Mike Morris
SENIOR MANUFACTURING & OPERATIONS LEADER
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About
Results-driven manufacturing and operations leader with 18+ years of experience leading high-volume production, fulfillment operations, quality systems, and continuous improvement initiatives within automotive and industrial manufacturing environments. Proven ability to drive Lean production systems, improve operational efficiency, manage large cross-functional teams, and maintain strong budgetary control while fostering a people-first culture built on accountability, teamwork, safety, and operational excellence. Hands-on leader experienced in multi-shift operations, production planning, KPI management, quality assurance, workforce development, and supply chain collaboration.
Experience
OPERATIONS MANAGER /INTERNAL CONSULTANT - Travis Millwork - San Antonio, TX
(2026-06 - 2026-09)
- Lead end-to-end fabrication operations from material receipt and production planning through CNC processing, finishing, quality inspection, staging, and installation.
- Manage production teams across CNC fabrication, saw operations, polishing, finishing, material handling, and related manufacturing functions.
- Develop production schedules based on customer requirements, project priorities, labor capacity, machine availability, and installation commitments.
- Track project milestones, production requirements, material availability, installation schedules, risks, constraints, and critical-path activities.
- Partner with estimating, engineering, project management, purchasing, warehouse, and installation teams to ensure projects transition efficiently from order entry through completion.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to minimize delays, cost overruns, quality issues, and customer impact.
- Conduct project and operational reviews to evaluate progress, manpower requirements, material status, risks, and recovery plans.
- Maintain inventory controls for stone slabs, consumables, tools, adhesives, chemicals, and production materials.
- Assess manufacturing and operational processes to identify waste, production constraints, workflow inefficiencies, quality risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement Lean strategies incorporating 5S, Gemba, standard work, visual management, PDCA, Kaizen, value-stream thinking, and structured problem solving.
- Coach managers and frontline leaders on Lean leadership, employee engagement, Gemba practices, problem solving, and continuous-improvement behaviors.
- Support PFMEA, risk assessment, process-control, and quality-system activities to reduce operational and product risk.
- Help departments transition from reactive problem solving to structured, data-driven operating systems focused on prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Leverage AI powered tools to develop operational projects, training materials, process documentation, reference guides, presentations, and continuous-improvement resources.
- Utilize AI tools to analyze process information, identify trends, organize improvement opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations for operational teams by creating "projects" within Claude.
- Apply human review and operational expertise to validate AI generated content for accuracy, safety, quality, and relevance before implementation during daily Gemba walks and production L10 reviews.
PRODUCTION MANAGER / SENIOR QUALITY MANAGER - Renaissance Genuine Solid Bronze - San Antonio, TX
(2025-02 - 2026-04)
- Lead daily manufacturing operations focused on safety, production efficiency, quality performance, and on-time customer delivery.
- Implemented Lean manufacturing systems and continuous improvement initiatives that reduced inefficiencies, improved workflow performance, and lowered labor costs by 15% each quarter.
- Developed standardized production procedures, quality assurance systems, and operational controls to improve consistency and reduce variation.
- Directed production scheduling and coordinated cross-functional collaboration between operations, sales, engineering, and quality departments to meet customer demand.
- Conducted root cause analysis and corrective action activities to resolve production issues and improve operational reliability with quality built in mindset.
- Championed a people-first leadership culture through employee coaching, mentoring, accountability, and skills development.
- Improved productivity through bottleneck analysis, floor process optimization, and enhanced employee engagement.
- Developed and implemented the company's first NFRC certification quality systems for thermal break units and obtained National certification status coast to coast.
- Managed quality documentation, internal audits, corrective actions, and compliance activities supporting operational and customer requirements.
- Supported operational budgeting initiatives and cost reduction activities while maintaining quality and production targets.
PRODUCTION MANAGER - Takumi Stamping Texas - San Antonio, TX
(2022-09 - 2024-12)
- Managed high-volume automotive manufacturing operations supporting multiple production processes and shift activities.
