Tara Zahnke, Senior Industrial Engineer
Professional Overview
Tara Zahnke is an accomplished Senior Industrial Engineer with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and process improvements within the retail and manufacturing industries. With a strong technical background and a keen eye for efficiency, she specializes in optimizing workflows, streamlining logistics, and implementing data-driven solutions to enhance productivity and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Industrial Engineer at S&S Activewear, Tara is responsible for leading cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of innovative industrial engineering strategies. She leverages her expertise in data analysis, process mapping, and change management to identify and address bottlenecks, improve material handling systems, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Tara's contributions have resulted in significant cost savings and increased throughput for the organization.
Career Progression
Tara's career has been marked by a steady progression of expanding responsibilities and increasing impact. Prior to her current role, she served as the Manager of Industrial Engineering at Crate and Barrel, where she spearheaded the implementation of a new warehouse management system, leading to a 20% reduction in inventory discrepancies. She also held the position of Regional Industrial Engineer - Central at Crate and Barrel, where she collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize transportation routes and minimize delivery times.
Tara's experience also encompasses leadership roles in the non-profit sector, where she served as the Regional Field Director - Midwest for the Phi Sigma Rho National Sorority, overseeing chapter operations and driving membership growth. Additionally, she held the role of Student Visit Coordinator at The Ohio State University, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the university's prospective student engagement and enrollment strategies.
Academic Background
Tara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University, where she graduated with Honors. During her time at the university, she was actively involved in the Phi Sigma Rho Sorority, serving as the Vice President of Publicity and contributing to the organization's community outreach initiatives.
Areas of Expertise
- Industrial process optimization and workflow analysis
- Material handling system design and implementation
- Data-driven decision making and performance metrics
- Supply chain logistics and transportation management
- Cross-functional collaboration and change management
- Talent development and team leadership
Professional Impact
Tara's contributions have had a tangible impact on the organizations she has served. At Crate and Barrel, her initiatives resulted in a 15% reduction in order fulfillment times and a 12% increase in customer satisfaction ratings. As the Vice President of Publicity for the Phi Sigma Rho Foundation, she has spearheaded impactful outreach campaigns, resulting in a 25% increase in the foundation's social media engagement and a 20% growth in donor contributions.
Conclusion
With her exceptional technical expertise, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving operational excellence, Tara Zahnke is poised to continue making a significant impact within the industrial engineering field. Her commitment to innovation, coupled with her collaborative approach and results-driven mentality, make her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to optimize their processes and drive sustainable growth.
