Ryan Straits

Successfully managed a portfolio of up to $20M in simultaneous capital projects, driving net margin improvements across all engagements within the Food, Beverage, and Confectionary sectors.

Orchestrated end-to-end project lifecycles for over $35MM in capital projects, from purchase order to startup, ensuring timely and on-budget delivery.

Led and coordinated cross-functional project teams of 8-12 members, serving as the primary communication nexus between Engineering, Procurement, Logistics, Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, and Accounting.

Directed complex on-site installations, startups, and commissioning of mechanical and electrical bulk ingredient conveying systems for top U.S. Food & Baking companies, ensuring zero-downtime and high customer satisfaction.

Developed and implemented advanced data management, project-tracking, and budget administration tools, significantly enhancing departmental efficiency and financial control.

Provided leadership and mentorship to new Project Management hires, contributing to team development and consistent project delivery excellence.

Led a 20+ member multi-disciplined, distributed engineering team in R&D for a critical mid-life upgrade to Spear Power Systems' Marine battery system technology, ensuring strategic project alignment.

Managed project scope, timelines, and resources to successfully deliver complex R&D initiatives, meeting key program objectives.

Facilitated cross-functional collaboration and communication among distributed engineering teams, optimizing workflow and accelerating project progress.

Consulted on and managed multiple large-scale capital projects, delivering engineering solutions and project oversight for clients in the Consumer Products and Pet Food sectors.

Developed detailed project plans and schedules, ensuring efficient resource allocation and on-time project completion.

Provided strategic engineering guidance to clients, optimizing project outcomes and ensuring adherence to industry best practices.

Managed the full product lifecycle for industrial food processing equipment, from conceptual design through market launch, ensuring adherence to technical specifications.

Collaborated cross-functionally with R&D, sales, and manufacturing teams to optimize product performance and drive market competitiveness.

Provided expert technical support and problem-solving, contributing to the efficient operation and continuous improvement of product lines.

Created detailed 3D models and comprehensive mechanical drawings for custom industrial machinery, ensuring precision and manufacturability.

Collaborated with engineering teams to refine designs and resolve technical challenges, contributing to project milestones.

Supported the production process by generating accurate engineering documentation, reducing potential manufacturing errors.

Engineered and integrated mechanical components into complex automation systems, enhancing overall system functionality and efficiency.

Conducted thorough design reviews and provided expert technical recommendations, contributing to project success and client satisfaction.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot system issues and implement effective solutions, improving operational reliability.

Developed innovative designs for new industrial products, focusing on enhanced functionality, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effective manufacturing.

Utilized advanced CAD software to produce precise technical drawings and specifications, streamlining the production process and reducing design iterations.

Collaborated closely with manufacturing and sales teams to ensure designs met production capabilities and market demands, contributing to product success.