SHEKHAR GAVANDE
Nashik
Summary
Strategic pharmaceutical operations leader with over 17 years in manufacturing and supply chain management. Expertise in capacity optimization, quality compliance, and risk management within regulated environments. Proven success in driving capacity expansion and productivity improvement through collaboration with cross-functional teams. Proficient in SAP systems and lean manufacturing principles, delivering sustainable business results and leading transformation projects.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Manufacturing Manager / Head of Department
GSK Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Nashik
05.2025 - Current
- Lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for Creams and Ointment production comprising high-volume pharmaceutical products in a regulated GMP environment. Accountable for production planning, capacity management, supply continuity, quality compliance, EHS performance, productivity improvement and business delivery.
- Led manufacturing operations to ensure uninterrupted product supply, schedule adherence, and achievement of business targets, contributing to overall operational reliability.
- Drove production planning and capacity optimization to align with market demand and support future growth, enhancing manufacturing readiness.
- Partner with Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, Technical Services and Finance teams to ensure business continuity and operational excellence.
- Lead daily performance governance through tier meetings, KPI reviews, escalation management and action tracking.
- Drive productivity, waste reduction, yield improvement and cost optimization initiatives resulting in sustainable business benefits.
- Led risk assessments, contingency planning and mitigation actions to minimize manufacturing and supply risks.
- Manage critical quality and compliance activities ensuring successful GMP inspections and audit readiness.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives through root cause analysis and process optimization, fostering a culture of operational excellence.
- Act as SAP superuser and drive data integrity, reporting accuracy and process standardization.
- Lead cross-functional projects including capacity expansion, process improvements, equipment upgrades and operational transformation initiatives.
- Develop leadership capability within frontline teams and foster a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement.
- Identified key business impacts that drove strategic decision-making.
- Manufacturing Capacity Expansion
- Increased vessel capacity from 1.1 MT to 1.65 MT, enhancing annual production capability from 120 million to 180 million tubes.
- T-Bact Capacity Enhancement
- Successfully increased batch size capability from 400 kg to 1100 kg, enabling significant capacity improvement, improved OEE and supply reliability.
- Cross-Contamination Risk Mitigation
- Led strategic segregation of Steroid and Non-Steroid manufacturing facilities, strengthening compliance, operational flexibility and product quality assurance.
- Implemented safety measures and operational best practices to enhance workplace efficiency.
- Developed respirator-free manufacturing operations through engineering and process improvements, enhancing employee safety and operational efficiency.
- Achieved recognition for excellence in safety and quality improvement initiatives.
- Winner of Regional Problem Solving Competition for Safety & Quality improvement.
- Recipient of IPTC Awards for operational excellence and productivity improvements.
- Proven track record in capacity planning, constraint management and supply risk mitigation.
- Strong experience in operational risk identification, escalation management and implementation of corrective actions.
- Leadership in governance meetings, KPI reviews, performance management and business reporting.
- Experience driving productivity, simplification and process improvement initiatives delivering measurable business benefits.
- Deep understanding of GMP, quality systems, audit readiness, supplier oversight and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
- Expertise in SAP-based inventory, production and quality management processes.
- Strong stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Assistant Manufacturing Manager
GSK Pharmaceuticals LTD
Nashik
07.2017 - 04.2025
- Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing processes and workflows.: Have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and workflows. This includes familiarity with production scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control procedures.
- Led production teams by supervising, assigning tasks, and providing guidance to achieve production targets. I have also been involved in training new employees and fostering a positive work environment.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. This mindset of ongoing improvement is crucial for staying competitive in the manufacturing industry.
- Analyzed production challenges to identify effective solutions.: As a Manufacturing Manager, I have encountered various challenges in the production environment and developed the ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime and optimize efficiency.
- Oversaw projects focused on improving manufacturing processes, enhancing product quality, and reducing costs. This experience has helped me to develop project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of project milestones and deliverables.
- Quality Management Knowledge: In a manufacturing environment, maintaining product quality is paramount. I've gained experience in implementing quality control measures, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated communication between cross-functional teams and management.: Effective communication is essential in a managerial role. I have honed my communication skills by liaising with cross-functional teams, providing updates to senior management, and addressing employee concerns or feedback.
Senior Production Officer
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals LTD
Nashik
04.2012 - 07.2017
- Dedicated and results-driven Senior Production Officer with five years of experience in managing manufacturing operations. Proven track record of optimizing production processes, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to achieve production targets while ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Managed day-to-day manufacturing operations, optimizing production scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control to enhance operational efficiency.
- Led team of 10 production staff, guiding and supporting meet production targets while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to pinpoint process improvements and implement cost-saving initiatives.
- Conducted regular inspections and quality audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Education
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY -
PUNE UNIVERSITY
Pune, Maharashtra07-2009
Skills
- Manufacturing Operations Management
- GMP & Regulatory Compliance
- Operational Excellence (GPS / Lean Manufacturing)
- Capacity Planning & Optimization
- Cost Reduction & Productivity Improvement
- Risk Management & Mitigation
- Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Change Management
- EHS Leadership
Personal Information
Title: Operations Manager | Manufacturing Operations | GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited
LANGUAGES
Marathi- Native, Hindi/English- Advanced
Accomplishments
- Innovation, Performance, Trust and Culture Award- 2019
- Innovation, Performance, Trust and Culture Award- 2021
- Regional Problem-Solving Competition Winner- 2018
- Best Project- T-Bact Ointment Insourcing
- AMR Certification Award for 7 Antibiotics Products
Certification
- Internal Auditor Program- Occupational Health and Safety Management System. ISO 45001
- Super Users of SAP, VQMS and VQD System.
Timeline
Manufacturing Manager / Head of Department
GSK Pharmaceuticals Ltd
05.2025 - Current
Assistant Manufacturing Manager
GSK Pharmaceuticals LTD
07.2017 - 04.2025
Senior Production Officer
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals LTD
04.2012 - 07.2017
BACHELOR OF PHARMACY -
PUNE UNIVERSITY