Gerardo Santana

Accomplished Quality Manager with over 15 years of expertise in plastic injection molding and the automotive industry. Proven track record in quality system implementation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, reducing defects, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Expert in ISO 9001, IATF 16949, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies. A strategic thinker who drives process optimization, compliance, and cost reduction to meet world-class quality standards.

Professional Experience

Quality Manager | Bag Service | 2022 – 2025 (March)

• Spearheaded the implementation and maintenance of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality System.
• Reduced customer complaints by 50%, significantly enhancing satisfaction.
• Standardized process methodologies, improving consistency and repeatability.
• Strengthened pre-production quality controls, reducing non-conformities.

Operations & Administrative Manager | Clínica Tu Vida y Belleza | 2018 – 2022

• Developed and executed strategic business plans, optimizing operational performance.
• Maintained financial discipline, achieving only a 1% deviation in annual budgets.
• Led marketing strategies, customer experience enhancement, and staff wellness programs.

Quality Manager | Thermotech | 2012 – 2018

• Directed the ISO TS 16949 to IATF 16949 transition, ensuring seamless compliance.
• Reduced customer complaints from 20+ per year to fewer than 4.
• Achieved a 9000 to 1300 PPM reduction in under 2 years.
• Established a supplier quality manual, improving supplier accountability and quality.
• Managed customer scorecards, sustaining high ratings and trust.

Plant Manager | E&O Tool and Plastics | 2009 – 2012

• Oversaw manufacturing, purchasing, and distribution, driving efficiency and cost control.
• Managed a multimillion-dollar budget, maintaining a 0.5% expense deviation.
• Implemented cost-reduction initiatives, preserving high-quality standards.

Quality Manager | E&O Tool and Plastics | 2005 – 2009

• Maintained ISO TS 16949 compliance with zero audit findings.
• Sustained a customer complaint rate below 4 per year for 3 consecutive years.
• Lowered PPMs from 9000 to 1500, drastically improving product quality.

Quality Systems Engineer | Guide Lighting Technologies | 2004 – 2005

• Led the QS 9000 to ISO/TS 16949 transition, modernizing quality systems.
• Designed inspection processes for new product launches, ensuring quality standards.

Quality Engineer | ARNECOM Instrumentos | 2000 – 2004

• Served as Resident Engineer at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (2001), ensuring product integrity.
• Developed automated testing equipment, improving defect detection and prevention.

Education & Certifications

MBA in International Business – U-ERRE (2002)

B.Sc. in Electronic and Control Engineering – U-ERRE (1999)

Six Sigma Green Belt – U-ERRE (2005)

ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor (2022) IATF 16949:2016 Internal Auditor (2016)

Total Quality Control – ITESM (2001)

Dale Carnegie Leadership Training (2009)