Interim Chief Operations Officer for Multi-Site Integration in the USA

The Situation

A premium brand fireplace and wood stove company was implementing a multi-site integration plan following acquisition while replacing a failed Chief Operations Officer. Leadership, turnaround management and the introduction of lean manufacturing processes were needed to manage change and reduce cycle time and costs.

The Solution

The interim Chief Operations Officer for this role was chosen because of his strong turnaround leadership and deep lean manufacturing transformation expertise. His change management experience enabled him to successfully oversee multi-site integration and step in as an effective interim chief operations officer to train and upskill the manufacturing leadership and implement lean manufacturing training along with cycle time and cost reduction.

The Outcome

Cycle times were reduced by over 50% on high volume products from order to delivery and all cost objectives on leading product lines were met or exceeded within three months. Line supervisors were trained in crucial lean manufacturing skills and our interim COO reviewed resumes, interviewed three candidates and placed and trained a permanent COO within five months.