James Chiavetta

About

Operations and manufacturing leader with CEO/Chair turnaround experience who has built a greenfield robotics-focused manufacturing operation from scratch, including equipment selection, engineering org buildout, and ERP-based inventory/BOM/WIP controls. Strong cost-accounting/standard-costing orientation for diagnosing inefficiencies and optimizing pricing, plus a demonstrated mentorship track record and a Juran-based quality philosophy (build quality into the process).

Experience

Education

Key Strengths

• Built manufacturing operations from greenfield (facility, equipment, engineering org) at early-stage company
• Implemented ERP-backed operational controls for inventory, BOM, WIP, and finished goods
• Deep cost accounting and standard costing discipline to diagnose inefficiencies via variance analysis
• Root-cause approach to operational problems (quality, reporting, standards accuracy)
• Turnaround CEO/Chair experience using data-driven pricing model adjustments to improve customer trust
• Strong mentorship track record (developed accounting intern into senior cost accountant at Honeywell)
• Quality systems mindset focused on designing quality into processes (Juran principles)
• Lean manufacturing implementation to streamline operations and improve efficiency

Reference Highlights

• effective at organizing businesses for growth
• successful startup builder (grew PC manufacturing company from $0 to $3M annual sales in 2+ years)
• experience starting multiple businesses
• developed a medical drug delivery product with a patent filing
• turned around a failing plastics injection molding business
• improved profitability through increased sales and cost controls
• installs new systems to improve operations
• works well with founders and senior staff
• keeps teams aligned and focused on objectives ('eye on the prize')
• well suited to advise corporate officers in startup environments
• strong focus on achieving corporate objectives
• M&A experience