- Led daily operations for a workforce of 300+ employees while maintaining strong safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance standards.
- Established and enforced safety-first initiatives that strengthened OSHA compliance and reduced operational risk.
- Improved equipment uptime and operational reliability by implementing preventive maintenance strategies and proactive process monitoring.
- Collaborated with engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to achieve production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, floor efficiency, labor utilization, and process standardization.
- Monitored operational KPIs and production metrics to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and increase efficiency.
- Supported budget performance goals through labor management, operational planning, and process optimization initiatives.
QUALITY DEPARTMENT MANAGER - Toyotetsu Texas - San Antonio, TX
(2019-06 - 2022-09)
- Directed quality operations within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment while leading quality engineers and support personnel.
- Developed and implemented quality systems, auditing processes, and operational controls that improved manufacturing reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Led cross-functional problem-solving initiatives utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, 8D processes, and root cause analysis tools.
- Reduced operational disruptions through development of emergency response procedures, preventive controls, and system improvements.
- Designed employee development and technical training programs to strengthen operational knowledge and workforce capabilities.
- Collaborated with operations, engineering, suppliers, and leadership teams to improve production quality, process efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
- Oversaw vendor quality expectations and ensured compliance with operational standards and customer requirements.
- Supported continuous improvement projects focused on quality, efficiency, and operational excellence.
QUALITY DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT MANAGER - Toyotetsu Texas - San Antonio, TX
(2016-07 - 2019-06)
- Assisted in leading daily quality operations within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment supporting multiple production lines and shift operations.
- Supported department managers in driving Lean manufacturing initiatives, continuous improvement activities, and standardized quality systems.
- Coordinated cross-functional problem-solving activities utilizing root cause analysis, 8D methodologies, and corrective action processes to reduce defects and improve operational performance.
- Supervised quality team members and reinforced a people-first culture focused on accountability, teamwork, employee development, and operational excellence.
- Partnered with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to improve product quality, process stability, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Monitored KPI metrics, audit findings, and production trends to identify opportunities for process improvement and waste reduction.
- Assisted in maintaining compliance with customer quality standards, internal procedures, and safety requirements.
- Supported launch activities, containment actions, supplier quality concerns, and customer issue resolution initiatives.
- Contributed to workforce development through coaching, training, and mentoring team members in quality standards and operational procedures.
QUALITY ASSURANCE / ENGINEERING SPECIALIST - Toyotetsu Texas - San Antonio, TX
(2014-08 - 2016-07)
- Performed quality inspections, diagnostics, and process evaluations to improve operational performance and product quality.
- Developed predictive maintenance and process monitoring strategies that reduced unscheduled downtime and improved equipment reliability.
- Implemented corrective actions and countermeasures for recurring production and system failures for 5 model variations of vehicles.
- Coordinated with suppliers, contractors, and internal departments to support operational continuity and quality performance.
- Supported commissioning, validation, and process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations during 4 separate vehicle model launch activities in 3 separate manufacturing facilities.
INVESTIGATION TEAM LEADER – QUALITY INSPECTION - Toyota Motor Manufacturing - San Antonio, TX
(2005-02 - 2014-07)
- Led quality investigation teams of 7 members supporting high-volume automotive manufacturing operations.
- Conducted operational audits, inspections, and quality investigations to ensure compliance with Toyota Production System standards.
- Developed and implemented standardized non-conformance and quarantine procedures that improved process control and reduced production disruptions.
- Spearheaded Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen initiatives focused on process improvement, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
- Trained and coached employees on quality standards, problem-solving techniques, and operational procedures.
Youth Mentor | Football Scout | Co-Founder - 2MGE
(2002)
- Mentor student-athletes and families through leadership development, academic support, and college recruitment guidance.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, communication, and personal growth through mentorship and athletic development.
- Support youth development initiatives focused on confidence building, emotional resilience, and leadership skills.
Education
High School Diploma - Judson High School (1996-08)