JONATHAN RADO
Quakertown,PA
Summary
Professional operations leader with consistent track record in optimizing processes and driving impactful results. Proven ability to lead teams, implement strategic initiatives, and adapt to changing environments with ease. Skilled in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation. Known for effective collaboration and delivering dependable outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2023 - Current
- Led and managed a 24x7 cross-functional operating unit responsible for the manufacture and release of bulk biological active pharmaceutical ingredients to ensure compliance to cGMPs and provide uninterrupted supply.
- Direct reports included 11 salaried and approximately 50 hourly employees over three shifts with an annual operating budget in excess of $40MM.
- Set strategy and vision for the integrated process team (IPT) while working collectively with functional areas to improve process reliability and efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provided sponsorship for long-term strategic projects to increase the robustness and reliability of the process, as well as the removal of animal-derived raw materials.
- Refocused the organization on a Safety First, Quality Always mindset which lead to the completion of more than 150 proactive safety actions, and 50 compliance/process related projects reducing injuries by 63% and having zero external regulatory findings.
- Streamlined operational processes, resulting in enhanced efficiency and reduced resource allocation resulting in a 34% increase in on-time releases, 32% lead time reduction, and 18% reduction in overtime, save the company over $1.5MM.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
- Mentored and developed leadership skills in team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Managed budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with long-term financial objectives.
- Created performance metrics to assess departmental effectiveness and drive accountability across teams.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
Assoc. Director, SCM
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2023
- Product Leader of cross-functional team responsible for establishing the global manufacturing strategy across internal and external supply nodes as an aligned component of the global brand strategy.
- Led integrated risk management for product risks from raw materials and components through market supply resulting in the mitigation of 4 high risks for the franchise.
- Executed strategic planning sessions to identify and mitigate capacity shortages and ensure the franchise is right-sized throughout the product lifecycle.
- Led the supply chain working group for an investigational new vaccine, responsible for supply chain design, material movement between nodes for process performance qualification and Phase III supply, risk identification and mitigation, and cost of goods sold optimization.
- Developed a wholistic, long-range franchise strategy spanning multiple products to resulting in the successful filing and launching of two new vaccine products while maintaining supply of an in-line product.
- Effectively influenced senior leaders on product and franchise strategy and led the implementation of strategic initiatives to enable success and minimize risk.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic planning and decision-making processes resulting in franchise altering course adjustments.
Assoc. Director, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2017 - 07.2020
- Directed the operation of multiple segments of Varicella Bulk operations, providing tactical and strategic direction to the group in support of the departmental business goals. Direct reports included 6 salaried and approximately 70 hourly employees over three shifts with an annual operating budget over $15MM.
- Streamlined processes by identifying inefficiencies and implementing best practices across departments such as standard work for the housekeeping group using lean principles resulting in the elimination of 6 shifts of built-in overtime per week at a cost savings of $140k for the year.
- Served as a documentation control SME at the West Point Site for the Quality Systems Improvement Program at Merck, a multi-year project designed to improve our Quality Systems.
- Directed the restart of an aseptic manufacturing facility from a non-aseptic state to commercial production following a multi-year shutdown.
- Led the safety team for the Live Virus Vaccines End-to-End and developed a safety culture using Safe by Choice principles, implementation of common language, and fostering an environment where it was safe to speak up leading to zero injuries within the group for over one year.
- Led tours of the production facility for internal audits and external regulatory agencies resulting in zero critical observations for the department.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities through knowledge sharing, through 1:1 meetings, Employee Development Plan creation, and stretch assignments consistent with future career plans.
Sr. Specialist, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Accountable for the tactical control of the pooling operations area in the B12 Varicella IPT, to include 2 salaried and 20 hourly staff over 3 shifts and an annual operating budget of $7MM.
- Set the production goals and tracked performance to ensure the reliable supply of quality product, maintaining schedule adherence >90%.
- Led the training team following the integration of Building 12 and Building 62 hourly personnel leading to 38% of biotechnicians being cross-trained in more than 1 operational area in Varicella Bulk (cell, virus, or pooling), an 8% reduction in overtime spend, and 5% reduction in drafting.
- Continually drove achievement of safety (0 injuries in 2016), quality (51% reduction in manufacturing deviation events), and cost (14% overtime reduction) goals for the area through the use the development of standard work and the use of Lean/Six Sigma principles.
- Led a continuous improvement initiative within the IPT, resulting in a 70% reduction in shop floor observations for the pooling area.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
Manager, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
09.2014 - 07.2016
- Managed a team of 10 technicians in the manufacture of Varicella Harvest Virus Fluids and Clarified Bulk on the off shift with minimal support from maintenance, quality, and technical services staff.
- Optimized the operational schedule, which decreased cycle time and improved critical equipment uptime, resulting in record production output, a 27% increase while reducing overtime by 38%.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Specialist, Engineering
Merck & Co., Inc.
10.2012 - 09.2014
- Optimized the validation schedule leading to a 50% reduction in equipment downtime due to validation activities.
- Performed technology transfer activities for the start-up of a sister site, leading to an on-time startup.
- Led an initial qualification project for a first-in-kind cold chain transport of stock seed and working cell bank materials for the Varicella franchise at the West Point site.
- Managed, on average, 5 concurrent manufacturing atypical investigations that include root cause analysis, product impact assessment, trending for related events, corrective action/preventative action (CAPA) development, and authoring final written technical reports that average 5 pages in length.
- Conducted detailed analyses of system performance, identifying areas for optimization and implementing corrective measures.
- Collaborated on multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals within tight deadlines.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical documents in accordance with template requirements.
Education
Master of Science - Chemistry
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry and Math
SUNY - College At Geneseo
Geneseo, NY05.2004
Skills
- Operational efficiency
- Operations oversight
- Strategic planning
- Strategic planning and execution
- Business management
- Process improvement
- Workforce planning
- Cost control
- Business leadership
Timeline
Director, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2023 - Current
Assoc. Director, SCM
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2023
Assoc. Director, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2017 - 07.2020
Sr. Specialist, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
07.2016 - 07.2017
Manager, Operations
Merck & Co., Inc.
09.2014 - 07.2016
Specialist, Engineering
Merck & Co., Inc.
10.2012 - 09.2014
Master of Science - Chemistry
Lehigh University
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry and Math
SUNY - College At Geneseo