Brad Cook
Waterloo,IL
Summary
Results-driven executive with extensive manufacturing experience in custom OE machinery, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Remarkable success conceptualizing and implementing operational policies to ensure business operations. In-depth knowledge of latest industry best practices and trends. Proven track record of optimizing supply chain procedures to enhance workflow efficiency and reduce costs. Expert in driving operational excellence, managing resources, and fostering culture of efficiency and innovation. Strong leadership skills, with capacity to steer and empower multiple cross-functional teams for increasing workflow in a fast-paced environment. Superior communication and presentation skills; committed to cultivating and strengthening relations with clients and stakeholders.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Liberty Tire / IMC Outdoor Living
05.2024 - Current
- Managed all aspects of a multi-shift manufacturing operation with 170+ staff.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services. Reduced shipping error rate to below 1%
- Analyzed data trends to identify potential bottlenecks in operations workflow, implementing strategies to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Handled staff training initiatives aimed at building the workforce to meet dynamic industry demands.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
Sr Consultant/Owner
Ember Services LLC, St. Louis, MO
12.2023 - Current
- Provide manufacturing process review, technical writing, and project management support.
- GMP process and document creation/review.
- Process flow and design reviews as well as project management for capital projects.
- Business consulting and coaching.
Director of Operations
Beckwood Press, St. Louis, MO
08.2021 - 12.2023
- Achieved shared vision and goals through strategic planning. Spearheaded compliant safety program creation via collaborative efforts of management team.
- Oversaw complete overhaul of management team, mentoring and facilitating development of seven leaders, fostering cohesive and high-performing unit.
- Led ERP execution and automation initiatives to optimize overall operational effectiveness.
- Nurtured relations with customers and vendors, emphasizing regular communication and travel to solidify partnerships.
- Delivered exceptional customer service and performed engineering/design tasks.
- Maximized profitability over three consecutive closing seasons, marked by a pivotal shift in supply chain strategy including introduction of international sourcing.
- Generated operating income from 2.95% (2021) to 8.4% (2023), sustained profitability enhancements.
- Identified and nurtured high-performing contributors, resulting in internal promotions and development of future leaders.
- Rolled-out processes and standards, enhancing efficiency and quality metrics amidst consecutive record sales years.
- Navigated major company reorganization in 2022, leading to structural and leadership changes within departments.
Operations Manager
Nesher Pharmaceuticals, St. Louis, MO
11.2020 - 08.2021
- Directed 50-member team through two-shift operation, overseeing leads, supervisors, mechanics, operators, administrative, and temporary staff.
- Provided expert guidance for document creation/revision and investigation report preparation, contributing to report development.
- Cleared the department's action item backlog.
- Oversaw the overall tasks of multi-site management.
- Met manufacturing requirements by executing QA, QC, validation, calibration, planning, and facility maintenance.
- Attained streamlined oversight of solid oral dose production across Westport and Earth City sites.
- Ensured continuous audit readiness in both facilities, upholding a state of compliance.
Facility Manager
Valicor Environmental Services, St. Louis, MO
09.2019 - 10.2020
- Headed supervisors, leads, administrative, and temporary staff during two shifts operations.
- Led two sites, overseeing activities related to treating oily wastewater streams and product destruction lines.
- Created and managed 2020 budget while ensuring robust P&L reporting.
- Initiated and progressed installation of cutting-edge laboratory for outgoing and incoming materials.
- Engaged with regulatory agencies to ensure stringent permit adherence and took corrective actions.
- Gained discharge results in second quarter of 2020 by introducing treatment systems, addressing compliance failures.
- Steered design of lean manufacturing process and management system for facilities, optimizing operations.
Manufacturing Manager
Alkem Laboratories, Fenton, MO
03.2017 - 09.2019
- Provided consistent contributions of staff and technical support for developmental and transfer work.
- Played pivotal role in 2018 bioequivalence FDA audit, ensuring seamless collaboration and compliance.
- Directly reported to site head.
- Met commercial production demand goals and timelines for oral solid dose and semisolid/liquid products.
- Supervised 20 full-time operators, two production supervisors, and staff members.
- Introduced initial set of drug products to commercial market and rolled-out state-of-the-art fully automated production lines specifically designed for liquid nasal spray.
- Streamlined day-to-day operations at a newly established soap processing facility, maximizing throughput.
- Spearheaded development and creation of departmental budgets to optimize financial planning.
- Collaborated with regulatory department, ensuring adherence to launch timelines.
Production Supervisor
Alkem Laboratories, Fenton, MO
03.2017 - 10.2017
- Led engagements with FDA and DEA inspections, achieving zero observations in both instances.
- Conducted investigations into non-conformance issues, completing pertinent documentation.
- Implemented improvements by formulating and revising new batch records and SOPs.
- Orchestrated validation and commercial launch of initial three FDA-approved products.
- Collaborated with implementation team to execute SAP.
- Managed commercial and R&D/tech transfer production activities, ensuring adherence to schedules.
- Attained recognition and promotion to manager within just eight months of joining company.
Production Supervisor
Afton Chemical Corporation, Sauget, IL
01.2011 - 10.2017
- Delivered exemplary performance in overseeing a 24-hour oil additives unit, implementing robust control measures.
- Directed team comprising union operators and salaried direct reports.
- Implemented lean methodologies to sustain and enhance multiple operations.
- Strategically planned logistics for diverse transportation modes including trucks, railcars, drums, ISOs, and totes.
- Secured acknowledgment from Vice President for executing outstanding customer audit in the June 2016.
- Orchestrated seamless coordination of production, optimizing processes from raw material warehousing to final QA audits.
- Selected to join Safety Liaison Team in 2016, leading revision of all safety procedures and budgets.
- Achieved recognition as a top performer in February 2016, resulting in a transfer to a unit with urgent needs.
Education
MBA - Concentration of Analytics For Managers
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration; Management & Organizational Behavior
University of Missouri
St. Louis05-2005
Skills
- ERP Implementations & Automation
- Process Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing
- Strategic Planning
- Business Acumen
- Inventory Tracking & Management
- Profit & Loss Accountability
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Engineering & Design
- Customer Service & Installation
- Change Management
- GMP/cGMP
Additional Experience
- Manager - Factory Operations, Eagle Industries Unlimited/ATK, St. Louis, MO, January 2010 – January 2011
- Production Manager, KV Pharmaceutical, St. Louis, MO, January 2009 – January 2010
- Production Supervisor, Raw Material Pharmacy, KV Pharmaceutical, St. Louis, MO, January 2007 – January 2009
- Operator/Safety Awareness Coordinator, Afton Chemical, Sauget, IL, January 2005 – January 2007
Timeline
Operations Manager
Liberty Tire / IMC Outdoor Living
05.2024 - Current
Sr Consultant/Owner
Ember Services LLC, St. Louis, MO
12.2023 - Current
Director of Operations
Beckwood Press, St. Louis, MO
08.2021 - 12.2023
Operations Manager
Nesher Pharmaceuticals, St. Louis, MO
11.2020 - 08.2021
Facility Manager
Valicor Environmental Services, St. Louis, MO
09.2019 - 10.2020
Manufacturing Manager
Alkem Laboratories, Fenton, MO
03.2017 - 09.2019
Production Supervisor
Alkem Laboratories, Fenton, MO
03.2017 - 10.2017
Production Supervisor
Afton Chemical Corporation, Sauget, IL
01.2011 - 10.2017
MBA - Concentration of Analytics For Managers
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration; Management & Organizational Behavior
University of Missouri