Dulce Suárez
H. Matamoros,Mexico
Summary
Dynamic bilingual Engineer with 20+ years of success in the Maquiladora Industry, specializing in Automotive, Electronics, and Cosmetic Packaging. Expert in New Product Development, with experience in Continuous Improvement, and Production Management, consistently achieving goals for On-Time Delivery (OTD), and quality indicators. Recognized for leading high-performing teams, and driving launch projects up to ramp up phase, coordinating efforts for execution and productivity.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
New Product Development Leader
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2026.03 - 2026.06
- Led NPD initiatives in plant, enhancing product development processes.
- Managed NPD KPIs and reporting for on-time delivery, EBB, sample adherence, and invoicing compliance.
- Meet 2026 EBB goal for 1st and 2nd quarters. (Less than 2.95% EBB yearly goal)
- On time delivery measured from G3 and G5 – G5 OTD of 100% for June.
- Sample invoicing of US$20K per month with adherence of 83% for May 2026.
- Tooling financial project closing of US$600K per month.
- Implemented corporate procedures and facilitated NPD homologation across all facilities.
- Managed NPD process for gate approval.
- Directed team's execution and management of PFMEA for each new launch.
- Manage team of 5 Project Managers for P1 projects (from business award to launch and ramp up)
- Oversaw initiation and execution of new projects for diverse accounts and customers.
- Portfolio of 95 projects (new developments, PO and post-consumer recycled resin conversions)
- Compiled and presented KPI reports to corporate leadership to track performance metrics.
- Organized Steering Committee meetings and followed escalation process.
- Manage escalation process for NPD related items.
- Liaison with Corporate for NPD Excellence and Reporting.
- Led Materials Committee, focusing on EHS safety and regulatory compliance.
- Portfolio creation and maintenance
New Product Development Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2024.07 - 2026.03
- Led initiatives to enhance NPD excellence across plant operations, driving alignment and consistency.
- Managed NPD process and facilitated gate approvals, ensuring timely progression of projects.
- Manage team of 7 Project Managers for all projects development (from business award to launch and ramp up)
- Oversaw execution of all new projects for different accounts and customers.
- Portfolio of +100 projects during 2024 & 2025
- Oversaw NPD KPI and reporting activities, including OTD, EBB, sample adherence, invoicing, and tool invoicing for new tools and refurbishment.
- On time delivery measured from G3 and G5 – G5 OTD of 100% for June.
- Sample invoicing of US$100K for 2025 and 60% overall adherence.
- Meet 2026 EBB goal for 1st and 2nd quarters. (Less than 2.95% EBB yearly goal)
- Conducted Steering Committee meetings and coordinated escalation process.
- Oversaw escalation procedures to address challenges in NPD projects.
- Supervised team’s execution and management of PFMEA for new developments.
- Created and maintained comprehensive project portfolio for effective tracking.
- Collaborated with corporate teams to refine NPD practices and reporting, resulting in improved transparency and accountability.
- Compiled and presented KPI reports for corporate stakeholders.
- Corporate procedures and NPD homologation across all facilities.
- Managed Materials Committee, ensuring EHS safety and adherence to regulations.
New Product Development Deputy Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2023.07 - 2024.07
- Oversaw NPD Process (gate approval).
- Directed team in executing and managing risk assessments for each new launch.
- Led team of 7 project managers to drive successful project outcomes.
- Coordinated escalation processes for new product development issues, ensuring timely resolutions and minimizing project delays.
- Facilitated Steering Committee meetings and managed escalation processes to address critical issues effectively.
- Oversaw all new projects for all accounts/customers.
- Managed Materials Committee (EHS safe, regulatory, etc.).
Program Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2021.06 - 2023.06
- Oversaw New Product Introduction from project award to first delivery, facilitating smooth transitions and stakeholder engagement
- Managed project timelines effectively to ensure all milestones were met. in Microsoft Project
- Ensured thorough adherence to NPD process, completing deliverables at each stage to meet project timelines
- Focused on meeting on-time delivery and quality objectives through implementation of plans that included root cause analysis, problem solving, PFMEA, control plans, and work instructions.
