Michael Gopaul
Houston,TX
Summary
Senior Operations Leader with 10+ years of experience driving performance and scaling operations within highly regulated environments. Proven track record of leading new site launches and operational turnarounds, consistently exceeding targets in volume, productivity, and cost control. Recognized for building high-performing teams, strengthening leadership pipelines, and aligning cross-functional teams to deliver sustained business results. Brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance, workforce strategy, and data-driven operational execution.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Center Operations Manager
Biolife Plasma Services
Spring, TX
01.2025 - Current
- Directed a $3.8M controllable cost budget while leading extensive cross-functional collaboration across Project Management, Quality Operations, Business Excellence, Marketing, Facilities/Calibration, and Regulatory Affairs to deliver the full new center opening project from planning through go-live, achieving a successful launch and rapid performance ramp.
- Exceeded operational and financial targets by generating 135% of projected donation volume during launch and ramp-up, achieving year-to-date productivity 15% above forecast.
- Oversaw and optimized all facets of center operations for a 55-employee workforce, including staffing efficiency, EHS and HR compliance, budget performance, production forecasting, scheduling effectiveness, talent acquisition, employee development, donor retention, and overall facility performance metrics, leveraging Lean, Kaizen, and 5S methodologies to improve donor throughput and reduce process delays.
- Developed and implemented a workforce development strategy that ensured long-term operational stability, delivered a $257,595 positive cost variance, and facilitated 38 internal promotions across critical leadership and operational roles.
- Drove leadership coaching and employee engagement initiatives that maintained voluntary turnover at 10.5%, significantly outperforming the company target of 28.3%.
- Led comprehensive audit readiness and compliance efforts for PQAG, CLIA, EMA, PPTA, and FDA, achieving strong outcomes with no critical findings.
Senior Operations Manager - LDP
BioLife Plasma
U.S
04.2024 - 01.2025
- Selected for a high-potential leadership program, partnering across multiple centers to support operational performance, staffing strategy, and compliance initiatives in preparation for center-level leadership.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to analyze performance trends, implement process improvements, and drive operational consistency across sites, contributing to efficiency and best practice adoption.
Operational Administrative Manager
Octapharma Plasma Inc.
U.S
12.2022 - 01.2024
- Supported operations across 8+ centers, driving an 8% increase in efficiency and improving overall performance through process optimization and project execution.
- Led cross-functional projects that increased project delivery efficiency by 13% while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Implemented Lean Six Sigma initiatives that increased production efficiency by 50% and reduced operational costs by 12%.
Assistant Manager
Octapharma Plasma Inc.
West Columbia, SC, U.S
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Led and developed a team of 30+ employees, driving productivity, operational efficiency, and performance outcomes while strengthening team capability and accountability.
- Improved workforce performance through targeted recruiting and training initiatives, increasing staffing levels by 126% while reducing turnover by 40%.
Physician Substitute
ImmunoTek Bio Centers
Greenwood, SC, U.S
04.2021 - 12.2021
- Provided medical care and treatment to plasma donors, including physical examination assessments, donor screening, and medical history reviews.
Combat Medic (Squad Leader)
United States Army
Anderson, SC, U.S
12.2015 - 11.2021
- Led medical operations, readiness, and training for 300+ personnel, driving mission preparedness and risk mitigation in high-reliability environments.
- Directed cross-functional coordination of medical support during emergency response and disaster relief operations, ensuring continuity and execution under high-pressure conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Psychology
Lander University
Greenwood, SC01-2021
Skills
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Budget Management & Cost Control
- Operational Scaling & New Site Launches
- Project Planning, Scheduling & Milestone Tracking
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
- Stakeholder Management & Alignment
- Process Optimization & Workflow Design
- Lean, Kaizen, and 5S Methodologies
- Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
- Forecasting & Demand Planning
- Regulatory Compliance (FDA, CLIA, EMA, PPTA)
Timeline
Center Operations Manager
Biolife Plasma Services
01.2025 - Current
Senior Operations Manager - LDP
BioLife Plasma
04.2024 - 01.2025
Operational Administrative Manager
Octapharma Plasma Inc.
12.2022 - 01.2024
Assistant Manager
Octapharma Plasma Inc.
01.2022 - 12.2022
Physician Substitute
ImmunoTek Bio Centers
04.2021 - 12.2021
Combat Medic (Squad Leader)
United States Army
12.2015 - 11.2021
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Psychology
Lander University