“Do something meaningful daily.”

James Raffaele is a seasoned manufacturing executive, widely recognized for his ability to transform complex operations into world-class facilities through strategic leadership, technical precision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With over two decades of experience directing manufacturing, production, and plant operations across North America and Europe, James has consistently delivered quantified success—driving productivity, quality, and profitability while fostering high-performing teams in unionized, multicultural environments.

Throughout his career, James has led some of the most ambitious and technically complex projects in the industry, including the development of an $80M Greenfield manufacturing facility in Romania for Cameron International. Under his leadership, the plant achieved global acclaim as the best in the world, earning praise from customers, auditors, and competitors alike. His ability to standardize best-in-class manufacturing practices across global divisions has made him a trusted advisor to senior executives and a valued partner in strategic decision-making.

Currently, James offers his expertise as a consultant with Old World Solutions, where he advises clients on operational strategy, acquisition analysis, and organizational development. His recent recommendations on oil pumping unit acquisitions underscore his ability to assess complex opportunities and deliver clear, actionable insights that drive business value. Prior to this, James served as Plant Manager at Arcturus, where he not only managed the closure of a legacy site but also increased plant performance from 40% to 90% capacity by resolving longstanding environmental challenges and implementing daily operational tracking and team engagement.

James’s leadership extends beyond operations into project and program management, workforce development, environmental health and safety, and Lean Six Sigma process optimization. At GE Oil & Gas and Lufkin Industries, he led a $150M expansion project, consolidating manufacturing and certification processes into a single Romanian facility while achieving zero lost-time incidents and successful API/ISO certification. His initiatives consistently resulted in cost reductions, productivity gains, and system integrations that positioned companies for long-term scalability.

Earlier in his career, James held the role of Director of Operations at PCC Romania, where he oversaw a 750-person operation and achieved measurable improvements in cost efficiency, throughput, quality, and workforce alignment. His tenure produced a 20% reduction in variable costs, a sixfold increase in throughput, and a Six Sigma-level quality rating—all while streamlining headcount and elevating productivity through advanced systems and cultural transformation.

James holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Lake Superior State University, graduating magna cum laude. His commitment to operational excellence is further reinforced by advanced certifications in Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, and Theory of Constraints. A veteran of the U.S. Army, James is also a decorated recipient of the Army Commendation Medal and Joint Services Commendation Medal, underscoring his lifelong dedication to leadership and service.

As a hands-on, results-driven executive, James Raffaele brings a rare combination of technical acumen, cross-functional expertise, and authentic leadership to every organization he serves. Whether launching a flagship facility, guiding a team through transformation, or stepping in as a trusted consultant, he continues to raise the bar for what manufacturing excellence can achieve on a global scale.

Character
James Raffaele is a principled and mission-driven leader who brings integrity, discipline, and a deep sense of accountability to every role he undertakes. His military background and consistent record of operational excellence reflect a strong personal commitment to service, high standards, and leading by example.

Knowledge
James has a comprehensive command of manufacturing operations, lean methodologies, and global supply chain systems developed through decades of experience leading complex, high-stakes projects across international facilities. He combines hands-on technical expertise with executive-level insight to drive measurable performance improvements and sustainable growth.

Strategic
James excels at developing and executing long-term strategies that transform underperforming operations into world-class facilities while aligning business goals with workforce capabilities and market demands. His ability to integrate systems, processes, and people into a cohesive operational vision positions him as a trusted architect of change and progress.

Communication
James builds trust and alignment through clear, respectful, and consistent communication with all stakeholders from shop floor teams to executive boards and union representatives. He fosters collaboration across diverse, interdisciplinary teams and leads with transparency to ensure shared understanding and collective ownership of outcomes.