David Hayes

Strategic operations and negotiation leader with over 20 years of progressive experience driving excellence, building high-performing partnerships, and executing large-scale operational transformations. Deeply passionate about the craft beverage industry, actively operating as a digital content creator and mixology reviewer. Proven success in pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and cross-functional leadership, offering a strong foundation for consultative selling, territory growth, and strategic account management.

Pricing & Planning Manager - Wurth Electronics

(2013-01)

• Established pricing strategies for 12,000+ custom components, balancing manufacturability, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Developed annual operational outlooks for inventory, invoicing, and production output, aligning resources with strategic growth objectives.
• Directed global production planning to meet rapidly shifting market demands, ensuring on-time delivery and optimized capacity utilization.
• Championed process improvements that enhanced efficiency, reduced waste, and improved operational repeatability.

Owner & Partner - Blackline

(2009-01 - 2013-12)

• Acquired and transformed underperforming businesses by applying lean principles, operational discipline, and global manufacturing expertise.
• Consulted with U.S. manufacturers to strengthen operations, retain domestic jobs, and improve long-term sustainability.
• Led multiple concurrent projects with diverse goals, aligning teams, processes, and resources to achieve measurable improvements.

Director Global Supply Chain - Tyco Electronics

(2000-01 - 2009-12)

• Negotiated high-value contracts and built strategic supplier partnerships that improved cost, quality, and delivery performance.
• Facilitated cross-functional focus groups to identify growth opportunities and respond to evolving market conditions.
• Coordinated end-to-end global supply chain activities by aligning teams to ensure seamless production flow and on-time customer delivery.

International Operations Manager - Midcom Inc.

(1994-01 - 2000-12)

• Built and maintained global supplier relationships, negotiating annual contracts and improving supply chain reliability.
• Strengthened cross-border communication and operational alignment across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Directed a two-year operational improvement initiative at the Mexico facility, reducing waste and increasing profitability.

Assistant Manager - Walmart

(1991-01 - 1994-12)

• Negotiated local contracts and implemented purchasing strategies to improve cost and efficiency.
• Managed HR, staffing, and personnel issues across multiple departments in a fast-paced retail environment.

Creator & Host - HAZEandBARRELCRAFTWORKS - Watertown, SD

Operate under the brand persona "The Old Fashioned Alchemist," presenting engaging digital video reviews and content focused on whiskey, bourbon, rye, rum, tequila, and mezcal.

• Monitor and analyze market trends within the craft spirits industry, effectively communicating tasting notes and brand stories to a dedicated audience, while crafting custom bitters, simple syrups, and unique cocktail recipes.

Concept Developer - HAZEandBARREL Den of Thiefs - Watertown, SD

Designed a comprehensive commercial business plan for a localized rustic bar concept in Watertown, SD.

• Developed customized cocktail menus and strategic perimeter barrel storage layouts, showcasing a strong understanding of on-premise hospitality and bar operations.

B.S. - Elementary Education - Martin Luther College (1991-12)

High School Diploma - Martin Luther Preparatory School (1987-12)