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Rich
Bitterman

Operations Management Professional

Kingston, Washington

Rich Bitterman studied at Michigan State University in East Lansing, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After Rich Bitterman started his career as a Field Engineer at Signode, Advanced Tubular Products hired him to serve as President. In this capacity, Rich Bitterman oversaw all operations at the Nickolasville, Kentucky-based company, possessing responsibility for profit and loss. After turning Advanced Tubular Products into a success, Rich Bitterman moved to GKN Sinter Metals in Gallipolis, Ohio. As Plant Manager, Rich Bitterman supervised the entire operation, except for the Sales Department. From 2002 to 2008, he developed and met annual budgets, promoted the use of robotics, and transformed the company to profitability from a $1.5 million-dollar loss.

Rich Bitterman subsequently became Plant Manager at Guardian Automotive in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. In this capacity, Rich Bitterman increased the use of automation, reduced costs, and expanded sales. Most recently, Rich Bitterman served as Vice President of Operations at Watson Furniture Group in Poulsbo, Washington. Rich Bitterman drew on his experience to lead the day-to-day operations of all departments at the European-style office furniture supplier except for product development, marketing, and sales.

Today, Rich Bitterman lives in Washington, where he enjoys fine wine and dining at local restaurants. An avid reader, Richard Bitterman likes the works of John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Robert Ludlum.


Rich Bitterman's Schools

  		•  Michigan State University
    Bachelors in Engineering

    The Bachelor of Science degree may also be earned in engineering sciences with a major in computer science or applied engineering sciences. A required cognate combines the Computer Science major with studies such as business management, the social and behavioral or physical sciences, or a foreign language. The Applied Engineering Sciences major is an interdisciplinary program that combines a broad foundation in core engineering disciplines with one of the cognate areas in business-supply chain management, or telecommunications.

Rich Bitterman's Companies

  		•  Watson Furniture Group 2008 - 2009 - Poulsbo, Washington
    VP Operations
    In his role as VP of Operation, Rich Bitterman managed all operation functions of the plant. Rich Bitterman was responsible for the management of day-to-day operations of the company in the Manufacturing and Administrative areas. During his time with Watson Furniture Group, Rich Bitterman effectively reduced cost structure by over $3M. He assimilated and purchased competitive companies, implemented Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools models. Rich Bitterman further established and met annual budgets and was responsible for P&L.
  		• Guardian Automotive 2005 - 2008 - Upper Sandusky, Ohio
    Plant Manager
    In the position of Plant Manager for Guardian Automotive, Rich Bitterman managed all functions of plant including partial sales responsibility. Rich Bitterman managed day-to-day operation of the plant. Was responsible for P&L where he reduced cost structure by over $9M. Rich Bitterman implemented Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools models, increased sales by 20% Purchased aftermarket business from competitor and assimilated it into existing facility. Finally, Rich Bitterman increased use of automation and robotics.