aaron champion , bse , mba
Director, Product Strategy at InnerSpace
director , product strategy solaire medical
passionate creating facilitating authentic meaningful relationship context life . believe people equally passionate successful right leadership . spent career building engaged team gaining experience across aspect operation . understanding interplay different discipline within organization , facilitate interaction drive mutual value involved .
InnerSpace
https://www.linkedin.com/company/innerspace-by-solaire-medical
Director of Product Strategy will be responsible for building a competitive product portfolio and establishing a strategic roadmap that will drive growth for Solaire Medical from a product development standpoint. This position will be called upon to create and validate ideas with team members, with peers and with management. This individual will be held accountable for establishing trust and credibility within internal business departments and with external stakeholders.
•	Work with company leadership to determine market segments of focus for company growth
•	Develop new product ideas inside of these segments by partnering with customers and sales to understand the unique needs of these market segments
•	Analyze competitors in these segments to understand market share and further generate ideas for new products and market opportunities 
•	Create and execute a new product roadmap to plan a rolling product introduction schedule over the next 3 to 5 years
•	Create a business case for each product added to the roadmap 
•	Provide product development with functional specifications for all new product offerings
•	Identify opportunities, research, and predict trends, market growth, % of market opportunities, overall market size, competitors, market positioning, brand identity, and more.
•	Develop, implement, and manage new front-end processes to accelerate innovation.
•	Become the link between product development and the marketplace for all functional spec related questions
•	Coordinate customer trials of new products to collect design and feature feedback from customers and sales reps
•	Assist marketing in providing training and launch support to the commercial team
•	Track launch metrics compared against business case assumptions.
•	Maintain freshness index through planned introduction of new products and line extensions to serve markets
•	Identify opportunities for improvement in current products through interactions with Sales Reps and Customers.
Marne, Michigan, United States
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Director, Product Strategy
InnerSpace
https://www.linkedin.com/company/innerspace-by-solaire-medical
Director of Supply Chain for Solaire Medical including the Innerspace portfolio of products for medical storage solutions.

•	Work with Senior management, product development team and the operations team on new product development and product enhancement programs to ensure effective sourcing of materials to meet specifications, material requirements, and pricing from suppliers. Actively seek creative supply solutions to optimize cost and value equation.
•	Develop relationships in the marketplace to understand and stay abreast on industry changes which may impact various business management programs as it relates to pricing trends and new product.
•	Develop and meet inventory goals for the company which effectively balance cash flow, industry leading product lead-times, and inventory turn rates
•	Ensure all supplier contracts are complete, properly executed, and have considered all cost variables, including the unbundling of freight. Work with transportation in determining optimal delivery terms, rates and freight class.
•	Research and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selections, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, transportation cost, and supplier’s reputation and performance history.
•	Enhance supplier development by communicating performance standards, developing joint improvement initiatives, and actively soliciting formal feedback.
•	Negotiate resolution with suppliers relative to quality and service issues. Provide feedback to senior level representatives of suppliers on quality and delivery performance to assure continuous improvement in those areas.
•	Ensure supply contingency plans and strategy are up-to date and easily activated in the event primary suppliers are unable to perform as required.
Marne, Michigan, United States
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Director, Supply Chain
Belwith-Keeler Decor Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/company/belwith-keeler
Leads the procurement function of the company and the strategy for sourcing, supplier selection, purchasing, forecasting, inventory management and logistics as a competitive advantage.  