- Managed L’oreal account with team of 1 NPD/SC coordinator for purchase order projects, ensuring alignment with client requirements
- Maintain communication with Stakeholders (External and Internal Customers, Sales, Production, Engineering, Suppliers, etc.) in project status. Reduce roadblocks and provide solutions.
- Monitored and communicated current results, ensuring projects met delivery and quality standards.
- Facilitated weekly meetings with external customers to discuss project updates and requirements. with External Customers as well as meetings with Internal Teams and Management
- Project Manager Professional (PMP) trained.
Project Manager (New Product Development)
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2014.08 - 2021.06
- Managed new product introduction for L’Oréal account from project award to first delivery, ensuring alignment with client expectations.
- Customer portfolio of 25+ projects per year, launched on time.
- Managed weekly calls with customer and internal teams for project management,
- Maintained perfect on-time delivery and quality standards for new product introductions.
- Coordinated project timelines using Microsoft Project to achieve on-time delivery of new products.
- Facilitated adherence to NPD process, ensuring completion of all deliverables at each stage.
- Focused on meeting OTD and quality goals through implementation of specific plans, such as root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques.
- Maintain communication with Stakeholders (External and Internal Customers, Sales, Production, Engineering, Suppliers, etc.) in project status. Reduce roadblocks and provide solutions.
- Lead weekly meetings with External Customers as well as meetings with Internal Teams and Management
- Project Manager Professional (PMP) trained.
Production Unit Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2011.12 - 2014.07
- Administered 30 IM machines and 25 assembly and decoration machines, leading 4 direct supervisors and 2 process engineers to ensure operational efficiency.
- Manage day to day operations (OTIF, Quality Metrics, EHS, Maintenance, Labor)
- Executed line improvement strategies, streamlining operations by enhancing cycle time, reducing cavitation, optimizing headcount, and managing costs.
- Implementation of “In process” Controls to guarantee Quality at source and reduce scrap and rework
- Implementation of “Quality Red Flags” for Critical and Zero Defects – Identification, Containment action, Corrective Action, Control (Documentation)
- Quality System developed to analyse by Product Pareto and Defect Pareto
- Increased production from US$600K to US$1M, achieving plans within US$900K to US$1M range.
- Fill Rate from 85% to 95%
- Monitored line capacity to ensure adequate resource allocation.
- Line Transfer (Coordinate transfer, qualification process and implementation)
- OTIF, Quality Metrics, EHS, Maintenance, Headcount, Operation Expenses
- Indirect people, Operative People (200+), 20 Tech, 1 Inventory Control Clerk
- Administrative Reports: 1 Quality Leader, 1 Quality Eng
- Knowledge of IM Process, Assembly and Decoration techniques, Zero Defects
Product Engineer
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2009.09 - 2011.12
- Defined process flow and created/maintained PFMEA and control plans to enhance quality assurance
- Line Qualification and Release to Production (CPK analysis, Line Trials, improvements and cost reduction projects)
- Transferred product to production following development process, ensuring readiness for market launch
- Created detailed Bill of Materials, routings, and work instructions
- Coordinated customer and sales samples, facilitating feedback and alignment with client specifications
- Portfolio of 20+ projects per year, supporting project manager at plant for implementation.
Sr Process Engineer
Universal Lighting Technologies (a Panasonic Company)
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2007.10 - 2009.07
- Line Qualification and Release to Production (CPK analysis, Line Trials, improvements and cost reduction projects)
- Process Flow Definition as well as creation and maintenance of PFMEA and Control Plans
- Transferred products to production post-development, ensuring seamless integration of new processes
- Reduced scrap material to improve overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- Creation of Work Instructions
- Coordinated sample distribution for customers and sales teams, supporting product validation and feedback
Continuous Improvement Leader
Delphi Condura
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2006.12 - 2007.10
- Report to Plant and Top Management on Cost Reduction Initiatives - Savings of US$1M+ in raw material and efficiency.
- Defined cost reduction initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency.
