Nicholas Kadunce

I build systems
that drive results.

COO-minded operations leader: I build the cadence—real-time visibility, clear priorities, and accountable execution.

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Operating Philosophy

How I Turn Complexity into Execution

I don't start with opinions, assumptions, or tribal knowledge.

I start by building data flow.

1

Instrument the System

Before solving anything, I establish accurate, automated data collection. If the data doesn't exist—or is painful to gather—the system is broken.

I design data capture to be:

  • Seamless and low-friction
  • Automated wherever possible
  • Efficient not just for production, but for people

Efficiency applies to everything—including clicks required, time spent collecting or entering data, number of systems, files, and handoffs, and overlapping or duplicated work.

If collecting data feels like work, it won't scale.

2

Make Problems Obvious

Once data is flowing, the priority is clarity—not volume.

I structure and visualize data so that:

  • Problems surface naturally
  • Noise is stripped away
  • The biggest constraints are undeniable

This is where Pareto thinking, KPI hierarchy, and visual systems matter. The goal isn't to chase theories—it's to let the data tell us where to act.

When the problem is obvious, alignment is automatic.

3

Prioritize Relentlessly

Not all problems are equal—and I don't treat them that way.

I focus teams on:

  • The few issues driving the majority of impact
  • High-leverage constraints before marginal gains
  • Quick wins and systemic fixes

Low-hanging fruit gets addressed quickly—but never at the expense of the real bottlenecks.

4

Solve at the Root

Once priorities are set, execution begins.

I apply the right tools for the problem:

  • Root cause analysis
  • Process mapping
  • Control logic and mistake-proofing
  • Clear ownership and standardization

The objective isn't just to fix the issue—it's to eliminate recurrence.

Controls matter more than heroics.

5

Build Self-Sustaining Systems

The end state isn't dependence on leadership oversight.

It's a system that:

  • Flags problems automatically
  • Guides teams toward the right work
  • Sustains gains without constant intervention

Meetings are minimized. Non-value-added activity is removed. The system does the work.

6

Repeat—Continuously

Once the biggest issues are solved, the cycle repeats.

Each pass addresses:

  • Smaller constraints
  • Lower-magnitude problems
  • Higher-order optimization

This is continuous improvement—not as a slogan, but as a closed-loop operating system.

The Outcome

I build environments where:

Data replaces debate
Focus replaces chaos
Execution replaces effort

Systems don't just improve results—they make performance repeatable.

2025 — Present
JENNMAR

Underground Mining & Tunneling Infrastructure

I lead end-to-end operations for a high-volume manufacturing site, building disciplined data systems and operational cadence that drive predictable, scalable performance.

  • Established a real-time operations system with hour-by-hour tracking and statistical targets, increasing output by 36.7%
  • Built a next-generation forecasting model that improved operating net income performance while reducing volatility
  • Created a daily performance alignment cadence that syncs production, maintenance, and quality without manual reporting
  • Transitioned maintenance from reactive to planned with CMMS deployment, work-order discipline, and data-driven scheduling
  • Implemented systemized defect logging with automated SPC and Pareto analysis to accelerate root cause detection
  • Instituted material quarantine and traceability controls to eliminate mix-ups and reinforce quality governance
  • Automated incentive math and refined Supervisor Standard Work, boosting accountability and saving hours weekly
JMOS FIIX CMMS SPC
Reports To
VP of Operations
Current Role Plant Manager
Direct Reports
Production Manager
2 Production Supervisors 2 Team Leads, 65 Technicians, 8 Material Handlers
Quality Manager
4 Quality Technicians
Maintenance Manager
1 Maintenance Lead 9 Maintenance Technicians
Safety Manager
Dispatcher
Jr. Dispatcher 2 Outside Material Handlers
Inventory Control Specialist
Secretary
2023 — 2025
Eos Energy Enterprises

Battery Energy Storage Systems

I transformed fragmented operations into data-driven, flow-oriented manufacturing systems, aligning teams and technology to scale output and reduce losses.

