Lars Mikkelsen
Los Angeles, CA ***** 651-***-**** **************@*****.*** LinkedIn
Manufacturing & Production Manager
Problem Solving – Organization – Quality Control
Results-driven Manufacturing & Production Manager with 18+ year track record maximizing productivity with continuous process, efficiency, and performance improvements. Creates insightful reporting to translate complex metrics and data for non-technical audiences and stakeholders. Exceptional problem solving, communication, and leadership skills with keen eye for detail. Fosters and develops teams rooted in accountability, performance, and high-quality outputs. Bilingual speaker (English & Danish). Able to work remotely, open to relocation in SW USA, and willing to travel as needed.
Key Competencies & Skills
Cost Controls & Management • Manufacturing & Machining • Production, Product & Project Management • Health & Safety • Meetings • Operations • Cross-Functional Team Leadership • Requisitions & Procurement • Process Improvement • Scheduling • Data Analysis • Training, Mentoring & Coaching • Onboarding • Writing, Reporting & Presentations • Logistics & Supply Chain • Metrics • Best Practices • Communication • Time, Priority & Budget Management
CMP • CRM • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook & Power Point) & Dynamics 365 • AS9100 • ERP • SAP • ISO 9000 & 9001 • 3PL • Keche Software • LIMS • WMS • QuickBooks • Lean Six Sigma • QAD
Professional Experience
BigScreenVR, Los Angeles, CA 08/2023 – Present
Production Operator: Directed team of 4 highly skilled technicians in executing complex additive manufacturing and production operations. Oversee full-cycle talent management, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations. Develop and implement streamlined production workflows to ensure seamless coordination between manufacturing, quality control, inventory, and shipping. Monitor key production metrics to identify inefficiencies and drive continuous process improvements. Maintain compliance with safety, quality, and production standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery and optimal resource utilization.
Key Competencies: Automation, Process Improvement, Data Analysis & Management, Best Practices
Scaled production from 10 units to 5K weekly by automating and optimizing processes
●Analyzed existing production workflows to pinpoint inefficiencies limiting output and created solutions
●Designed and deployed automated processes to streamline manufacturing and reduce reliance on manual labor
●Developed scalable and repeatable procedures to ensure consistent quality and efficient scaling of operations
Key Competencies: Manufacturing, Project & Product Management, Efficiency, Adaptability, Quality Control
Reduced additive manufacturing costs 27% by enhancing efficiency and improving product quality
●Defined strategic direction and goals to implement improvements and establish KPIs
●Streamlined workflows and reduced redundancies to decrease production time while maintaining quality
●Implemented rigorous quality checks through all production stages to ensure consistent output
Atlas Genomics LLC, Los Angeles, CA 02/2021 – 07/2022
Laboratory Manager: Managed end-to-end operations of both on-site and remote COVID-19 testing laboratories services for entertainment industry clients. Oversaw daily workflows, resource allocation, and staff scheduling to maintain optimal productivity under strict deadlines. Utilized CRM systems to monitor and control inventory, accurately forecast material usage, and proactively mitigate supply shortages. Ensured rigorous adherence to industry best practices, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements to maintain compliant and safe working environment. Led cross-functional coordination between laboratory teams, clients, and vendors to deliver reliable, high-quality services.
Key Competencies: Cost Savings & Management, Creativity, Leadership, Problem Solving, Data Analysis
Decreased costs 22% by augmenting in-house production with 3D-printer for essential equipment and supplies
●Performed analysis of recurring expenses to determine internal production items
●Procured and set up 3D printer to enable in-house production of specific materials
●Established workflows for utilizing 3D-printer to ensure high-quality and consistent output
Key Competencies: Supply Chain & Inventory Management, Workflow, Lean, Six Sigma, Agile Methodologies
Ensured inventory availability and continuity during COVID-19 with optimized procurement and inventory workflows
●Utilized CRM software to track daily product levels, forecast usage, and anticipate potential shortages
●Built relationships to establish network of reliable vendors to source critical materials
●Leveraged agile methodologies to quickly address supply chain disruptions and secure alternative sources
Henrik Gram’s Konditori, Los Angeles, CA 09/2019 – 02/2021
Operations Manager: Combined financial expertise, effective inventory management, and strong team leadership to drive performance and maintain high standards in fast-paced environment. Ensured smooth business functions and accurate financial tracking. Collaborated with vendors to source high-quality ingredients and manage costs effectively.
AXIA Pharmaceutical, Los Angeles, CA 02/2018 – 07/2019
Laboratory Manager: Supervised and coordinated all aspects of sterile vial procurement and manufacturing. Managed complex workflow encompassing inventory management, quality control, and compliance with FDA regulations. Navigated in-house testing of materials prior to shipment to maintain high-quality standards and minimize product defects. Prepared and maintained detailed documentation to support regulatory audits and inspections.
Key Competencies: Leadership, Vision, Cost Management, Efficiency, Manufacturing, Operations, Procurement
Improved cost management and supply chain logistics by maintaining consistent production timelines
●Coordinated procurement, production scheduling, and batch record manufacturing to exceed benchmarks
●Implemented quality control measures to ensure vials met strict requirements
●Conducted FDA-mandated tasks in cleanroom environment to adhere to rigorous regulatory standards
Other Relevant Experience
Floor & Decor, Woodlands, CA Operations Manager 2015 - 2018
Customer Service Supervisor 2015 - 2016
American Red Cross, Minneapolis, MN Production Supervisor 2008 - 2015 Team Lead 2006 - 2008
Collections Technician II 2002 - 2006
Education & Certificates
Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen, Denmark – Bachelor of Science, Accounting
FDA – Regulatory Compliance, Pharmaceuticals cGMP
OSHA & Quality Assurance