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Sourcing, Manufacturing Supply Chain, Footwear, Apparel, Accessories - Lean Advisor - MES, WMS, Versatile experience adaptable to different product, technical challenges automation challenges.

Top Management

Strategic and results-driven manufacturing leader with global experience across footwear, apparel, and accessories—from sourcing and product development through production. Proven success optimizing supply chains, warehouse logistics, and factory operations through ERP, PLM, MES, and WMS systems, while driving lean manufacturing, automation, and team reskilling initiatives. Deep expertise in vendor management, performance insole development, and cross-cultural leadership across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Certified Lean Practitioner (2025) with a servant leadership style and a focus on continuous improvement. 

Key Focus Areas: Performance Footwear product creation, Apparel, Warehouse Transformation • MES/WMS/RFID • Lean Operations • Sourcing Strategy • Automation Integration • Team Reskilling • Cross-Cultural Manufacturing

•	Diagnose inefficiencies in footwear, apparel, bag, and accessories factories, implementing lean solutions to enhance productivity. Projects include extensive study with apparel or footwear factories to make suggestions to improve end-to-end processes, including proposals to integrate UHF/RFID for real time monitoring of all operations.
•	Collaborate with brands and factories to source apparel, footwear, toys, accessories.
•	Partner with production teams to recommend ERP, MES, and WMS solutions that improve line balance, workflow efficiency, and supply chain visibility—while supporting workforce reskilling to ensure effective adoption.

Manufacturing, Sourcing, Operations Consultant

•	Introduced automation technologies—including AGVs and smart racking systems—across apparel, footwear, and bag factories to streamline movement and workflow. Supported these efforts with targeted deskill/reskill training to ensure workforce adoption and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
•	Delivered on-site technical presentations and proof-of-concept demos to OEM and brand stakeholders, securing leadership buy-in and aligning cross-functional teams around sourcing, logistics, and delivery integration.
•	Acted as Southeast Asia lead for Smart-Loop, launching the initiative with key partners such as Fashion Garments (FGL). Led strategic communication, centralized planning, and phased MES/WMS integration to align factory and warehouse goals while minimizing disruption through zone-based rollout.

Director Manufacturing Excellence/Business Development

•	Led a strategic warehouse transformation during COVID, ensuring uninterrupted shipments while transitioning to a new 3PL partner in Hong Kong; implemented barcode tracking and improved visibility to align logistics KPIs with production and delivery goals.
•	Advised on Utmospheric® innovative membrane construction, water-proof booties, eliminating seams and tape sealing process. Recommending SOP and best practice to integrate into footwear factories.

Management Consultant - Sympatex Technologies Asia Ltd, Hong Kong – April 2020 – June 2021

•	Accountable for office budget, factory financial management, and a staff of 12 for WOFE Dongguan office.
•	Managed all fast fashion footwear sourcing & manufacturing, established SOPs, KPIs, focused on optimizing cost efficiency, and reducing supplier lead times, improved deliveries and reduced defects.

Director of Sourcing

•	Proposed workforce reorganization across China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, including automation of Vietnam’s manufacturing and warehouse operations to boost efficiency.
•	Partnered with factory leadership to identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable, site-specific process improvements. Set up Open Cell Foam insole production for major performance footwear brand.
•	Applied Lean principles—7 Wastes, 5S, Mura, Muda, and Muri—to improve productivity, reduce waste, and balance workflows.

Management Consultant Plant Management

•	Project lead for MBT’s first-ever performance running collection, managing product development, fit testing, tooling, and commercialization through all stages (T1–T4).
•	Authored the MBT Commercialization Manual, creating a framework for teardown reviews, size trials, and pre- production validation.
•	Engineered pivot strike midsole geometry, 3-zone sensor cushioning, and midfoot strike functionality, combining biomechanical insight with innovative design.
•	Partnered with BASF on high-rebound PU/EVA and integrated the rocker bottom platform for running.

Director of Development

•	Established the company’s first Representative office in China, creating sourcing strategy, implementing new processes, KPI’s, process calendars, re-aligned roles, and responsibilities. Led a team of 12 staff.
•	Drove the sourcing and development of entire footwear and insole collections, integrating comfort into various footwear categories from casual to podiatric/medical footwear.
•	Developed sourcing strategies for branded performance insoles, integrated the QVC working model into our team and factory base to streamline a rapid response culture.

Director of Asian Operations

•	Point person for design communication with Italy, development, and execution of Fila designs for the China, Hong Kong, and Macau markets served, then integrated into Belle factories for production.

Director Footwear Operations

•	Standardized processes across OEM partners, focusing on lean and continuous improvements.
•	Assisted in product transfer to Vietnam and helped implement new working agreements post-Payless 
•	acquisition and re-organization.

Director Development/Commercialization, Saucony Division

•	Led Men’s and Women’s casual, athletic footwear categories navigating timelines, costing targets, prototypes and sale samples on time delivery, product integrity assured before handover to production.
•	Commercialized the first stitch-less Gore-Tex waterproof outdoor performance shoe.
•	Line builder for company first collection called ‘Timberland Boot’ a men’s casual dress collection.
•	Collaborated with Lean Director to Integrate lean concepts into our OEM factories from the commercialization stage.
•	Headed a regional team to create new process map, supplier compliance, set up KPI’s and scorecards to drive cost reduction, accountability, reduced lead times from 120 to 90 days.
•	Corporate Social Responsibility Representative, monitored factory compliance, organized community events.

Senior Development Commercialization Manager, CSR Leader

Bob Drapeau is a Manufacturing, Sourcing, Operations Consultant at Manufacturing, Sourcing Operations Consultant in Boston, Massachusetts.

Bob Drapeau

Bob Drapeau

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University of Massachusetts Amherst

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

True North Lean