Darren Poe

Senior operations manager. I run high-volume fulfillment and manufacturing operations, and I make them safer, faster, and cheaper at the same time.

About

Twelve-plus years leading operations across fulfillment and manufacturing, in union and non-union environments, at startup-stage manufacturers, and inside one of the highest-volume logistics networks in the world. I combine mechanical engineering and MBA training with hands-on work in labor planning, ML-assisted operations, and building leaders.

Results at scale

  • 30%profitability increase at a $110M manufacturer
  • $2M+annual savings from waste elimination and standardization
  • 20%labor cost reduction at a unionized packaging plant, output held
  • 98%+on-time delivery held across a three-shift plant

Experience

June 2020 to present

Senior Operations Manager

Amazon

Lead Inbound and Outbound fulfillment operations at scale, across multiple departments. Own safety, throughput, quality, cost, and associate engagement.

  • Cut late orders leaving the building 75% year over year and delivery defects 49%.
  • Cut onboarding costs 78% through cross-training and proactive labor planning.
  • Improved productivity and cost performance year over year through labor planning and workforce efficiency initiatives.
  • Partnered with engineering teams to improve machine-learning models for labor planning.
August 2018 to June 2020

Operations Manager

Seda International, Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin

Ran a three-shift manufacturing facility with $110M in annual revenue and 175 employees.

  • Increased profitability 30% through OEE improvement and Lean-based workforce optimization.
  • Launched a facility-wide continuous improvement program using Lean Six Sigma.
  • Coached and promoted seven team members into supervisory and management roles.
  • Held 98%+ on-time delivery by aligning production planning with Finance and Supply Chain.
August 2014 to August 2018

Production Manager and Process Engineer

Bemis, Batavia, Illinois

Promoted from Process Engineer to Production Manager in under three years at a high-volume, unionized flexible packaging plant.

  • Reduced labor costs 20% while holding output, through better scheduling and workforce allocation.
  • Delivered $2M+ in annual savings through waste elimination and process standardization.
  • Led the site's SAP implementation as quality subject matter expert.
  • Built leadership training for union team leads.
2010 to 2014

Missile Handling Technician

United States Air Force, Minot AFB, North Dakota

Inspected, maintained, and transported LGM-30 Minuteman III missiles. Recognized as Professional Performer in Missile Standardization, Evaluation and Training Assessment.

Education

2020
MBA
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
2014
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics minor
University of Missouri – St. Louis / Washington University