- Held 2 Ci project workshops for initiative identification,
- Achieved certification in Green Belt methodologies for process improvement
- Initiated and monitored projects to ensure timely and successful completion
- Facilitated team communication to overcome project obstacles
Product Engineer
Delphi Condura
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
2004.12 - 2006.11
- Executed line qualification and released products to production through CPK analysis, line trials, and targeted improvements
- Process Flow Definition as well as creation and maintenance of DFMEA
- Facilitated design review meetings to ensure alignment with project specifications and stakeholder expectations
- Coordinated sample management to fulfil customer and sales requirements effectively
- Responsible for R&R prior to launch.
- Support PPAP procedures and approvals.
Sr Process Engineer
Kemet de Mexico
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
1996.04 - 2004.10
- Qualified and released production lines through CPK analysis, line trials, and cost reduction initiatives
- Improved product yield and reduced scrap through targeted process enhancements
- Process Flow Definition as well as creation and maintenance of PFMEA and Control Plan
- New Product Introduction
- Coordinated samples for customer and sales evaluations to ensure quality and compliance
- Conducted evaluations of suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards
- Product/Line Transfer (9 months in Greenville SC for training)
Education
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Instituto Politecnico Nacional
H. Matamoros, Tamps2018
MBA - Business Administration
Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon
Matamoros 1999
Bachelor of Science - Electromechanical Engineering
Instituto Tecnologico De Matamoros
Matamoros 1994
Skills
- Product launch
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
- Data-driven decisions
- Project Management
- Cross-functional leadership
- Results-oriented approach
- Collaborative integration techniques
Certification
- Risk assessment – Cepillos de Matamoros
- Scotwork Negotiation Skills – Cepillos de Matamoros
- Management and Leadership Academy (100% English) – Albea
- Project Management (PPM trained) – Cepillos de Matamoros
- Leadership Academy (Albea – Cepillos de Matamoros)
- Project Manager Professional – Training and Diploma (Albea – Cepillos de Matamoros)
- Effective Teams (Albea – Cepillos de Matamoros)
- Black Belt (Albea – Cepillos de Matamoros)
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Certified Instructor (Albea – Cepillos de Matamoros)
- 4 Disciplines of Execution Training (Albea – Cepillos de Matamoros)
- Green Belt (Delphi)
- PokaYoke (Kemet de Mexico)
- 8D Problem Solving Technique (Kemet de Mexico)
QUALIFICATIONS
Accomplished, bilingual Engineer with significant experience in Automotive, Electronics and Cosmetic Packaging Industry. Background includes developing new processes for certain product lines and optimization of such current processes. Skills in staff supervision and technical evaluations. Proficient with MS Office and Internet, Continuous Improvement, Process Design and Optimization and Product Changes. Experience on Reporting to Matamoros & Headquarters Staff.
SUMMARY
- More than twenty years working in Maquiladora Industry (new products, transfer of equipment/ raw materials).
- Disposition to travel
- B.S. in Electric/Mechanic Engineering from Instituto Tecnológico de Matamoros.
Languages
English
Beginner
Affiliations
- Rotary International Member since 2018, District 4130
- 5K Runner
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
New Product Development Leader
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2026.03 - 2026.06
New Product Development Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2024.07 - 2026.03
New Product Development Deputy Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2023.07 - 2024.07
Program Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2021.06 - 2023.06
Project Manager (New Product Development)
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2014.08 - 2021.06
Production Unit Manager
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2011.12 - 2014.07
Product Engineer
Albea - Cepillos de Matamoros
2009.09 - 2011.12
Sr Process Engineer
Universal Lighting Technologies (a Panasonic Company)
2007.10 - 2009.07
Continuous Improvement Leader
Delphi Condura
2006.12 - 2007.10
Product Engineer
Delphi Condura
2004.12 - 2006.11
Sr Process Engineer
Kemet de Mexico
1996.04 - 2004.10
MBA - Business Administration
Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon
Bachelor of Science - Electromechanical Engineering
Instituto Tecnologico De Matamoros
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Instituto Politecnico Nacional