Cory Sauls is a results-driven executive with over 31 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, process improvement, and strategic execution. He has a proven track record of driving profitable growth, operational efficiency, and organizational transformation through strategic leadership, disciplined investment execution, and cross-functional collaboration. As a vice president at Trane Technologies, Cory has successfully led large-scale business transformations, aligning enterprise strategy with financial performance and operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Cory has spearheaded high-impact projects, portfolio management initiatives, and cost-reduction strategies that have generated millions in savings while improving productivity. His ability to balance long-term vision with short-term execution has been instrumental in optimizing complex operations across global organizations. With a strong foundation in Six Sigma (Black Belt & Green Belt), Lean Manufacturing, and Project Management (PMP), Cory brings a data-driven and structured approach to solving business challenges.
In his current role as vice president of the Project Management Office (PMO) and Margin/Productivity at Trane Technologies, Cory oversees a multi-billion-dollar global operation, including new product development pipeline and capital expenditure portfolio designed to significantly increase top line revenue growth. He has transformed the PMO function, shifting it from a traditional project delivery focus to a strategic execution engine that aligns with enterprise growth initiatives. Under his leadership, pipeline growth, project prioritization, and portfolio management have significantly improved, leading to consistent revenue growth and operational efficiency.
Before his tenure at Trane Technologies, Cory held multiple leadership roles at Ingersoll Rand, where he played a pivotal role in driving engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and product margin expansion. As a senior director of the Project Management Office, he was responsible for enterprise-wide financial investment strategies, aligning resources to high-impact initiatives, and implementing standardized project management methodologies. His leadership resulted in a 25% reduction in project cycle time and a 5 to 7% increase in incremental revenue annually.
Cory’s expertise extends beyond financial and operational strategy—he is also passionate about developing top talent and fostering high-performance teams. Throughout his career, he has recruited, mentored, and coached leaders in manufacturing, engineering, and project management, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate complex business environments and deliver measurable results. His approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning, ensuring sustainable success for both individuals and organizations.
His engineering and technical expertise are reinforced by his strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University and an MBA in Business Economics from Webster University. Additionally, he has earned certifications in Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). These credentials underscore his commitment to process excellence, operational efficiency, and strategic problem-solving.
Beyond his corporate success, Cory remains actively involved in mentoring and community engagement. He has dedicated over 15 years as a head coach for youth football with the Chesterfield Football Association, demonstrating his leadership beyond the boardroom. Additionally, he serves as an executive sponsor for the National Society of Black Engineers and has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. since 1995.
Cory is a seasoned executive with deep industry expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, and operations management. His ability to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, optimize processes, and drive sustainable financial growth makes him an ideal candidate for board and advisory roles. Whether overseeing global portfolios, leading cross-functional teams, or driving innovation through data-driven methodologies, Cory is dedicated to creating a lasting impact in every organization he serves.
As he seeks to expand his influence into board service and advisory roles, Cory aims to leverage his extensive experience in business transformation, operational excellence, and strategic execution. He is particularly interested in working with manufacturing, industrial technology, and corporate governance organizations to help shape their strategic direction and ensure long-term success. His expertise in cost optimization, talent development, and change management positions him as a valuable asset to any leadership team.
Character:
Cory is a principled and visionary leader who operates with integrity, accountability, and a results-oriented mindset. His dedication to mentoring future leaders and fostering continuous improvement is evident in his leadership approach.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of expertise in manufacturing, engineering, and strategic execution, Cory possesses in-depth technical knowledge, financial acumen, and operational excellence skills that drive measurable business outcomes.
Strategic:
His ability to align enterprise goals with investment strategies, implement structured execution frameworks, and lead high-impact projects has transformed organizations and delivered consistent financial growth.
Communication:
A dynamic and persuasive communicator, Cory excels at influencing executive leadership, driving stakeholder engagement, and translating complex business challenges into actionable solutions that create lasting impact.
