PATRICK A. CHO
San Francisco Bay Area
Summary
Operations and manufacturing leader with over 14 years of experience in driving GMP-regulated pharmaceutical and life sciences operations, specializing in technology transfer and commercial manufacturing. Demonstrated expertise in delivering compliant, high-quality manufacturing execution within complex, client-driven environments. Proficient in overseeing comprehensive manufacturing operations, including production, manufacturing support, and quality systems management (deviations, CAPA, change control), while ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration across Quality, Supply Chain, and Process Development. Strong foundation in P&L ownership and operational scaling complements a proven track record of leading multi-layered teams in dynamic, growth-oriented organizations.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Site Manager
VWR International, Part of Avantor
07.2023 - Current
- Directed a multi-layered organization of supervisors and 26 associates supporting GMP manufacturing operations, production support, and lab services within a biopharmaceutical client environment
- Owned end-to-end operational execution including material flow, staffing, production readiness, and alignment to GMP, safety, and quality requirements
- Acted as primary manufacturing interface for client stakeholders, managing escalations, service delivery, and performance against SLAs and KPIs
- Managed site-level P&L, driving cost control, operational efficiency, and revenue growth
- Partnered cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to ensure readiness for GMP production campaigns
- Implemented standardized workflows and visual management to improve execution consistency and operational efficiency
- Built and developed supervisors and frontline teams, driving performance, accountability, and succession planning
GMP Manufacturing Manager
LGC Biosearch Technologies
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Led end-to-end GMP manufacturing operations, overseeing production from raw material sourcing through final release and shipment in a regulated environment
- Supported technology transfer and process scale-up from development into manufacturing, ensuring process robustness and GMP compliance
- Partnered with Quality to ensure audit readiness and execution of quality systems including deviations, CAPAs, and change control
- Directed supervisors and manufacturing teams, driving execution through KPIs including on-time delivery, right-first-time performance, and deviation reduction
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Process Development, Planning, Quality Control, and Supply Chain to enable seamless manufacturing execution
- Developed capacity planning and inventory strategies to improve throughput, reduce lead times, and optimize manufacturing efficiency
- Supported client and regulatory audits, serving as a key manufacturing representative during inspections and customer interactions
Operations Manager
SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions (now Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions)
04.2017 - 09.2021
- Managed full plant operations including production, maintenance, logistics, and compliance within a regulated chemical manufacturing environment
- Owned operating budget, CapEx planning, and cost control initiatives to drive plant performance and operational efficiency
- Led cross-functional coordination across Quality, Supply Chain, EH&S, and Maintenance to ensure consistent production execution and compliance
- Led internal and external audits, supporting inspection readiness and regulatory compliance execution
- Implemented Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, throughput, and operational reliability
- Developed and managed operations teams including operators, mechanics, and logistics personnel
Chemical Plant Supervisor
AMPAC Fine Chemicals
04.2012 - 04.2017
- Supervised day-to-day GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
- Led production teams to meet schedule and performance targets in a regulated environment
- Coordinated with QA, QC, engineering, and R&D to support successful manufacturing execution
Process Controls Engineer
AMPAC Fine Chemicals
- Designed and implemented control systems (PLC, SCADA) to improve process safety, automation, and reliability
- Developed validation documentation (URS, FAT/SAT, system design) to support GMP compliance
Process Engineer
AMPAC Fine Chemicals
- Supported pharmaceutical manufacturing through troubleshooting, process optimization, and equipment improvements
- Collaborated cross-functionally to improve efficiency and reduce production downtime
Education
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of California
DavisSkills
- End-to-End GMP Manufacturing (API/Drug Products/Life Sciences)
- Manufacturing Support (Material Flow, Equipment Readiness, Logistics)
- Technology Transfer & Process Scale-Up
- Quality Systems: Deviations, CAPA, Change Control
- Regulatory Inspections & Audit Readiness (FDA, ISO)
- Cross-Functional Leadership (MSAT, QA/QC, Supply Chain, Engineering)
- Client-Facing Manufacturing Execution & Delivery
- P&L Ownership, Capacity Planning & Resource Allocation
- Business Systems and Continuous Improvement (Lean, KPI-Driven Execution)
Timeline
Site Manager
VWR International, Part of Avantor
07.2023 - Current
GMP Manufacturing Manager
LGC Biosearch Technologies
09.2021 - 01.2023
Operations Manager
SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions (now Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions)
04.2017 - 09.2021
Chemical Plant Supervisor
AMPAC Fine Chemicals
04.2012 - 04.2017
Process Controls Engineer
AMPAC Fine Chemicals
Process Engineer
AMPAC Fine Chemicals
Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering
University of California