Richard Sousa

Senior Project Manager with 30+ years of experience leading complex technical and operational projects in multinational environments. Strong expertise in incident resolution, root cause analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement (DMAIC mindset), ensuring fast response, stakeholder alignment, and sustainable corrective actions. Proven ability to lead high-impact, time-sensitive projects, coordinating cross-functional teams across operations, engineering, supply chain, and customers, delivering results on time and within budget.

Industrial Manager at SLEEP8 (2025-01 – 2026-02)

Responsible for leading industrial operations, with issue resolution, full accountability for operational performance, cost efficiency, scalability, and results delivery.

• Consolidation of two industrial units, integrating processes and generating €1M in annual savings
• 30% reduction in operational costs, with direct impact on margins
• 20% increase in productivity through operational restructuring
• Implementation of Lean practices (5S, Kanban, Visual Management)
• Inventory optimization with variances below 1.5%

General Manager at Bedline Industrial Portugal (2022-03 – 2025-01)

Responsible for the creation, leadership, and growth of the industrial operation in Portugal, with full P&L accountability and execution of the business strategy.

• 40%+ increase in productivity over 2 years through structured operational efficiency initiatives
• Redesign of the supply chain, achieving cost reductions (-15% raw materials; -30% logistics) through the relocation of 70% of sourcing and strategic negotiations
• Implementation of an operational governance model and executive reporting ("Flash Report")
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams and organizational development

Deputy General Manager & Head of Strategic Projects at Olympus Medical Products Portugal (2020-10 – 2021-12)

Responsible for operational leadership and execution of strategic industrial projects, ensuring performance, CAPEX control, and alignment with the European strategy.

• Operational management and direct support to the General Manager
• Led the design and construction of a 15,000 m² industrial facility, delivered on time and within budget
• 10% CAPEX reduction versus initial budget
• Implementation of KPIs and reporting to European leadership
• Strengthened production capacity through recruitment, technical training, and development of operational and support teams

Industrial Manager at Olympus Service Facility Portugal (2013-04 – 2020-09)

Industrial leadership of a European facility in a highly regulated environment, with strong quality requirements and significant pressure on lead time and operational costs.

• Transformation of the consumer division into a European center of excellence, stabilizing and sustainably improving industrial performance
• Centralization in Portugal of 100,000 repairs/year from 25 countries
• 75% reduction in lead time through the implementation of a European "Direct Delivery" logistics model
• Reduction of cost of non-quality (+60% external | +35% internal) and increased customer satisfaction
• Full responsibility for operations, quality, logistics, and financial performance
• Led the implementation of a European regional medical devices center within 7 months

Operations Manager at Olympus Service Facility Portugal (2010-04 – 2013-03)

Full operational leadership of a European repair facility handling high volumes, with strong pressure on costs, lead time, and service quality.

• Operational stabilization and improved predictability in an industrial environment focused on specialized technical services
• 28% cost reduction through a Six Sigma project
• Creation of a repair and logistics unit for coffee machines through a strategic joint venture with Nespresso, directly contributing to the "Best European Service" recognition

Production Manager at Olympus Service Facility Portugal (2004-04 – 2010-03)

• Optimization of production processes and performance improvement
• 30%+ increase in customer satisfaction

Production Manager at Starfisher-Estaleiros do Atlântico (2003-01 – 2004-03)

• Integration between commercial and production functions, reducing lead time by 25%
• 30% increase in productivity
• 7% reduction in waste

Industrial Manager at Polinter Plásticos (2000-03 – 2002-11)

• 20%+ improvement in equipment profitability through enhanced production efficiency and mold utilization
• 30% reduction in raw material inventory levels
• 15% improvement in machine setup times through SMED (setup time reduction)

Production Manager at Philips Electronics (1998-04 – 2000-02)

• Continuous improvement projects focused on waste reduction and stabilization of production processes
• Implementation of a continuous 3-shift production model

Engineering Manager at Philips Electronics (1995-03 – 1998-03)

• Led the international transfer project of multimedia camera production
• Industrialization of new products from development to production

Postgraduate Degree in Lean Management

Postgraduate Degree in Six Sigma Black Belt

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering