Diane Rivard has over 20 years of experience leading quality and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple industries. She has a track record of using data-driven problem solving and Lean methodologies to reduce errors, increase productivity, and improve customer satisfaction. Rivard holds certifications in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Chain of Custody standards. She is currently a Senior Quality Manager responsible for quality systems, audits, and process improvements.

1. DIANE RIVARD
346 North 6th
Avenue♦Manville, NJ 08835
Bkpacker1@gmail.com♦ 908-625-6173
PROFILE
Result oriented manager with multi-industry experience. Demonstrated ability to lead diverse workforces across
multiple site organizations in continuous improvement processes which lead to organizational improvements using
Lean and Kaizen, methodologies. A strong problem solving leadership style reaching robust root causes to ensure
problem elimination. Directs organization by influencing and encouraging actions and opinions of others to
achieve objectives. Ability to interpret strategic direction and convert into proactive action plans.
Skills
• Problem Solver; using data, metrics and team building increased performance of Finishing department by and
increased production by 21%.
• Continuous Improvement Leadership: Used process mapping skills to reduce number of production requests forms
from 8 to 1, introduced visual aids and instant feedback to reduce internal rejections by 60%
• Certifications: Internal Auditor for ISO 9001:2015, Chain of Custody and ISO 14001:2015
• Program Implementations: ISO 14001, ISO 9001:2015 and Chain of Custody – SFI, PEFC, FSC
• Change Agent: using a systemic approach covering processes, values/beliefs, management systems/measurements
and organizational requirements resulting in reduced customer complaints, and improved productivity
• Quality and Safety Champion: Implemented total quality systems in multiple facilities and active in Safety
Organizations
EXPERIENCE
CULTECH, SOUTH Plainfield, NJ 2008 – Present
Senior Quality Manager
Report directly to the COO. Responsible for all Quality system implementations, management and control improvement
processes in the facility
 Conduct internal and external audits as required
 Implemented consistent quality metrics in sister facility located in NH.
 Implemented tracking system to show trends for internal rejections, customer complaints
 Responsible for the investigation and response to customer complaints using root cause methodologies
 Responsible for Corrective Action System
 Implemented visual aids to improve awareness of quality issues and improvements to processes
 Identified and implemented lean manufacturing process improvements to advance quality and reduce costs
Quality Manager
Interim Production Manager – 4 Month Assignment Jan – April 2012
Requested by COO to take over failing department to rebuild foundation and implement practices to reduce errors and
increase On Time Deliveries. (Note: All Quality responsibilities were placed in QA Supervisors control during this time)
Utilized Quality metrics to turn around failing Finishing department
Results:
 Reduced internal rejects by 60%
 Implemented a cross training program to improve efficiencies and quality knowledge
 Implemented a visual system for
o posting physical samples of recent rejections to alert operators
o tracking and displaying internal rejection rates

2. Diane Rivard
o tracking targeted machine speeds vs actual speeds
 Production increased by 21 % with one less machine operator and an increase of 37% in number of make readies
 Created written instructions of all daily tasks
BERRY PLASTICS INC, Piscataway, NJ 2006 – 2008
Quality Control Manager
 Responsible for establishing, identifying and documenting work instructions
 Implemented a plant wide feedback system and visual controls to reduce yearly complaint rate by 19%
 Implemented new Material Review Board process reducing value of rejected material by 91% in 30 days.
 Created and designed new process and forms for mechanics resulting in a 30% reduction in time required for full
approval.
 Conduct internal and external audits as required
 Developed and designed Defect Training class
 Responsible for plant cost control process
 Created and initiated hiring and training requirements for production employees
 Implemented a CAPA system to address customer complaints and internal rejections
FOOD BANK NETWORK OF SOMERSET COUNTY, Bridgewater, NJ 2003-2006
Assistant Executive Director
 Managed all aspects of office information.
 Assisted in writing and creating fundraising activities, computer tracking of client intakes and distribution of food
packages to pantry locations.
 Organized and established Kan-Ban system in warehouse to fill orders.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON, Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ 1994 – 2001
Business Improvement Consultant (1998-2001)
 Key member of Process team established to implement Lean Manufacturing in multiple FDA regulated medical
device facilities manufacturing Class 1 Medical devices.
 Responsible for organizational design, and change management using Business Process Engineering methodologies
(Process mapping, organization re-alignments, measures/metrics, values/beliefs) to support cultural change in the U.S.
and Europe ensuring continue compliance with CFR 820.
 Worked closely with Operations/Production Managers and Engineers to train and educate employees on following
Lean Principles: Visual Controls, Kan-Bans, Sequenced production, Rhythm Wheels, and Usage of Standard Work
concept.
 Instrumental in re-aligning performance measures to drive organizational change in multiple areas: Fill Rates –;
Schedule adherence; Productivity; and Cycle Time Reduction.
 Initiated Knowledge Management for institutionalization of Lean Manufacturing in U.S and Europe.
Human Resource Manager (1996- 1998)
 Introduced Kaizen continuous improvement program resulting in: cycle time reductions of 50%; increased capacity
in one area by 275%. Overall average increase of 33%, and a 75% reduction in changeover times.
 Developed and implemented competency models for all salary levels up to and including directors.
 Designed and developed “Manufacturing at Ethicon”, a class targeting expanding wage associates knowledge of how
the business operates and understand quality systems and their importance in an FDA regulated environment
THE ENSIGN-BICKFORD COMPANY, Simsbury, CT 1991 - 1994
Production Manager (1993-1994)
 Managed final assembly and mold injection operations
 Created Total Employee Involvement program (P.R.I.D.E.). Product Reduction in Defects and Errors in partnership
with the Quality department.
 Implemented metrics and systems to improved Customer Delivery Performance Measurements

3. Diane Rivard
 Developed business strategy and plan for entire manufacturing company resulting in implementation of team concept
in union environment.
EDUCATION
Western New England College, Springfield, MA
B.S. Criminal Justice