus on ERP integration, safety, and operational performance. Directed transportation and materials flow optimization as part of enterprise-wide logistics realignment. • Boosted safety compliance from 40% to 95% within one year. • Delivered $6M in cost reductions by upgrading ERP and overhauling procurement and inventory systems. • Reduced backlog by 95% through streamlined production planning and improved transportation scheduling. • Enhanced inbound and outbound logistics coordination, cutting lead times and improving on-time delivery metrics across regional and national routes.
Education / Training / Certificates(2)
Facilities Worked At(4)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Rhonda do?
- Rhonda is a Project Manager on Automate America, the global professional marketplace for skilled talent across industrial, commercial, and residential work.
- Where is Rhonda located?
- Rhonda is based in Shelby, North Carolina.
- What does Rhonda specialize in?
- Rhonda works with SAP as a Project Manager on Automate America, the global professional marketplace for skilled talent across industrial, commercial, and residential work. Rhonda's skilled trades: Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Manager.
- Is Rhonda available for work?
- Availability unknown. Rhonda has not marked it recently.
- How do I connect with or hire Rhonda?
- Create a free profile on Automate America and send a connection or contract request from this profile. Rhonda can then respond and coordinate the work directly through the platform.