Jitesh Pratap
Director Of Operational Excellence
Carina Heights
Summary
Strategic and performance-driven operations executive with 20+ years of leadership experience in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic manufacturing environments. Proven expertise in driving operational excellence across multi-site facilities while optimising cost, efficiency, compliance, and team capability. Adept in building scalable systems, leading cross-functional departments, and aligning operations with strategic business goals. Known for successfully implementing LEAN frameworks, reducing machine downtime and labour costs, and delivering board-approved capital expansions.
Professional operations leader with strong track record in optimizing processes and driving organizational efficiency. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and cross-functional team leadership. Known for fostering collaboration, adapting to change, and achieving measurable results. Proficient in project management, resource allocation, and performance analysis. Reliable and results-focused, ready to make significant impact.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2002
2002
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
TSI Pharmaceuticals
Eagle Farm, Queensland
01.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: TSI Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in contract manufacturing, specialising in the development and production of high-quality health and wellness products. With a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, including facilities in Queensland, TSI offers end-to-end solutions from research and development to commercial-scale manufacturing. The company's vertically integrated operations ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness across the supply chain, delivering a wide range of dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, and innovative delivery systems like effervescent and FZZR technology. TSI's commitment to quality is underscored by its adherence to stringent regulatory standards, including TGA and GMP compliance, and its dedication to sustainability and innovation in the health supplement industry.
- Reporting to the CEO | Oversight: Operations, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer Service, HR.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across two Queensland manufacturing facilities, overseeing full site P&L performance.
- Successfully proposed and obtained board approval for two major facility expansions to increase capacity and streamline workflow.
- Drove a 20%+ reduction in machine downtime by optimising production lines and implementing a targeted operator training program.
- Improved labour efficiency through schedule optimisation and team capability uplift, reducing staffing costs by 15%.
- Lead HR strategy and execution, including reviewing and modernising policies, performance management, hiring, training, and compliance.
- Continue to lead all safety initiatives, regulatory audits, and quality systems to ensure strict TGA and international standards compliance.
- Implement KPIs, productivity dashboards, and cross-functional collaboration structures to align team performance with corporate objectives.
- TSI Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in contract manufacturing, specialising in the development and production of high-quality health and wellness products. With a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, including facilities in Queensland, TSI offers end-to-end solutions from research and development to commercial-scale manufacturing. The company's vertically integrated operations ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness across the supply chain, delivering a wide range of dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, and innovative delivery systems like effervescent and FZZR technology. TSI's commitment to quality is underscored by its adherence to stringent regulatory standards, including TGA and GMP compliance, and its dedication to sustainability and innovation in the health supplement industry.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Standardised operational procedures across all regional locations to ensure consistency in quality and performance.
- Championed new technology adoption within the region to enhance operational capabilities and improve overall efficiency levels.
SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
TSI Pharmaceuticals
Eagle Farm, Queensland
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Company Overview: TSI Pharmaceuticals is an industry leader in providing contract manufacturing solutions. Dealing with pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic materials including contract manufacturing and packing this is global with over 500 dedicated employees working in facilities in North America, Europe and Asia including 2 sites in Queensland.
- Reports to the General Manager with responsibility for production lines which consists of TGA solid dose filling rooms/ packing rooms, Warehouse, Supply Chain, Planning and Customer Service.
- Directed production and plant management strategies to reduce costs, improve quality and increase safety, whilst serving as subject matter advisor.
- Directed operations for TGA-compliant solid dose filling and packaging rooms, warehousing, planning, and customer service teams.
- Served as ERP Administrator for Pronto, enhancing reporting and operational responsiveness.
- Championed workplace safety culture through rigorous audits, OHS compliance, and employee induction programs.
- Led a team of 40+, with tailored training programs to upskill and improve cross-functional flexibility.
- TSI Pharmaceuticals is an industry leader in providing contract manufacturing solutions. Dealing with pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic materials including contract manufacturing and packing this is global with over 500 dedicated employees working in facilities in North America, Europe and Asia including 2 sites in Queensland.
- Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
- Implemented data-driven decision making to inform business strategies and drive operational excellence.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with the implementation of effective communication channels and timely resolution of issues.
