Michael Schaefer, MBA
About Michael Schaefer, MBA
Michael Schaefer, MBA, serves as the Director of Finance and Analytics at Berry Global, Inc. since 2019, bringing extensive experience in product development and project management across various roles within the company and other organizations.
Work at Berry Global
Michael Schaefer has served as the Director of Finance and Analytics at Berry Global, Inc. since 2019. In this role, he oversees financial operations and analytics, contributing to the strategic direction of the company. Prior to this position, he held various roles within Berry Plastics, including Director of Product Development for the Rigid Open Top Division and Product Line Manager. His tenure at Berry has spanned over a decade, during which he has managed significant capital projects and led initiatives aimed at improving product quality and operational efficiency.
Education and Expertise
Michael Schaefer holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, where he studied from 1997 to 2001. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern Indiana, completing his studies from 2004 to 2009. His educational background provides him with a solid foundation in both engineering principles and business management, which he applies in his current role and throughout his career.
Background in Product Development
Michael has extensive experience in product development, having worked in various capacities at Berry Plastics. His roles included Product Development Engineer and Product Development Supervisor, where he focused on retail and institutional bags. He successfully led technical teams responsible for introducing new consumer packaging products, demonstrating his capability in managing complex projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Achievements in Project Management
Throughout his career, Michael Schaefer has managed over 35 capital projects, totaling more than $5,000,000. He ensured the timely and on-budget commercialization of new consumer goods products. His project management skills are complemented by his experience in executing Six Sigma projects, which resulted in a significant reduction in scrap for production lines. He has also implemented training procedures that led to increased productivity and reduced overtime in a union fabrication department.
Professional Experience with ISO and Quality Management
Michael possesses in-depth experience with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has a strong focus on quality management. He has led initiatives to address customer quality issues by collaborating with major brand owners and material suppliers. His comprehensive understanding of quality, operations, and vendor relations enhances his effectiveness in driving improvements within the organization.