Paul Franssen
Lexington
Summary
Results-oriented Senior Refrigeration Manager with exceptional team leadership and risk management expertise. Demonstrated success in ensuring compliance and fostering effective communication, optimizing operational procedures in high-pressure food production settings.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Senior Refrigeration Manager
Tyson Foods
Lexington
06.2011 - Current
- Hazmat Instructor Certified
- Hazmat Entrant qualified
- Respiratory Protection Instructor
- PSM Program Manager
- Certified Boiler Operator
- Nh3 Operator 2 Certified
- Oversaw daily operations in a fast-paced food production environment.
- Managed team scheduling to ensure efficient workflow and coverage.
- Trained staff on operational procedures and equipment use.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Managed risk by developing and implementing effective risk management strategies.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Responsible for Fire System
- Responsible Emergency Generators
- Water management
Project Manager
Tyson Foods
Lexington
01.2009 - 06.2011
- Coordinated project schedules and resources to meet deadlines consistently.
- Trained junior team members on project management best practices and tools.
- Monitored progress of each project to ensure timely delivery of deliverables in accordance with established quality standards.
- Maintained records of all documents related to each project including specifications, change orders, invoices.
- Led meetings with internal team members, consultants and contractors.
- Provided guidance to team members regarding tasks assigned to them.
- Forecasted, scheduled and monitored project timelines, personnel performance, and cost efficiency.
- Coordinated resources across multiple departments and teams as needed for successful completion of projects.
- Identified risks associated with each project and developed strategies for mitigating those risks.
Harvest Maintenance General Foreman
Tyson Foods
Lexington
1996 - 01.2009
- Coordinated workforce assignments to optimize production schedules and workflow.
- Trained employees on safety protocols and proper equipment usage in processing areas.
- Facilitated communication between departments to address operational challenges effectively.
- Followed rules and regulations to keep job sites safe for workers, contractors and visitors.
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated assigned personnel in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Resolved conflicts between workers regarding job assignments, methods, or deadlines.
- Analyzed job sites to mitigate risks.
- Reviewed blueprints and specifications prior to starting job to fully understand project scope.
- Estimated time, material, and labor costs used in project plans.
- Maintained trucks, safety kits, test equipment and supplies for tracking purposes.
- Monitored project progress to ensure efficient use of resources and timely completion of tasks.
- Performed final walkthroughs of each job and prepared reports.
- Coordinated materials procurement with suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors.
- Directed the activities of subcontractors to ensure quality workmanship and adherence to contract specifications.
- Completed inspections of job sites to assess compliance with codes and design plans.
- Provided technical advice to staff regarding operational issues and problems.
- Directed fabrication of components needed for specific jobs.
- Developed and implemented job plans for construction projects.
- Studied project specifications to plan sequence and schedule for pipe installations.
- Managed sites by focusing on safety, operations and productivity.
- Managed workers at various experience levels in construction and restoration projects.
Harvest Maintenance Supervisor
Tyson Foods
Lexington
11.1992 - 01.1996
- Supervised maintenance team to ensure facility upkeep and safety compliance.
- Coordinated preventative maintenance schedules for machinery and equipment efficiency.
- Collaborated with production teams to minimize disruptions during maintenance activities.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance maintenance workflows and reduce downtime.
- Conducted inspections to identify repair needs and prioritize work orders.
- Maintained clear and safe workspace areas to meet OSHA standards.
- Scheduled repair and maintenance of machines, tools and equipment to support continuous production operations.
- Monitored and evaluated the performance of personnel in the maintenance department, providing guidance and coaching when necessary.
- Ordered replacement parts as required to keep machines running efficiently.
- Diagnosed equipment malfunctions and performed repairs to restore equipment and maintain uptime.
- Ensured that safety regulations were followed by employees while performing maintenance tasks.
- Supervised technicians on repair and installation of machines or systems according to manufacturer's specifications.
Maintenance Technician
Tyson Foods
Lexington
03.1990 - 11.1992
- Performed routine inspections on equipment and systems for optimal performance.
- Conducted preventive maintenance tasks to minimize downtime and ensure reliability.
- Assisted in troubleshooting mechanical issues and implementing effective solutions.
- Utilized hand tools and power tools for repairs and maintenance tasks efficiently.
- Educated junior technicians on safety protocols and proper equipment handling practices.
- Responded promptly to emergency repair requests to restore functionality quickly.
- Operated hand and power tools to complete repairs.
