Andres Tovar

Lead continuous improvement strategy across 13 manufacturing facilities spanning Pet, Livestock, and Aquaculture divisions. Architect and implement a Lean-based management system integrating standard work, visual management, layered audits, and structured problem solving aligned to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Value priorities. Drive a multi-year operational excellence roadmap — from current state assessments and KPI development to leadership capability building and cultural transformation. Develop and deliver training curriculum through an internal operations excellence program, equipping all levels of the organization to become self-governing problem solvers. Partner with plant managers and cross-functional teams to standardize processes, close performance gaps, and build a unified culture of continuous improvement across all locations.

Promoted to Senior Manager overseeing Pet Manufacturing operations, leading the largest team within the Nutrition group. Served as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to strategic planning, organizational decision making, and forward-looking business initiatives across the division. Operated in a hybrid capacity across multiple facilities including St. Joseph (MO), Cincinnati (OH), Idaho Falls (ID), and Rosser (TX). Established operational frameworks for multi-site capacity tracking, SKU-level cost analysis, and succession planning across key departments. Collaborated cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Quality, Safety, R&D, and Logistics teams to align production with customer demand and drive continuous improvement across the business. Drove KPI implementation, on-time delivery improvements, and safety compliance initiatives across facilities. Continued in this role through a company acquisition before transitioning to Continuous Improvement Manager in December 2025.

Managed full P&L responsibility for two pet nutrition manufacturing facilities — Ameri-Mill and Ameri-Pac — overseeing production, safety, quality, inventory, and people operations. Led a team across both locations serving national and international pet nutrition brands. Collaborated cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Quality, Safety, R&D, and Logistics teams to align production with customer demand, resolve supply chain challenges, and drive continuous improvement across the business. Delivered EBITDA at 123% of budget in 2024, finishing $1.5M+ ahead of plan across both locations while holding OPEX to 97% of budget. Reduced safety expenses by 25%, cut mill waste disposal costs by 50%, and negotiated vendor contracts projecting ~$50K in annual pallet savings. Contributed to capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects including facility upgrades and equipment installations to increase production capacity and operational efficiency. Led and passed multiple major third-party and customer audits including SQF, SEDEX, GPS, and EU regulatory audits — achieving 100% compliance. Implemented KPI reporting frameworks, preventive maintenance programs, cycle counts, and inventory management practices across both facilities. Built and developed teams through skills matrices, job leveling, cross-training programs, and succession planning. Recognized with Leading Performance (2023) and Exceptional Performance (2024) ratings.

Managed full plant operations at the Orland facility including production, safety, quality, inventory, and people operations. Collaborated cross-functionally with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, Quality, Safety, and Logistics teams to align production with business needs. Built and developed a high-performing team that doubled product output compared to the prior year. Executed a comprehensive preventive maintenance program that significantly reduced equipment breakdowns and improved overall reliability and uptime. Partnered with a fabrication company to design and install a safer toting platform, eliminating a known safety risk for the team. Drove improvements in team culture, margins, and operational efficiency — delivering a strong foundation for future growth into multi-site leadership.

Began as a Production Technician in a high-volume food manufacturing environment before transitioning into a Lead role, taking on increased responsibility for people, processes, and performance across the production department. Operated and maintained hot & cold fill production lines, conducting hourly line checks, batch sheet management, quality control inspections, and monthly CIL audits. Cross-trained across mixing operations, tanker unloading, and juice transfer processes — developing broad production floor knowledge. Took on additional leadership responsibilities including production scheduling, annual physical inventory management, and developing an Autonomous Maintenance program for the production department — laying early groundwork for a continuous improvement mindset. Drove a significant improvement in safety training compliance, taking monthly completion rates from a lagging 50% to a consistent 95% — demonstrating early ability to influence culture and hold teams accountable to standards.

Served as a Production Technician in a food manufacturing environment, operating cheese processing and barrel packaging machinery while maintaining quality control, production records, and inventory data systems. Cross-trained extensively across multiple departments including Whey Production, gaining hands-on experience with reverse osmosis equipment, pasteurization systems, chillers, and inbound/outbound logistics. Operated forklifts and supported CIP sanitation processes across production lines. Took on an informal leadership role without formal authority — consistently included by management in strategic planning discussions, process improvement initiatives, and operational decision making. Demonstrated the ability to influence outcomes, support team development, and drive results beyond the scope of the position. Built a strong foundation in food safety, cross-functional operations, and manufacturing best practices that served as the launching pad for a progressive career in plant and operations management.

Worked across multiple industries in skilled trades and labor roles including steel erection, waste management operations, and well drilling. Gained broad hands-on experience in equipment operation, workplace safety, physical construction, logistics, and working effectively within crew-based team environments. Developed a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and safety awareness that laid the groundwork for a career in manufacturing operations.

Began with Glenn County Sheriff's Department as a Correctional Officer, managing daily jail operations including inmate supervision, intake processing, facility safety, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. Demonstrated strong performance, leadership ability, and professional conduct that led to being selected by the department for advancement. Sponsored by the department to complete law enforcement academy training through Butte College, earning P.O.S.T certification before transitioning into a full Deputy Sheriff role. Served in this capacity handling patrol duties, emergency response, community relations, and law enforcement operations. Developed deep competencies in accountability, conflict resolution, crisis management, ethical leadership, and decision making under pressure — foundational skills that have directly shaped my approach to people leadership, safety culture, and operational management throughout my manufacturing career.

Completed California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) certification through Butte College. Rigorous program covering law enforcement procedures, emergency response, legal standards, ethics, and community relations. Applied these skills during a 4-year career as a Correctional Officer with Glenn County Sheriff's Department.

Completed the C.O.R.E (Correctional Officer Regular Education) Academy through Butte College, covering correctional procedures, ethics, conflict resolution, legal standards, and professional conduct.

Completed the 4-day Lean Leadership Boot Camp through Auburn University's Auburn Technical Assistance Center (ATAC). Training covered Lean principles, Toyota Kata, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, 8-Step Problem Solving, TWI Job Instruction & Job Methods, DiSC communication profiles, and change leadership frameworks.

Completed AFIA-KSU 500: Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing through Kansas State University's Global Campus, earning 1.00 Continuing Education Hour. Program covered feed manufacturing fundamentals, industry standards, and best practices across pet, livestock, and aquaculture nutrition sectors. Completed with 100% test scores across all sections.