Walter Powell
HEWITT
Summary
Dynamic operations leader with a proven track record at Allergan/AbbVie, excelling in compliance management and staff development. Expert in Lean manufacturing, I drive performance improvements and foster team engagement, achieving significant operational efficiencies while enhancing training programs to elevate employee productivity and morale.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager - Operations Compounding department
Allergan/AbbVie
Waco
11.2023 - Current
- Work with Manufacturing Quality to resolve issues, gather information and determine if exception reports / investigations are required.
- Work with the Filling areas to ensure that all information is shared real-time, and schedule adherence is met.
- Conduct batch record reviews implement corrective/preventive actions and ensure effectiveness of these actions.
- Responsible for GMP compliance within the work area.
- Exercise leadership, diplomacy and critical thinking skills when coordinating and working with all levels of employees.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
Manager - Training and Quality
Allergan/AbbVie
Waco
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Developing and Maintaining the Site Training Strategy to be aligned with corporate guidance and compliant with regulatory requirements.
- Consulting with managers to develop appropriate training requirements for each position and deploying methods for on-the-job training and internal certifications where they are needed.
- Determining appropriate metrics to measure the effectiveness of the training process and to ensure that knowledge is transferred effectively as well as ensuring the currency and compliance of training activities for all personnel.
- Participating in external and internal audits as a Training Subject Matter Expert.
- Developing and deploying content in the LMS to support the business needs of the site including SOP quizzes and e-learning modules.
- Developing and delivering stand-up training for new employees and existing employees as required.
- Managing the Qualified Trainer program for the Waco Facility including delivering train-the-trainer sessions.
- Acting as the Administrator for the Waco site for the Learning Management System (LMS) which includes creation of items, assignment and tracking of training, and generating metrics related to training for site management, as well as training users and lower-level Administrators on use of the system.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training program to increase employee productivity and morale.
- Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organizational goals and objectives.
- Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
- Responsible for the coordination of all Learning and Training administrative tasks, including but not limited to onboarding/offboarding, classroom moderation, communication, and marketing of training materials.
- Support new hire training logistics to ensure an effective onboarding process. Facilitate periodically.
- Manage employee training files and training matrix to maintain compliance standards.
- Provide administrative support for the learning management system (LMS) to ensure accuracy and completion of employee learning requirements.
- Perform training administration responsibilities, including assignment of training to employees, assist with enhancements to the system, and provide technological support to end users.
- Founding Board member of BFW 2019- Current
- Vitality Chair for Waco site 2021-present
- AbbVie Ascend Program -2022
Production Supervisor Packaging
Allergan/AbbVie
Waco
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Ensures all necessary components / resources are available and capable of meeting production packaging schedules and established quality standards and goals.
- Supervise the daily activities of employees by providing training, direction, guidance, counseling or disciplinary action when necessary, and, in conjunction with HR, makes decisions regarding personnel actions (hiring, termination, promotions, etc.)
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Assist Allergan in achieving environmental, health, and safety goals by working safely and observing all general plant and department safety policies.
- Perform all assigned duties according to departmental SOP's and cGMP's.
- Remain current on proper procedures by reviewing current, revised, and new SOP's relating to the job and to the department.
- Complete and remain current with all required cGMP and safety training.
- Perform tasks as required to support the production / packaging of products to provide on-time delivery to customers.
- Assist daily production in operating and monitoring technical, computerized, packaging / plastics machinery, ensuring quality standards are maintained.
- Responsible for Multi Dose Unit Dose Medical Assemble and Gel department.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed a team of 85+ production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Coordinated with other departments to maintain smooth and efficient product flow.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
- Evaluated existing production processes and identified areas for improvement.
- Set and enforced performance-oriented production approach, significantly increasing worker output and reducing safety incidents.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment performance, reviewing materials supplies, and organizing workforce.
- Achieved on-time shipments goal by empowering employees to continue success.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce production costs while maintaining high quality standards.
- Reviewed customer feedback and developed strategies to improve product quality.
- Supervised ongoing daily production phases.
Production Supervisor/Manager Compounding Sterilization
Pfizer / Hospira
Austin
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Manage the formulation of parenteral solutions through production oversight and employee supervision.
- Work with Manufacturing Quality to resolve issues, gather information and determine if exception reports / investigations are required.
- Work with the Filling areas to ensure that all information is shared real-time, and schedule adherence is met.
- Conduct batch record reviews implement corrective/preventive actions and ensure effectiveness of these actions.
- Responsible for GMP compliance within the work area.
- Exercise leadership, diplomacy and critical thinking skills when coordinating and working with all levels of employees.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
Production Manager
TYSON FOODS
Temperanceville
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Responsible for the total operation of the First Process / Receiving business unit.