Module Operations (700 Building):

  • Launched the company's first production dashboards with OEE, automated gap analysis, and KPI charts for real-time clarity
  • Shifted subassembly to one-piece flow, increasing throughput 41% and cutting defects 22%
  • Built automated performance and attendance tracking systems that standardized accountability
  • Reduced downtime by 36% through structured Pareto analysis and mitigation plans
  • Implemented visual systems (Kanban, Andon) that exposed problems instantly and accelerated response
  • Built a new third-shift team into the highest-performing shift within one month

BESS Operations (200 Building):

  • Grew BESS output from 0.5 to 2.2 units/day by balancing workload with Yamazumi and takt alignment
  • Designed and deployed a production monitoring system that improved forecasting and operational rhythm
  • Cut rework 66% by driving data capture, analysis, and targeted process improvement
  • Installed tool management, safety stocks, and 5S standards to reduce disruptions and enhance flow
  • Integrated Andon systems with automated metrics collection for production, quality, and downtime
Scrum Lean VBA
Reports To
Sr. Director of Operations
Role Operations Manager
Direct Reports
Production Supervisor ×11
6 Production Team Leads 240 Production Technicians

I engineered the quality backbone that enabled next-generation products, reduced cycle times, and anchored ISO compliance.

  • Built comprehensive quality systems for new product families, including controls and test protocols
  • Reduced testing cycles by ~60% with a high-efficiency routine that boosted throughput
  • Developed a dynamic Quality Dashboard for visual metrics and rapid decision support
  • Led internal ISO 9001 compliance activities and structured audit programs
  • Cut scrap defects 30% with targeted initiatives backed by real data
  • Eliminated documentation risk through automated quality documentation processes
  • Rebalanced technician workloads to improve productivity and consistency
ISO 9001 Quality Systems
Reports To
Director of Quality
Role Quality Engineer
Direct Reports
Quality Technician ×6
2022 — 2023
Messer Americas

Industrial Gases

I drove operational excellence across multiple facilities by scaling visibility, reliability, and process discipline.

  • Led Lean Six Sigma initiatives that increased specialty gas production 15%, adding over $1M in revenue
  • Delivered 15+ improvement projects, cutting downtime by 25+ days annually
  • Standardized processes across sites to reduce lead times by ~30 days
  • Guided budget oversight and risk mitigation to align spending with strategic goals
  • Applied controls, instrumentation, and safety expertise to solve complex reliability challenges
Six Sigma OEE Process Safety
Reports To
Director of Operations
Role Regional Production Engineer
Works Alongside
Plant Manager ×6
Northeast Region
2020 — 2022
Johnson Matthey

Clean Air Division

I drove shift-level performance and safety excellence by empowering teams with lean discipline and data clarity.

  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve >5% OEE improvement with zero recordable injuries
  • Integrated lean problem-solving into daily routines, improving flow and safety consistency
  • Cultivated a performance culture grounded in accountability, development, and continuous improvement
Leadership Lean Safety
Reports To
Production Manager
Role Shift Leader II
Direct Reports
Production Technician ×7
Process Control Engineer ×1

I built foundational technical and analytical leadership by optimizing automated processes and reducing losses.

  • Reduced cycle time 8% and defects 4% through targeted process optimization
  • Created a risk management tool that cut downtime and variability significantly
  • Strengthened collaboration across functions, eliminating 35+ hours of annual downtime
  • Mentored technicians and fostered a data-driven culture of continuous improvement
Process Optimization Risk Management
Reports To
Production Supervisor
Role Process Control Engineer
Direct Reports
None
Individual contributor role

Credentials

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Messer Americas
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Exemplar Global
Certified ScrumMaster Scrum Alliance

Education

B.S. Chemical Engineering · West Virginia University

Let's connect

Open to discussing operations leadership, process improvement, or how data-driven systems can transform your organization.