Derek Franklin
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Operations and Process Improvement Leader with 15+ years of experience in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. Proven track record leading high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Skilled in optimizing workflows, reducing deviations, and collaborating cross-functionally to improve operational performance and efficiency.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Supervisor(Dispensing,Granulation,&HME)
Thermo Fisher Scientific/Patheon Pharmaceuticals
Cincinnati, OH
06.2015 - Current
- Lead and develop a team of 15+ operators to consistently meet production, quality, and safety targets in a GMP-regulated environment
- Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring adherence to batch records (BPR), SOPs, and regulatory compliance standards
- Drive and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles to enhance efficiency, reduce process gaps, and improve workflow performance
- Monitor operations and proactively address deviations, quality issues, and equipment concerns to minimize downtime and maintain compliance
- Collaborate with QA, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve operational challenges and support root cause investigations (RCA/CAPA)
- Ensure accurate and compliant documentation practices aligned with GMP and ALCOA+ standards
- Conduct daily shift huddles and reinforce communication across shifts to maintain operational alignment and efficiency
- Delegate workload based on operator skill sets to maximize productivity and performance
- Support batch disposition, investigations, and validation activities to meet throughput and quality targets
- Train, coach, and develop team members while reinforcing safety, quality, and accountability expectations
- Implement process improvements and organizational systems to enhance scalability and operational efficiency
- Track attendance, performance, and team accountability to maintain a high-performing workforce
Manufacturing Technician III
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Cincinnati, OH
08.2010 - 06.2015
- Executed pharmaceutical manufacturing processes in compliance with GMP standards and batch record requirements
- Performed equipment inspections, swab testing, and in-process quality checks to ensure product integrity
- Supported process troubleshooting and equipment performance improvements
- Maintained accurate documentation in compliance with GDP standards
- Issued and received materials using SAP to support production flow
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to maintain production timelines and product quality
Spray Dry Operator II
Givaudan Flavors Inc
Cincinnati, OH
07.2007 - 10.2010
- Operated spray drying equipment and executed batch production according to specifications
- Performed equipment setup, cleaning, and changeovers to support production requirements
- Troubleshot equipment issues and supported maintenance teams to restore operations efficiently
- Conducted in-process inspections and ensured adherence to quality standards
Lead Processing Operator/Quality Safety Auditor II
Sara Lee Foods
Cincinnati, OH
08.2000 - 05.2002
- Conducted safety and quality audits to ensure compliance with operational and regulatory standards
- Led process improvement efforts and identified root causes of operational inefficiencies
- Ensured proper training and cross-training of personnel to support production needs
- Maintained internal standards for productivity, safety, and compliance
Education
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (In Progress) Forklift Certified Trainer -
General Studies
03-2026
High School Diploma -
North College Hill Jr/Sr High School
Skills
- Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement (Lean Six Sigma)
- GMP Compliance & Regulatory Standards
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & CAPA
- Operations & Production Management
- Team Leadership & Development
- Deviation Management & Quality Systems
- SAP, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Documentation & Data Integrity (BPR, GDP, ALCOA)
- OSHA Safety & Compliance
References
- Available upon request
Timeline
Operations Supervisor(Dispensing,Granulation,&HME)
Thermo Fisher Scientific/Patheon Pharmaceuticals
06.2015 - Current
Manufacturing Technician III
Teva Pharmaceuticals
08.2010 - 06.2015
Spray Dry Operator II
Givaudan Flavors Inc
07.2007 - 10.2010
Lead Processing Operator/Quality Safety Auditor II
Sara Lee Foods
08.2000 - 05.2002
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (In Progress) Forklift Certified Trainer -
General Studies
High School Diploma -
North College Hill Jr/Sr High School