- Responsible for the efficient and safe manufacturing of quality products in a manner that is consistent with company policies and procedures.
- Monitoring records for attendance, payroll, production, safety and ergonomics, monitoring and promoting new ideas and encouraging the development of ideas from team members.
- Overseeing the daily operation of their assigned area of responsibility and analyzing non-routine problems and offering recommendations for solutions to the Plant Manager.
- Ensure compliance with USDA, Federal and State Regulations.
- Responsible for but not limited to meeting safety, KPI, production yields, and quality goals, Team Member relations, turnover and absenteeism, discipline, payroll, staffing, and all production line efficiency.
- Analyzes variances and implements action plans to meet plant cost.
- Identify and lead initiatives to continuously improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs.
- Manages area that produces 1.5 million birds per week.
- Conduct Annual work appraisals for hourly and salary employees.
- Accountable for driving LEAN initiatives and meeting all quality and overall equipment efficiency objectives.
- Train and certify production personnel in SOP's and GMP's.
- Utilizes problem solving techniques, teamwork building strategies, process control, and continuous process improvement Tools to meet or exceed the facility key operating statistics.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and design specifications.
- Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
- Managed continuous improvement initiatives to drive gains in quality, flow, and output.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Estimated labor requirements to support anticipated workload.
- Partnered with leadership on recruiting, hiring and coaching production personnel.
- Delivered direct feedback to senior management regarding project visibility and status.
- Reviewed maintenance and repair problems to determine appropriate action for resolution.
- Monitored team budgets to keep projects on task and avoid waste.
- Studied department operations to assist with the development of new or improved methods of tooling and production processes.
- Wrote and conducted formal performance reviews for production personnel.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocking schedules to avoid production delays from unavailable materials.
- Coordinated with other departments to align production with customer requirements.
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote a safe working environment.
Shift Supervisor Terminal Sterilization Aseptic filling
HOSPIRA
Rocky Mount
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Planning the effective use of labor and materials, ensuring quality/production standards are met, and leading teams on special projects associated with the assigned area of responsibility.
- Interface with other plant disciplines and support groups to ensure proper coordination on directing maximum effort in resolving quality and manufacturing issues.
- Managing role provides an opportunity to demonstrate supervisory talents over multiple areas of the production process and provide leadership to area supervisors.
- Responsibilities include but are not limited to manufacturing, filling, inspection, packaging, assembly, and storing or handling of in-process products.
- Exercise leadership, diplomacy, and critical thinking skills when coordinating and working with all levels of employees.
- Demonstrates ability to anticipate and resolve problems with minimum negative impact on production quality, quantity, and cost.
- Identify and lead initiatives to continuously improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs.
- Manages area that produces 1.5 million units of terminal sterilized drugs.
- Manage production operators and technicians on high output pharmaceutical filling lines.
- Accountable for driving LEAN initiatives and meeting all quality and overall equipment efficiency objectives.
- Train and certify production personnel in SOP's and GMP's.
- Enforce FDA and DEA directives and monitor and analyze labor and material usage variances.
- Assist in coordinating functions of internal QA organization, internal departments, and multiple levels of management to resolve pertinent issues.
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Completed store opening and closing procedures and balanced tills.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Help store management meet standards of service and quality in daily operations.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Established effective employee schedules and delegated tasks to take advantage of individual abilities and meet expected demands.
- Conducted routine inspections to check quality and compliance with established specifications.
- Built performance-oriented culture with satisfied, hardworking employees by clearly highlighting employee success and developing leaders from within.
- Delivered successful training to more than seventy employees during tenure, educating on successful work processes and productivity strategies.
- Managed shift operations supplied resources and monitored team performance to keep the business profitable and running smoothly.
Production Supervisor
PERDUE FARMS
Lewiston Woodville
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Coordination of associates and production resources to ensure a smooth production flow while conforming to all Perdue operational and safety requirements, USDA and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.
- Supervising area and associates of 80+ in a manner which is in accordance with all company requirements on safety, quality, production, and housekeeping.
- Managing area to help obtain production, birds per man hour, and over line time goals, and other related departmental objectives.
- Help coordinate production to meet customer needs and conform to plant operational plans.
- Responsible for employee supervision to include job responsibilities, managing productivity of each worker in accordance with regulatory agency guidelines, performance reviews, compensation issues, scheduling, and complaints.
- Help develop quality improvement processes and team management skills within the area.
- Develop and train associates in the area so they may reach optimum potential.
- Provides input into termination, compensation, and promotion decisions of staff.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Managed a team of 85+ production associates, overseeing productive production processes and meeting all deadlines.
