Omer Alp works at our Philadelphia, PA facility in planning and operational excellence (OpEx). In this interview, he shares what a day in the life in his role looks like.
Overall, leading teams and launching impactful products that improve patient lives I would have to say is the most rewarding part of my job. Collaborating and navigating complex projects is also incredibly fulfilling.
-Omer Alp
What does a Director, Integrated Planning and OpEx do at Quotient?
In my role at Quotient Sciences, I oversee the lifecycle management of commercial drug products manufacturing, ensuring client satisfaction and on time delivery. In a typical day, I spend my time developing and analyzing strategic KPI metrics for the operations, QC/AD lab, and project management departments. This helps to improve visibility for capacity management and enables better planning.
How has your career progressed since joining Quotient Sciences?
Since joining Quotient Sciences, I've been promoted from a Senior Product Manager to a Director, and I have led Phase Il, Ill, and commercial drug projects from clinical trials to market readiness. Being in this role has allowed me to utilize my analytical, engineering, and business skills to lead cross-functional teams towards the completion of successful product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.
What experience did you have before Quotient Sciences?
My background includes roles in project management and process engineering. I have a mechanical engineering and business/program management background from Rowan University, and a leadership certificate from SineMuris Berlin. I have consistently applied this expertise to drive operational excellence. These qualifications have helped me better understand product management and strategic planning in the pharmaceutical industry. Immediately prior to joining the company, I was a Senior Project Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where I led end-to-end technology transfer projects and helped reduce project lifecycle time by 20%.
What do you enjoy most about your role? What learning or qualifications have you gained since being here?
Overall, leading teams and launching impactful products that improve patient lives I would have to say is the most rewarding part of my job. Collaborating and navigating complex projects is also incredibly fulfilling.
Since being at Quotient Sciences, I have been able to hone my skills in project management, planning, dashboard building, and Lean Six Sigma. In the pharmaceutical industry, given how dynamic it is, there is always something to learn as far as improving operational efficiency or with new technology for oral solid dose manufacturing, aseptic manufacturing, and other areas where Quotient Sciences operates.
What aspects do you find most challenging?
In the pharmaceutical industry, it is crucial to integrate functions like formulation, quality control, and supply chain management while adhering to regulatory standards. Adaptability and innovation are essential to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the industry. Effective communication and collaboration are also especially important for those working in operations so we can ensure quality, safety, and efficacy when the product is delivered to our customers–and ultimately, to patients.
What advice would you give to someone applying for a role in your team?
At Philadelphia we have a diverse team. Collaboration is a big part of what we do, and we all share a common goal of delivering solutions that advance drug development. Success in our team comes from a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. My advice to someone joining the company would be to be prepared to embrace challenges and have an open mind for continuous learning.
What do you like most about working at Quotient Sciences?
The company stands for its commitment to scientific innovation and excellence in program delivery. The supportive culture, recognition of individual contributions, and the impact of our work on patient care have made working here an exceptional place to grow my career.