Nicole Clark PMP, CPIM

Results-driven Project and Production Planning Professional with over a decade of experience in project coordination, manufacturing operations, and cross-functional leadership. Proven expertise in ERP systems (Metalware, M2M), capacity planning, and process improvement, leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles to enhance efficiency and drive operational excellence. Adept at leading teams, optimizing production workflows, and aligning project execution with business goals.

Passionate about continuous improvement, innovation, and effective stakeholder collaboration.

Production Scheduler at Pure Processing (2026-01 – Present)

• Own production scheduling for capital fabrication, aligning demand, material, and capacity to drive on-time delivery and execution stability
• Monitor schedule performance and proactively resolve delivery risks, reducing disruption and reactive firefighting
• Develop KPI frameworks (OTD, queue time, touch time, schedule adherence) to improve visibility and operational decision-making
• Analyze lead time, variability, and workflow constraints to identify bottlenecks and improve flow consistency
• Drive process improvements focused on flow optimization, reduced delays, and improved cross-functional coordination

Planning & Scheduling Manager at ERA (2025-06 – 2025-12)

Leverage advanced production planning and scheduling strategies within the M2M ERP system to align manufacturing operations with customer demand, and resource availability. Oversee the planning team and collaborate across departments to ensure timely, efficient, and cost-effective production execution.

• Production Schedule Management: Utilize M2M ERP to develop, maintain, and optimize production schedules that meet customer demand and align with production KPIs.
• Planning Team Leadership: Manage the planning team to drive accountability, performance, and professional development through coaching, recruitment, and clear performance metrics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, quality control, procurement, and other departments to align project priorities and ensure seamless execution.

MFG Project Coordinator at ERA (2024-04 – 2025-06)

Demonstrated expertise in project coordination, resource management, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to track project milestones, manage risks, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Adept at fostering continuous improvement and optimizing manufacturing processes.

• Coordinated cross-department NPI (New Product Introduction) teams to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
• Implemented process improvements to boost operational performance.
• Acted as a liaison between development teams and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project goals and progress.

Production Scheduler at Specialty Rolled Metals (SRM) (2021-04 – 2024-04)

Spearheaded Asset Skid/Loose Lumber PO Integration Project, transforming skids/loose lumber into Assets Essentials while optimizing integration of purchase orders and inventory entries for enhanced efficiency. Oversaw production scheduling, material processing, and daily operations to maintain alignment with business priorities and deadlines.

• Leveraged Metalware ERP for advanced production scheduling and capacity management.
• Collaborated cross-functionally to address constraints and align priorities.
• Streamlined Metalware workflows to improve schedule accuracy and reduce downtime.
• Authored a 25-page Production Manual and 75-page Metalware training presentation to support onboarding and ongoing team development.
• Created project charters, burndown charts, and planning references to enhance documentation and operational consistency.

Inventory Specialist at Bricks & Minifigs (2018-07 – 2021-04)

Optimized operational efficiency by maintaining store organization, managing product restocking, and ensuring accuracy of collectible inventories.

• Certified authenticity of LEGO sets and parts, ensuring resale integrity.
• Verified an average of 30 sets daily, ranging from 150-piece builds to UCS 3000 sets.
• Managed limited/exclusive items with high precision to preserve collectible value.

Project Coordinator at Building Communities, Ending Violence Project (2015-09 – 2016-06)

Executed Heartbroken in Borderlands Research Summit, organizing a full-day academic event featuring 19 speakers and cross-department collaboration.

• Promoted quarterly community events and cultivated stakeholder relationships.
• Coordinated venues and logistics for community engagement initiatives.
• Received Outstanding Graduate Student Award for leadership and service excellence.

Master of Arts in Women's & Gender Studies – DePaul University

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature & Women's and Gender Studies – DePaul University