- Coordinated with other departments to maintain smooth and efficient product flow.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
- Trained staff of direct labor employees to perform assembly and manufacture of specified products.
- Set and enforced performance-oriented production approach, significantly increasing worker output and reducing safety incidents.
- Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment performance, reviewing materials supplies, and organizing workforce.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce production costs while maintaining high quality standards.
- Reviewed customer feedback and developed strategies to improve product quality.
- Troubleshot equipment to reduce service calls and downtime.
- Keep accurate and detailed records of personnel progress and productivity.
- Monitored daily and weekly key performance indicators to maintain on-track status.
Education
BACHELOR of ARTS - Business Management and Operations
SHAW UNIVERSITY
Raleigh, NC04-2007
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Edgewater High School
Orlando, FL01.2002
Skills
- Solutions-Oriented Leader
- Rapid and Adaptive Innovator
- Effective Communicator
- Skilled Collaborator
- Compliance and Training Management
- Staff Training & Development
- Organizational Skills
- Aseptic Processing/ Filling
- OpenX /Lean
- Project Management
- Data Management
- Strategic Business Planning
- Track & Trace
- SAP
- LMS
- Leadership Training and Development
- Analytical problem solving and resolution skills
- Root cause analysis
- ELMS/ Compliance Wire Administrator
- Learning Strategies
- Daily Schedule Creation
- Maintaining Clean Work Areas
- Course Development
- Employee Testing
- Manager Coaching and Training
- Employee Performance Reviews
- Program Management
- Standard Operating Procedures Proficient
- Staff Development Plans
- New Hire Onboarding
- Learning Outcomes Tracking
- Business Administration
- Remote Employee Training
- Workflow Process Improvement
- Sales Leadership Development
- Standards Compliance
- Corporate Leadership
- Performance Metric
- Training Solutions Development
- Staff Leadership
- Team Development Strategies
- Build Training Manuals
- Safe Food Handling Practices
- Written and Oral Communications
- Supply Control
- Motivational Speaking
- Manual Writing
- Core Values Management
- Develop Training Programs
- Cross-Cultural Communications
- Training Methods
- Public Speaking
- Adult Learning Theories
- Globe leadership Training Facilitator
- Training development
- GMP compliance
- Batch record review
- Quality control
- Performance monitoring
- Lean manufacturing
- Process improvement
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Employee onboarding
- Conflict resolution
- Data analysis
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Strategic planning
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Clear communication
- Cross-functional team management
- Business administration
- Project management
- Relationship building
- Disciplinary techniques
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Task delegation
- Decision-making
- Budget control
- Innovation management
- Regulatory compliance
- Shift scheduling
- Product management
- Stakeholder management
- Business development
- Complex Problem-solving
- Change management
- Policy and procedure development
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Project planning
- Emergency response
- Workforce management
- Resource allocation
- Inventory management
- Performance management
- Verbal and written communication
- Trend analysis
- Coaching and mentoring
- Partnership development
- Safety procedures
- Staff training and development
- Operations management
- Performance evaluations
- Documentation and reporting
- Goal setting
- Expense tracking
- Risk management
- Key performance indicators
Certification
- Certified CPR, 2007-01-01, Present
- OpenX Team Led for Project Shift Change
- Enterprise, Top 5% salesperson in Southeast Region, 2008-01-01, 2010-01-01
- Advances Leadership Academy
- One Of 7 global Facilitators of Abbvie Supervise Training Program
Accomplishments
- Trained more than five hundred full time associates.
- Developed 250 advanced training courses (JSTM)
- Trained over ten hiring managers on behavioral interviewing techniques, hiring processes and onboarding.
- Supervised team of 85+ staff members.
- Initiated a task prioritization system that decreased project delays by 14 days and improved on-time delivery.
Volunteer
- Founding Board member of BFW, 2019-01-01, Current
- Vitality Chair for Waco site, 2021-01-01, Present
- AbbVie Ascend Program, 2022
Timeline
Manager - Operations Compounding department
Allergan/AbbVie
11.2023 - Current
Manager - Training and Quality
Allergan/AbbVie
01.2019 - 01.2023
Production Supervisor Packaging
Allergan/AbbVie
01.2017 - 01.2019
Production Supervisor/Manager Compounding Sterilization
Pfizer / Hospira
01.2015 - 01.2017
Production Manager
TYSON FOODS
01.2013 - 01.2014
Shift Supervisor Terminal Sterilization Aseptic filling
HOSPIRA
01.2012 - 01.2013
Production Supervisor
PERDUE FARMS
01.2010 - 01.2012
BACHELOR of ARTS - Business Management and Operations
SHAW UNIVERSITY
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Edgewater High School