Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Varghese Tharakan

Country Health, Safety, Security & Sustainable Workplaces Manager
United Arab Emirates,Dubai

Summary

Accomplished professional with a proven track record at General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE, excelling in safety management and people leadership. Spearheaded safety initiatives reducing injuries and developed sustainable workplace practices, showcasing a change mindset and results-oriented approach. Expert in operational efficiency, driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of excellence.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Country Health, Safety, Security & Sustainable Wor

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
11.2015 - Current

Safety

  • Coordinated facility inspections with external auditors to ensure adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Conducted safety audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and deficiencies.
  • Championed positive safety culture by promoting employee involvement in health and safety initiatives.
  • Collaborated with management to develop company-wide safety policies, procedures, and guidelines.
  • Spearheaded initiatives aimed at reducing worker exposure to hazardous materials through proper handling techniques and personal protective equipment usage.
  • Cultivated strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, facilitating collaborative efforts to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.
  • Established emergency response plans, ensuring preparedness in the event of a crisis or disaster.
  • Monitored legislative updates relating to workplace health and safety, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulations.
  • Developed and executed training programs for employees, improving overall safety awareness and compliance.
  • Developed and implemented GM Workplace Safety System procedures that lead to achieve Maturity Level 3 out of 4 levels
  • Provided ongoing support for GM Training Center in Philippines in maintaining safe working environment.

Sustainable Workplaces

  • Managed and led facility projects like office space optimization, solar installations, office renovations, warehouse management system changes.
  • Evaluated facility operations and personnel for safety and health regulations compliance.
  • Conducted regular inspections of physical assets, identifying areas for repair or replacement before issues escalated into costly problems.
  • Improved facility efficiency by implementing preventive maintenance plans and streamlining work order processes.
  • Evaluated contractor performance for quality assurance purposes, maintaining strong partnerships while holding service providers accountable for their work.
  • Coordinated space planning efforts to optimize facility usage and accommodate changing business needs.
  • Achieved cost savings through negotiating service contracts, leveraging long-term relationships with trusted vendors.
  • Oversaw facility renovations, ensuring cost savings and adherence to local building codes.
  • Managed vendor relationships for cost-effective services, ensuring quality and timely completion of projects.
  • Created sustainable improvement initiatives for efficient use of energy.
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment that promoted professional growth.
  • Oversaw finances and made recommendations to reach or exceed budget in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Implemented waste reduction initiatives by introducing recycling programs and partnering with environmentally responsible vendors.
  • Controlled expenses to meet budget requirements.
  • Responded to building emergencies and managed repairs.
  • Coordinated with vendors and contractors to arrange services and repairs to be completed on time and to desired quality levels.
  • Tracked and documented operational and financial records to perform analysis of performance and costs.

Security

  • Enhanced overall security by conducting comprehensive risk assessments and implementing security plans.
  • Kept team compliant with security protocols and appearance standards.
  • Led regular audits of physical security measures, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
  • Developed comprehensive emergency response plans to minimize business disruptions during crises situations.
  • Moved around different security stations and vital areas to check on officers and adjust workflow to cover changing needs.
  • Oversaw contract negotiations, budget implementation, disciplinary reviews, training and manpower work schedules.
  • Liaise with global security team for ISP evacuation and regional security issues.
  • Support other regions security operations when needed.

Parts Quality Manager

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
11.2013 - 01.2015
  • Provided training to employees on best practices in quality management, fostering culture of excellence within the organization.
  • Managed and archived quality documentation and participated in internal and external quality audits.
  • Updated quality control standards, methods, and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
  • Improved quality processes for increased efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Conducted thorough audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance consistently.
  • Inspected inbound and outbound products for compliance with established industry standards, company policies, and procedures.

Warehouse Supervisor

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
10.2010 - 07.2012
  • Supervised shipping and receiving, distribution and workplace safety.
  • Supervised warehouse operations by managing 25-30 employees during shifts.
  • Supervised warehouse 25 material handling equipment correctly to move loads.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the warehouse team, encouraging innovative ideas and engaging them in outdoor activities and birthday celebrations.
  • Implemented strict quality control measures, reducing product damage and increasing customer satisfaction levels.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for warehouse staff, providing constructive feedback and implementing professional development plans.
  • Assessed staffing needs based on workload demands and made appropriate hiring decisions to maintain optimal productivity levels.

Claims Coordinator

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
11.2006 - 02.2009
  • Conducted root cause analyses on recurring defects leading to long-lasting solutions and increased customer satisfaction.
  • Reduced customer complaints by addressing root causes of quality issues and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Evaluated quality problems and performed assessments to identify and resolve issues.
  • Conducted thorough audits to ensure adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance consistently.

Logistics Coordinator

Marina Furniture LLC
Dubai
2003.11 - 2006.06
  • Tracked orders and notified customers of status or potential delays.
  • Collaborated with sales and customer service teams to address client concerns and expedite orders when necessary.
  • Coordinated shipping requests for expedited delivery and documented accurately to achieve correct billing.
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency by optimizing shipping schedules and routes.
  • Optimized transportation strategies by analyzing route performance data and adjusting plans accordingly.
  • Liaised with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations.

Education

MBA - HR, Marketing, Finance

Bharathiar University
India
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce

Mahatma Ghandi University
India
04.2001 -

Skills

Result Oriented

Timeline

Country Health, Safety, Security & Sustainable Wor

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
11.2015 - Current

Parts Quality Manager

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
11.2013 - 01.2015

Warehouse Supervisor

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
10.2010 - 07.2012

Claims Coordinator

General Motors Africa & Middle East, FZE
11.2006 - 02.2009

Logistics Coordinator

Marina Furniture LLC
2003.11 - 2006.06

MBA - HR, Marketing, Finance

Bharathiar University
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce

Mahatma Ghandi University
04.2001 -
Varghese TharakanCountry Health, Safety, Security & Sustainable Workplaces Manager