- Oversaw workforce management planning, volume predictions and capacity planning.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Priestley’s Gourmet Delights
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: Priestley’s Gourmet Delights started just 24 years ago in a 75 square metre bakery in the Brisbane suburb of Milton and today operates out of a 4600 sqm purpose-built facility in Morningside with over 200 staff. Recipes have been developed to perfect the art of producing frozen cakes and desserts for nationwide distribution. Priestley’s creates the most comprehensive range of delicious desserts for all of Australia to enjoy, including gluten-free products. HACCP and FSSC22000 certifications are testimony to the quality of operations.
- Reports to the Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for production lines which consist of 7 blenders, sonic cutting machines, enrobing and decorating lines, flow wrappers and packing.
- Directed production and plant management strategies to reduce costs, improve quality and increase safety, whilst serving as subject matter advisor and consultant to the Chief Operating Officer.
- Oversaw high-volume dessert manufacturing operations with 200+ staff and a complex machinery ecosystem including blenders, enrobers, and flow wrappers.
- Set KPIs for production, and utilised MRP software as a primary tool for monitoring, analysing and reporting performance to schedule of production activities.
- Coordinated with managers and production to sequence manufacturing, and actively manage the production schedule.
- Increased production output through improved scheduling and training of the team.
- Maintained the plant asset management strategy inclusive of preventative maintenance.
- Assisted in planning and directing operations to achieve objectives for safety, quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction and maintaining the plant safety plans and policies.
- Established a performance-driven team of 200+ staff, whilst continuously developing departmental training programs to maximise plant performance and upskill staff.
- Worked with the business on leading opportunities to on root cause analysis to reduce error rates through a more efficient QA framework.
- Assured uniform compliance with Good Manufacturing Procedures and Quality Assurance Policies and goals assigned to associates.
- Review and approve all operational invoices and ensure they are submitted for payment.
- Priestley’s Gourmet Delights started just 24 years ago in a 75 square metre bakery in the Brisbane suburb of Milton and today operates out of a 4600 sqm purpose-built facility in Morningside with over 200 staff. Recipes have been developed to perfect the art of producing frozen cakes and desserts for nationwide distribution. Priestley’s creates the most comprehensive range of delicious desserts for all of Australia to enjoy, including gluten-free products. HACCP and FSSC22000 certifications are testimony to the quality of operations.
PRODUCTION PLANNER/ PLANT MANAGER
TSI Pharmaceuticals
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Company Overview: TSI Pharmaceuticals is an industry leader in providing contract manufacturing solutions. Dealing with pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic materials including contract manufacturing and packing this is global with over 500 dedicated employees working in facilities in North America, Europe and Asia including 2 sites in Queensland.
- Reports to the Operations Manager with responsibility for a production line that consists of 7 TGA/APVMA/Food/Cosmetic filling lines, tube filler, blending and packing rooms and Warehouse.
- Directed production and plant management strategies to reduce costs, improve quality and increase safety, whilst serving as subject matter advisor and consultant to the Operations Manager.
- Set KPIs for production, and utilised MRP software as a primary tool for monitoring, analysing and reporting performance to schedule of production activities.
- Coordinated with managers and production to sequence manufacturing, and actively manage the production schedule.
- Reduced downtime of machinery through improved preventative maintenance and plant management strategy, whilst taking ownership of the acquisition of new equipment circa $500,000.
- Led projects to recalibrate line modifications, ultimately resulting in further productivity increases.
- Also serve as Project manager on several continuous improvement initiatives.
- Reduce labour costs by implementing automation in most labour-intensive areas.
- Maintained the plant asset management strategy inclusive of preventative maintenance.
- Embedded a LEAN-based inventory control model to reduce waste whilst aligning inventory holdings to ensure that materials are made available to meet production demands.
- Identified and resolved any quality problems, taking appropriate action including halting production, determining root cause, and initiating corrective action to prevent reoccurrence.
- Enforced a zero harm and safety-first culture, leading ongoing audits and managing OHS policies to ensure correct compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed induction systems for employees on OHS.
- Governed regulatory requirements to meet APVMA, TGA, HACCP and ISO compliance.
- Established a performance-driven team of 40+ staff, whilst continuously developing departmental training programs to maximise plant performance and upskill staff.
- TSI Pharmaceuticals is an industry leader in providing contract manufacturing solutions. Dealing with pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic materials including contract manufacturing and packing this is global with over 500 dedicated employees working in facilities in North America, Europe and Asia including 2 sites in Queensland.
TEAM LEADER
Kerry Ingredients
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Company Overview: Kerry supplies over 9,000 foods, food ingredients and flavour products to customers in more than 140 countries worldwide. The Group has manufacturing facilities in 23 different countries and sales offices in 20 other countries.