-Manager of a US-based team and a China-based team covering Logistics, Demand Planning, Purchasing, Forecasting, Inventory Control, and Supplier Selection
-Liaison to supplier leadership in China, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and US vendors.
-Negotiated 4% cost reduction with over 20 Chinese suppliers, covering $16 million in spend in 2019.
-Negotiated 5% cost reductions with Chinese suppliers in 2020, using self-developed price index model.
-Developed and implemented risk management model to initiate manufacturing transfers and balance spend in Asian market, shifting 30% of spend.
-Partnered with NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to move product from China, Vietnam, and Taiwan through US ports while keeping rates low.
-Developed new processes and documents for supplier selection, statement of work, service agreement, cost savings, and order tracking.
-Led planning for logistics, ordering and inventory management through CNY, railroad strikes, coronavirus, and port congestion issues.
-Developed and executed plan for mitigating risk in supply chain through balancing spend between key strategic partners across multiple countries.
Grandville, MI
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Global Procurement Manager
Stryker
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stryker
Evaluated acquisition targets for alignment with Global Sourcing strategies and executed integration into Operations.
•	Established new role for direct Sourcing support for Divisional merger and acquisition projects.
•	Led engagement with leadership at acquisition target to develop contracts supporting continuity of supply through end of manufacturing service agreement.
•	Led transfer of acquired products to strategic suppliers in line with global sourcing strategy.
•	Consolidated supply chains of over 100 suppliers into 4 direct suppliers 
•	Supported Marketing, R&D, Operations, and Divisional Leadership with reports on status of legacy acquisition suppliers and transfer targets, including cost analysis, project timelines, and P&L analysis.
•	Led global team members (US, Germany, Ireland) through transfer project timeline and deliverables.
•	Developed sourcing strategies to support Division growth goals from $1B to $4B through M&A by increasing supply chain capacity over 150% while reducing cost by 42%.
•	Liaison between Stryker and leadership teams at acquisition targets and transfer targets.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Area
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Sr. Sourcing Manager - Business Development
Stryker
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stryker
Set up a pilot New Product Sourcing department within the Kalamazoo Campus. Managed a team of up to 25 direct reports across 3 Division (Instruments, Medical, IMT), including Engineers and Sourcing Leads.
•	Positioned Advanced Sourcing team to support all sourcing activities for more than 40 new product development projects throughout the Kalamazoo Campus.
•	Set strategy for integrating Advanced Sourcing into R&D projects and linking supplier selection/development to the Global Sourcing strategic initiatives.
•	Developed processes and tools to execute the Advanced Sourcing tasks as part of new product development.
•	Worked with cross-functional managers to align strategies for multiple business unit NPD support, resulting in new product sourcing coverage for all 42 simultaneous R&D projects.
•	Identified key strategic suppliers to support the new technology roadmap across all Kalamazoo new product development projects in alignment with Global Sourcing strategy.
•	Supported sourcing activities for BD projects throughout Kalamazoo Campus.
•	Created job descriptions aligned to global grading and title harmonization for ASE and ASL roles.
•	Developed reporting process and tools for Advanced Sourcing metrics across MedSurg group.
•	Generated $6 million/year in cost reduction/avoidance on new products for the Division.
•	Drove engagement through change of GQO structure and new AS structure – Gallup Q12 scores of 4.29, 4.56, 4.59 and 4.75 in consecutive years (out of 5 points)
Kalamazoo, Michigan Area
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Sr. Manager - Advanced (NPD) Sourcing
Stryker
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stryker
Set up a new department of Supplier Development Engineering to support manufacturing process and validation related activities at suppliers. Managed a team of 10-14 experienced engineers (10 to 30 years experience per engineer) with diverse backgrounds in various manufacturing disciplines, including machining, injection molding, and PCBA assembly.
•	Implemented a system for process validation at suppliers, increasing supplier validation competence from 50% to 100%.
•	Developed reporting mechanisms for tracking progress on projects at suppliers with 100% project coverage.
•	Created job descriptions, job specifications, and recruiting information for the SDE role resulting in 100% fill rate for all open employee requisitions.
•	Positioned SDEs to work with both current commodity teams and advanced projects to ensure smooth product transfer from R&D to Operations, reducing post launch redesign work by 50%.
•	Supported Value Proposition Improvement Team activities for NC Material Cost and PPV to increase plant operating income.
•	Defined roles and responsibilities for SDE team and positioned department as an integral piece of the supply chain commodity teams resulting in 100% open roles filled.
•	Drove engagement through change of new SDE structure with Gallup Q12 score of 4.62 (out of 5)
Kalamazoo, Michigan Area
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Associate Engineering Manager
Stryker
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stryker
Process Engineer covering two manufacturing units in the Kalamazoo Manufacturing Site.
Performed validations on process improvement activities addressing top non-conformances. Project Engineer managing projects for sourcing new equipment and fixtures to improve the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing waste.
•	Quickly addressed “line down” issues with minimal lost production time.
•	CAPA process owner to implement long term solutions to systemic problems.
•	Managed the requalification and revalidation of processes and equipment due for periodic review.
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Kalamazoo, Michigan Area
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Project Engineer
Brammo, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brammo
Set up lean manufacturing processes for building electric motorcycles in a startup company. Supervised production team, including production lead, material handlers, shipping and receiving, and operators. Ensured vehicle design, manufacturing processes, and documentation practices met all applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
•	Implemented a continuous improvement system for making positive changes in safety, quality, cost, velocity, people, and environment.
•	Developed departmental budgets for facilities, manufacturing capital equipment, and operations.
•	Managed other manufacturing engineers to mentor the team and provide a common focus for the manufacturing engineering department.
•	Created and managed a customer service team which provided full roadside and customer site service for electric motorcycles.
•	Used Solidworks PDM for managing EBOM to MBOM transitions and for document control and helped to coordinate transition to the ERP system (QAD).
•	Designed manufacturing fixtures and tooling and created new plant and facility layouts.
•	Implemented and supervised facility changes necessary to transform the company from a prototype shop to a manufacturing facility within 3 months.
•	Created documents and procedures for work instructions, deviations, engineering changes, training, safety, and corrective action for all products.
•	Created a complete user’s manual and service manual for the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle.
•	Developed a “green” philosophy in the manufacturing environment.
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Production Engineer
Microheat
https://www.linkedin.com/company/microheat
Set up manufacturing systems in a startup company for heated washer fluid systems. Promoted from Manufacturing Engineer to Manufacturing Engineering Manager within six months of start date. Served dual role as Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Production Manager – up to 40 direct reports.
•	Used lean manufacturing techniques to integrate new processes, tooling, fixtures, and machines to reduce downtime, increase production, and increase product quality.
•	Implemented error-proofing and data collection on production lines to increase FTQ from 60% to 90% and reduce customer PPM.
•	Updated production system to increase output from 600 pcs/shift to 4000 pcs/shift while minimizing capital expenditure.
•	Supervised maintenance staff and direct projects in production area to reduce downtime and increase throughput.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Venture Industries
https://www.linkedin.com/company/venture-industries
One year contract engineering position at injection molding, painting, and assembly company. Member of System Support Team which implemented and updated quality systems and standardized processes for multiple plants in injections molding, painting, and assembly departments.
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Process Engineer
Inalfa Roof Systems
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inalfa-roof-systems-group
Promoted from Quality Engineer to Advanced Manufacturing Engineer in December 2002. Managed multi-million dollar projects for new product integration and ensuring the projects were within all budget and timeline constraints.
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Manufacturing Engineer / Quality Engineer
BS
Engineering
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University of Michigan-Flint
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-michigan-flint/
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Marketing
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University of Michigan-Flint
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-michigan-flint/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-brinkman-b807a1227
Greenville, MI
tracy brinkman
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinn-mapp-799001231
Wyoming, MI
Corinn Mapp
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bultema-49240b83
Marne, MI
Tim Bultema
Engineer at Solaire Medical
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-reidsma-01b0781b4
Grand Rapids, MI
Tyler Reidsma
Engineering Services Senior Designer at InnerSpace
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleenderle
Denver Metropolitan Area
Nicole Enderle, MSQA
Independent auditor and contract QA/QC project professional.  
ISO Lead Auditor 13485:2016, ASQ-CQA, GMP, and GLP.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-p-gottlieb-59bbbb6
United States
David P. Gottlieb
Territory Sales Manager at InnerSpace by Solaire Medical
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbi-marti-311b9b142
Grand Rapids, MI
Abbi Marti
Controller at Solaire Medical
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rutledge-89898413a
Putnam Valley, NY
michael rutledge
Managing Consultant at Tunnell Consulting, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-shahinian-210a1715b
Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area
Mallory Shahinian
Customer Service Representative at Solaire Medical
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-nash-036248108
Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area
Eric Nash
Chief Operating Officer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/everett-kennedy-068520b8
Hendersonville, TN
Everett Kennedy
Territory Manager at Solaire Medical
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-neill-09397510
Nashville Metropolitan Area
Heather Neill
VP Clinical Operations
https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-beasley-b8455444
Wilmington, NC
Walt Beasley
VP of Architectural & Construction Planning  at InnerSpace by Solaire Medical
https://www.linkedin.com/in/n8rb
Rockford, MI
Nate Bergeron
Senior Software Engineer at InnerSpace
https://in.linkedin.com/in/naveen-kumar-0927501a0
India
Naveen Kumar
Helping Life science companies in maintaining continuous compliance
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gray-glover-5803552b
Raleigh, NC
Gray Glover
Territory Manager at Solaire Medical
https://zm.linkedin.com/in/nkhatwe-mwanza-a163a11b9
Lusaka, Zambia
Nkhatwe Mwanza
Managing Director at DigiBee Designs Limited
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertopontes
Miami, FL
Gilberto Pontes
Global Procurement Manager.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanda-humphrey-cpsm-63934b8
Webster, NY
Wanda Humphrey, CPSM
Experienced Purchasing Manager
Joel Timmerman
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        Professionalism, enthusiasm, integrity, ability...these words very accurately describe my friend and former colleague Aaron Champion.  I worked along side Aaron at Brammo, Inc. which is a start up electric motorcycle manufacturer based in Ashland, Oregon.  With Aaron's help the factory went from zero production capacity to being able to consistently produce four (4) bikes per day in a matter of months, impressive!  The quality of the work instructions that he developed were consistently excellent and very easy to read and interpret by our production line staff, and his thoughtful help during root cause analysis projects and plant layout changes were instrumental.  His talents will be missed by all here at Brammo. LinkedIn User
      
