John Schram
Contract + Interim + Project-Based + Northern Wisconsin

Find the real problem.
Make the data visible.
Fix the workflow.

John Schram + Operations & Business Systems Troubleshooter

I help manufacturers and operationally complex businesses figure out what is actually happening inside their operation. I start with the data, trace the real workflow, identify where systems and processes break down, and make targeted changes that produce measurable results.

Long-Term Contracts Welcome Interim Leadership Project Work Contract-to-Hire On-Site / Hybrid
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When the numbers do not make sense, I start digging.

Most operational problems leave evidence behind. The challenge is connecting the data, systems, people and workflow well enough to see it.

SQL and operational reporting are usually my first tools. I use them to establish what is really happening before changing anything. Then I follow the actual process from beginning to end — transactions, employees, materials, systems and handoffs — until the bottleneck, failure point or opportunity becomes clear.

What I Do Best

I am most useful when a company has a real operational problem, incomplete information and needs someone who can get inside the process quickly.

Data First

SQL, Reporting & KPI Visibility

Query operational data, connect information across systems, identify trends and build reporting that shows managers what is actually happening instead of what everyone assumes is happening.

Follow The Work

Workflow Reverse Engineering

Trace how work really moves through the business and compare it with the documented procedure. I look for unnecessary steps, bottlenecks, duplicated effort, hidden workarounds and broken handoffs.

Business Systems

ERP & MRP Troubleshooting

Determine whether the problem is the software, the configuration, the data, the process surrounding it, or the way employees are being asked to use the system.

Operations

Process Improvement

Make focused changes to production, inventory, scheduling, shipping, reporting and administrative workflows — then measure whether those changes actually worked.

Integration

Systems & Data Consolidation

Reduce disconnected spreadsheets, duplicate databases and isolated processes by creating cleaner information flows between the systems people rely on to operate the business.

Execution

Interim Operational Leadership

Step into a temporary leadership gap, stabilize priorities, establish useful reporting, build accountability and help the organization move forward while a permanent solution is developed.

How I Work

I do not assume the existing process is correct just because it is documented.

The written procedure and the real process are often two different things.

I am comfortable entering systems I did not build, understanding how they behave, testing assumptions and learning how the pieces interact. I question long-standing processes when the data says something is wrong.

Small changes in the right place can create much larger improvements. The difficult part is finding the right place.
  1. Get the data. Start with SQL, reports, transactions, spreadsheets, production records and existing KPIs.
  2. Follow the actual workflow. Trace how people, materials, information and systems move through the operation.
  3. Question the assumptions. Separate "this is how we have always done it" from what the operation actually requires.
  4. Test controlled changes. Make targeted adjustments instead of launching a massive improvement initiative before understanding the problem.
  5. Measure what changed. Use the same data to determine whether the change improved throughput, quality, inventory, service, labor or another relevant KPI.
  6. Document and hand it off. Leave the organization with clearer reporting, better processes and a system that can continue functioning without depending on me.

Bring me in for the problem you need solved.

A company does not need to create a permanent executive position to use my experience. I am available for flexible engagements throughout Northern Wisconsin and for appropriate remote or hybrid projects.

For Recruiters & Staffing Firms

I am actively open to contract and interim opportunities in Northern Wisconsin. Longer engagements are preferred, but I will consider shorter projects when the work is a strong fit. Healthcare benefits are not required for contract engagements.

Contract Operations Manager Interim Operations Manager Business Systems Manager SQL / Reporting Consultant ERP / MRP Project Lead Process Improvement Operational Excellence Manufacturing Systems Data & KPI Reporting

Contract Availability

What types of contract work is John Schram available for?

Long-term contracts, interim leadership, operational improvement projects, SQL and reporting work, ERP/MRP projects, business systems improvement, workflow analysis and contract-to-hire roles.

Where is John available to work?

I am focused primarily on Northern Wisconsin and am open to on-site, hybrid and appropriate remote engagements. Travel within the region is welcome when the project requires hands-on work.

Does John only work in manufacturing?

No. Manufacturing is a strong fit because it combines people, systems, inventory, scheduling and measurable production data, but the same approach works in distribution, food production, service organizations, facilities and other operationally complex businesses.

Is John interested in longer contracts?

Yes. Longer contract and interim assignments are preferred when there is enough work to justify sustained operational improvement, but shorter problem-solving projects are also considered.

Are healthcare benefits required?

No. Healthcare benefits are not required for contract engagements, which can simplify the structure of a longer-term contract role.

Have a problem nobody can quite explain?

Send me the problem. Tell me what is happening, what you expected to happen and what information you currently have. That is usually enough to start a useful conversation.

Email John Schram Contact & Availability