- Reports to the Supervisor with responsibility for a production line which includes 6 industrial kettles feeding 3 filling lines.
- Team leader of 36 staff including packaging line leaders, taking ownership of production targets to ensure daily deadlines and quotas are met and are being achieved utilising the most efficient method possible.
- Assisted in planning and directing operations to achieve objectives for safety, quality, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction and maintaining the plant safety plans and policies.
- Monitored production performance against KPIs and identified and enforced countermeasures where needed.
- Worked with the packaging line leaders to take greater accountability for staff.
- Assisted in reviewing production costs and product quality and assist in the modification of production and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operations.
- Enforced rigid controls for HACCP, GMP and ISO compliance.
- Oversaw employees’ professional development by providing training and establishing process improvements when areas of weakness were identified.
- Kerry supplies over 9,000 foods, food ingredients and flavour products to customers in more than 140 countries worldwide. The Group has manufacturing facilities in 23 different countries and sales offices in 20 other countries.
PRODUCT SUPPORT OFFICER/ SUPERVISOR
NPD
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Company Overview: New Products Development is an industry leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry, manufacturing and packing solid doses, tablets, capsules, and powder forms, with over 100 dedicated employees working in Eagle Farm, Queensland.
- Held responsibility for 2 granulators (300 kg each), 2 ribbon blenders (600 kg each), 3 encapsulation machines, 2 600Kg tablet coaters, 8 compression machines and 3 packaging lines.
- Conducted detailed audits to identify areas of concern and developed new action plans to increase efficiency and performance in tasks, resulting in production lines running more profitably.
- Reviewed calibrations to increase productivity so machines ran faster with less wastage, whilst further leading preventative maintenance strategies which ultimately reduced downtime of machinery.
- Created new SOPs and authored manufacturing documents.
- Worked with the business on leading opportunities to on root cause analysis to reduce error rates through a more efficient QA framework.
- Assured uniform compliance with Good Manufacturing Procedures and Quality Assurance Policies and goals assigned to associates.
- Formulated and continuously developed departmental training programs to maximize plant performance while complying with all site, corporate, local, state and federal regulations.
- Assisted/managed additional company projects/programs as assigned.
- Managed 30+ staff, providing strong leadership of all employees in a manner that supports participation in continuous improvement efforts, transparent and open communication, and a self-directed team approach.
- New Products Development is an industry leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry, manufacturing and packing solid doses, tablets, capsules, and powder forms, with over 100 dedicated employees working in Eagle Farm, Queensland.
Education
Diploma - Information Technology, Hardware, and Software
Moreton Institute of TAFE
Various - Mechanical and Electrical Courses
Moreton Institute of TAFE
Certificate IV - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Southbank Institute of Technology
Diploma - Front line Management
Southbank Institute of TAFE
Skills
- Implementation of strategic objectives
- Regional & Multi-Site Operation
- End-to-End Supply Chain & Logistics
- MRP/ERP (SAP, PRONTO)
- Management of capital investment projects
- LEAN Methods
- Reliability Management
- HR Policy & Organisational Development
- Work Scheduling
- Efficiency Improvements
Operational efficiency
Data-driven decision making
Workforce planning
Cross-functional coordination
Strategic planning and execution
Leadership training
Quality assurance
Cost control
Business management
Process improvements
Operations oversight
Process improvement
Performance analysis
Risk mitigation
Schedule oversight
Financial controls implementation
Problem-solving
Time management
Performance management
Team collaboration
Staff management
Timeline
REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
TSI Pharmaceuticals
01.2024 - Current
SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER
TSI Pharmaceuticals
01.2020 - 01.2024
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Priestley’s Gourmet Delights
01.2018 - 01.2020
PRODUCTION PLANNER/ PLANT MANAGER
TSI Pharmaceuticals
01.2014 - 01.2018
TEAM LEADER
Kerry Ingredients
01.2012 - 01.2013
PRODUCT SUPPORT OFFICER/ SUPERVISOR
NPD
01.2004 - 01.2011
Various - Mechanical and Electrical Courses
Moreton Institute of TAFE
Certificate IV - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Southbank Institute of Technology
Diploma - Front line Management
Southbank Institute of TAFE
Diploma - Information Technology, Hardware, and Software
Moreton Institute of TAFE
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