          



            
              
        
              
  

    
        Aaron is sharp minded, stable and creative. This is the second time I had the pleasure to hire Aaron and this time we managed to deliver a production capable facility from scratch in less than 5 months.
Liked by Aaron Champion, BSE, MBA
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We're excited to introduce our new Government ECAT contract with CME Corp! Visit CME to view our product offering including our Roam, ECP, and…
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Recent delivery of InnerSpace PACE Carts for an upgrade to an Emergency Department. PACE Carts are the perfect solution for storage in an ED or…
Liked by Aaron Champion, BSE, MBA
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What Finland thinks working in America is likefor Morning Brew ___Finland doesn’t have a four-day workweek.Neither does America.Ours is…
Life beyond Inalfa Roof Systems
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Medical Device Field - MDField
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The Endoscopy Circle
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Hybrid  Electric Vehicle Technicians' Network
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Careers in Lean, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence
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Inalfa Roof Systems colleagues (and ex-colleagues)
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Decontamination Sciences & Sterile Services Personnel
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Startup Mastermind
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mfrtech.com
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Electric and Autonomous Vehicles and Infrastructure; Mobility Services of the (near) Future
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On Startups - The Community For Entrepreneurs
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STARTUP SPECIALISTS NETWORK Entrepreneurs Small Business Startups Jobs Tech Social Media Marketing
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