Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
GEORGE MIZIKAR

GEORGE MIZIKAR

Pittsburgh,PA

Summary

Proven leader in operational excellence and process optimization, notably at Atrium, now part of Nestle Health Science. Expert in solid oral dose manufacturing and statistical analysis, with a knack for spearheading projects that enhance productivity and efficiency. Skilled in fostering teamwork and driving continuous improvement. Able to leverage strong communication and problem-solving abilities in difficult environments to drive results.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

CTAG Manager

Nestle Health Science
Coman & Leonia Factory
11.2024 - Current
  • Analyze manufacturing data to identify areas for process optimization, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and troubleshoot production issues.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and internal quality control procedures throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and budgets, while coordinating with cross-functional teams across R&D, manufacturing, and marketing.
  • Possess in-depth knowledge of solid dose processing techniques, ingredient functionality, and relevant solid dose principles.
  • Conducted performance reviews for team members.
  • Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
  • Created and managed budgets for travel, training, and team-building activities.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality, and conformance.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
  • Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
  • Provided leadership during times of organizational change and crisis situations.
  • Managed vendor relationships by negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
  • Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
  • Established and monitored KPIs to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
  • Streamlined communication channels, improving information flow and decision-making speed.
  • Implemented process improvements, resulting in an increase in operational efficiency.

Operations Manager

Atrium
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2016 - 11.2020
  • Company Overview: Acquired By Nestle Health Science in 2020
  • Managed and directed all production processes including dispensing, blending, manufacturing, coating, and inspection, while specializing in oral solid dose manufacturing and technical application
  • Instituted and executed a yield savings initiative which increased overall yield from 93.5% to 95.2% which equated to ~$2mil in material savings
  • Oversaw and approved $3mil in capital expenditures for new equipment
  • Responsible for the IQ/OQ of all new equipment
  • The capital investment resulted in a 100% productivity gain with zero increase in EE count over a 2.5-year period
  • Planned and managed the day-to-day allocation of equipment, people, materials, and systems to achieve performance targets efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively, as well as reviewed the daily achievement of targets, reporting variances during on-the-floor and off-the-floor meetings
  • Decreased batch failure rate from >66% to 97% through the implementation of an Acceptable Quality Limit process, resulting in a reduction of head count in the inspection department by 16 EE or 80%
  • Developed and reviewed production and operating reports that were adopted companywide, which aided in directing the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure minimal financial loss, by preventing operational delays, along with using statistical analysis tools to determine process capability, process control, and areas of opportunity
  • Ensured the development and implementation of action plans to address root causes of failures, while championing and leading change initiatives and continuous improvement efforts through the implementation of data capture and management software system on all production equipment
  • Increased Plant OEE from 36% to 66% in 1.5-year period
  • Coached, mentored, and developed team members to meet current and future business requirements, maintained a supportive work environment, as well as built relationships with frontline staff, internal customers and suppliers, colleagues, and support services
  • Provided coaching and career mentoring to multiple shop floor employees which helped guide them into promotions
  • Prepared and presented communications to production employees, the factory leadership team, and customers regarding productivity, quality, safety, housekeeping, and other key measures in a positive manner.

Shift Supervisor

Atrium Innovations
Pittsburgh, PA
11.2012 - 03.2016
  • Supervised, set up, and scheduled all work performed in the production of tablets, capsules, powdered supplements, and probiotics, ensuring bulk product availability, while coordinating schedules with related departments and making necessary changes or revisions.
  • Devised efficient methods of reducing machine changeover times by 35%, which unlocked value-added time for running production, and increasing output.
  • Played a chief role in the company's major changeover to the JD Edwards computer system, which required a 2-month factory shutdown, during which I was responsible for training management and staff on all shifts in the new system, and I was designated as a companywide Superuser/Helpdesk Expert.
  • Initiated continuous improvement projects, including implementing a 5S system, resulting in reduced waste, increased product quality, and lowered tooling and spare parts inventory costs by 32%.
  • Hired and supervised 50 non-union production personnel, including team leads, operators, material handlers, coating, blending, compression, inspection, and shipping personnel, while training and certifying all production personnel on SOPs, machine operations, and computer systems.
  • Enforced safe practice procedures and SOPs within a high-speed machinery environment, covering 9 tablet presses, 11 encapsulation machines, 5 blenders, and 5 coating pans, while inspecting equipment.

Shift Supervisor

Guardian Industries
Pittsburgh, PA
05.2011 - 11.2012
  • Directly supervised 23 employees, including Glass Handlers, Cutters, Warehouse and Dock employees, Furnace Techs, Tin Batch Techs, and Laborers, as well as worked closely with cross-functional Shift Supervisors to minimize losses on changeovers.
  • Ensured that all upstream and downstream processes efficiently translated into customer specifications, while analyzing any defect problems and inspecting raw batch materials to ensure conformance with specifications, generating 25% of the company's revenues.
  • Ensured accurate weighing, mixing, and delivery of batch materials to the melting furnace, sustaining a 75% production efficiency rate, and producing 140 tons of glass within 12-hour periods.
  • Ensured that plant and safety rules were consistently enforced, maintaining a zero-accident record throughout the entire assignment, as well as aiding OSHA authorities with production audits, passing 100% of the time.

Assistant Plant Manager / Production Supervisor

Unifirst Corporation
Franklin, OH
11.2008 - 05.2011
  • Supported the Plant Manager in organizing, managing, and optimizing the day-to-day activities for plant operations, while determining resource requirements, work allocations, and production deadlines to achieve production objectives for an operation covering 26 routes
  • Redesigned logistics layouts and inventory positioning, while designing and implementing a 'laser counting system', supercharging the warehouse workflow, increasing throughput by 55%, lowering linen supply costs by 14%, and reducing labor costs by 66%
  • Supervised and evaluated the performance of 45 employees, providing feedback, coaching, and discipline as needed, as well as coordinated with the Plant Manager in resolving plant issues in a timely manner, elevating employee morale and improving the retention rate to 85%
  • Cross-trained all workers in the use and safety of all equipment, including washers, dryers, steam presses, sling and rail systems, steam tunnels, along with automated folders, leading to being ranked #5 in efficiency out of 50 company locations and #1 in the alterations department

Training & Retention Supervisor

UPS
New Stanton, PA
01.2004 - 01.2009

Education

Bachelor of Science - History

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA

Six Sigma Green Belt -

Villanova University

Skills

  • Technical Skills: Solid Oral Dose Manufacturing Expert, HACCP, pilot plant operations, process engineering, statistical analysis, and technical documentation development
  • Project Management: Project planning, timeline management, risk assessment, resource allocation, planning and scheduling experience
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to convey technical information to diverse audiences
  • Problem-solving: analytical thinking, root cause analysis, data-driven decision-making, process and productivity improvement, cost controls, and revenue enhancements
  • Collaboration: Teamwork, stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration, staff training and development, team building, and effective leading
  • JD Edwards ERP Super User Veeva QMS Proficient in MS Office Suite - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint Creation, and building Power Queries

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

CTAG Manager

Nestle Health Science
11.2024 - Current

Operations Manager

Atrium
03.2016 - 11.2020

Shift Supervisor

Atrium Innovations
11.2012 - 03.2016

Shift Supervisor

Guardian Industries
05.2011 - 11.2012

Assistant Plant Manager / Production Supervisor

Unifirst Corporation
11.2008 - 05.2011

Training & Retention Supervisor

UPS
01.2004 - 01.2009

Bachelor of Science - History

University of Pittsburgh

Six Sigma Green Belt -

Villanova University

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GEORGE MIZIKAR