Mark Vargas
Lathrop
Summary
Production Manager with strong background in overseeing manufacturing processes and ensuring operational efficiency. Proven ability to lead teams, optimize workflows, and drive productivity in fast-paced environments. Known for strategic problem-solving, adaptability, and fostering collaborative work environments. Skilled in lean manufacturing, quality control, and resource management.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Manager, Operations
Shockwave Medical
09.2023 - Current
- Led the Shockwave Medical Production team of 5 direct production supervisors overseeing 250+ operators in an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom environment.
- Coordinates manufacturing activities with other departments, including Quality Control, Materials Management, Facilities, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality Assurance to ensure in-process and finished goods testing, sampling.
- Continuously reviews production operations and identifies opportunities to improve work processes and methods.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Oversaw quality control efforts, maintaining strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements while achieving high levels of customer satisfaction.
Senior Supervisor, IAE Manufacturing
Intuitive Surgical
09.2021 - 09.2023
- Led the Instruments and Accessories team of 40+ employees responsible for the production and assembly of the Da Vinci Multiport robot.
- Performed daily GEMBA walks by Leader Standard Work.
- Developed and executed strategy for improving the safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity (SQDIP) performance.
- Worked with the engineering team to manage multiple NPI (New Product Introduction) lines in accordance to several major project milestones.
Manager of Reagents Manufacturing
Cepheid
11.2020 - 08.2021
- Led the Reagents Manufacturing team of 50+ employees responsible for the formulation, lyophilization, and downstream manufacturing of Reagent Beads used for Cepheid’s various testing platforms.
- Maximize the performance of Value Streams by implementing and sustaining lean conversion principles to meet customer requirements.
- Report progress and vital countermeasures to achieve set goals through Daily Management walkthrough.
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
Production Manager
Silk Road Medical
08.2018 - 10.2020
- Developed, trained, and motivated production staff to meet yield and production goals consistent with Company and objectives.
- Established production and quality standards, develops budget and cost controls, and track and trend data regarding production yield and labor.
- Ensured Operator Training and Skill development programs are in place to minimize errors and ensure personnel growth.
- Responsible for developing and executing a resource plan to meet targeted production schedules and budgets.
Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations
Thermo Fisher Scientific
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Led a production team of 25 operators within the Bulk Filling and Product Labeling department.
- Supervised within the strategic priorities of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
- Optimize sequencing, setup, layout, and job execution to produce a quality product efficiently.
- Track worker performance by performing regular Gemba walks and responding to problems immediately.
Lead Manufacturing Technician IV, Formulation Operations
Baxter Healthcare Corp.
01.2009 - 08.2017
- Assisted supervisors in organizing, planning the monthly production schedule.
- Responsible for hands-on execution and completion of all the production activities while making sure that all cGMP, environmental health and safety guidelines are followed.
- Accountable in all production processes and problem solving in functional areas.
- Trained, mentored and directed other team members.
- Performed real time on the floor review of documentation i.e. batch records, calibration log sheet, oven charts, solution prep documents.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Purdue University Global
04-2025
Associate of Science Degree in Business -
Bottega University
Skills
- Aseptic Techniques
- Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Lean Manufacturing
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power Apps, Forms)
- Operations Management
- Production Planning
- Root-Cause Analysis
- Quality Control
Websites
Core Qualifications
- GMP Guidelines and Procedures
- Safety Standards/Compliance
- Lean Manufacturing Processes
- Knowledge of ISO 13485 and 21 CFR
Certification
- Internal Auditor Certification- ISO 13485:2016 and 21 CFR 820 (2018)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Sigma Six Solutions (2020)
- First Aid Certification (2024)
- CPR/AED Certification (2024)
Timeline
Production Manager, Operations
Shockwave Medical
09.2023 - Current
Senior Supervisor, IAE Manufacturing
Intuitive Surgical
09.2021 - 09.2023
Manager of Reagents Manufacturing
Cepheid
11.2020 - 08.2021
Production Manager
Silk Road Medical
08.2018 - 10.2020
Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations
Thermo Fisher Scientific
08.2017 - 08.2018
Lead Manufacturing Technician IV, Formulation Operations
Baxter Healthcare Corp.
01.2009 - 08.2017
- Internal Auditor Certification- ISO 13485:2016 and 21 CFR 820 (2018)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Sigma Six Solutions (2020)
- First Aid Certification (2024)
- CPR/AED Certification (2024)
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Purdue University Global
Associate of Science Degree in Business -
Bottega University
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