- Cleaned work areas to maintain a safe environment free from debris or hazardous materials.
- Responded promptly to emergency breakdowns at any time during shift hours.
- Cleared clogged drains and replaced valves, faucets, and fixtures.
- Repaired or replaced faulty wiring, switches, relays, and other electrical components.
- Replaced defective parts such as bearings, seals, gears, valves.
- Installed new systems, replacement parts, and components to maintain proper operation.
- Performed preventive maintenance tasks, including lubrication and cleaning of machines and equipment.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems using visual inspections and test instruments.
Lumber Yard Manager
S.A. Foster Lumber
Kimball
03.1987 - 03.1990
- Managed daily operations of lumber yard to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Supervised staff in receiving, storing, and distributing lumber products.
- Coordinated inventory management using warehouse management systems effectively.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain a secure work environment for employees.
- Trained new employees on equipment operation and safety procedures.
- Collaborated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials needed.
- Scheduled workforce shifts to optimize productivity and meet customer demands.
- Monitored employee performance and provided feedback as needed.
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided technical support when needed.
- Organized warehouse layout for optimal storage efficiency and accessibility.
- Controlled costs by negotiating competitive pricing contracts with vendors.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and efficiently to maintain positive relationships.
- Managed daily operations of lumber yard, ensuring efficient workflow and customer satisfaction.
Sales Associate
Wheeler/ Country General
North Platte
01.1987 - 03.1987
- Assisted customers in selecting products and provided knowledgeable recommendations.
- Maintained organized displays to enhance the shopping experience for customers.
- Stocked shelves and ensured product availability for optimal sales performance.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Performed cashier duties such as accepting payments, issuing receipts and counting money back change.
- Maintained cleanliness of store environment including floors, windows, displays.
Assistant Manager
84 Lumber
North Platte
01.1984 - 01.1987
- Managed daily operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
- Supervised staff and facilitated training sessions for new employees.
- Coordinated inventory management and maintained accurate stock levels.
- Assisted customers in product selection and provided exceptional service.
Hay Field Worker
Gothenburg Feed Products
Gothenburg
05.1982 - 12.1983
- Operated machinery for planting, harvesting, and transporting hay products.
- Maintained tools and equipment to ensure proper functionality during operations.
Sheet Metal Foreman
A-1 Roofing
North Platte
09.1979 - 05.1982
- Trained and mentored junior staff on safety procedures and equipment usage.
- Managed inventory levels of materials and tools required for production processes.
- Collaborated with engineers to interpret blueprints and technical drawings for projects.
- Inspected finished products for conformance to specifications.
- Adjusted machine settings as necessary for optimal results.
- Maintained inventory of supplies, materials, and tools needed for sheet metal work.
- Reviewed blueprints and drawings for accuracy prior to production start-up.
- Supervised projects to uphold schedule requirements and quality demands.
Education
High School Diploma -
Brady Public Schools
Brady, NE05-1979
Skills
- Hazmat training
- Risk management
- Team leadership
- Operational procedures
- Certified boiler operation
- Process safety management
- Compliance adherence
- Staff scheduling and management
- Emergency response planning
- Training development and delivery
- Effective communication skills
- Food production oversight
- Problem solving and analysis
- Attention to detail
- Customer service excellence
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Decision-making processes
- Business planning and strategy
- Goal setting techniques
- Time management skills
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Project management methodologies
- Recruiting and interviewing techniques
- Documentation and reporting standards
- Safety procedures and protocols
- Disciplinary techniques and policies
Certification
Hazmat Instructor Training Locton Company Tyson Environmental Health & Safety June 18-19 2012
Timeline
Senior Refrigeration Manager
Tyson Foods
06.2011 - Current
Project Manager
Tyson Foods
01.2009 - 06.2011
Harvest Maintenance Supervisor
Tyson Foods
11.1992 - 01.1996
Maintenance Technician
Tyson Foods
03.1990 - 11.1992
Lumber Yard Manager
S.A. Foster Lumber
03.1987 - 03.1990
Sales Associate
Wheeler/ Country General
01.1987 - 03.1987
Assistant Manager
84 Lumber
01.1984 - 01.1987
Hay Field Worker
Gothenburg Feed Products
05.1982 - 12.1983
Sheet Metal Foreman
A-1 Roofing
09.1979 - 05.1982
Harvest Maintenance General Foreman
Tyson Foods
1996 - 01.2009
High School Diploma -
Brady Public Schools