GÖKHAN AYGÜN

Summary

Results-driven managing and process technologies director with a strong focus on planning, directing, and maintaining seamless operations across multiple departments. Demonstrated expertise in effectively leading manufacturing teams to ensure efficient production aligned with rigorous quality standards. Known for applying a creative and analytical approach to drive continuous process improvement and optimize investments. Proven ability to identify and anticipate challenges, offering innovative solutions to drive success. Adept at mentoring, training, and empowering teams to excel in performance, fostering a culture of excellence.

Overview

16

years of professional experience

13

years of post-secondary education

Work History

MANAGING AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES DIRECTOR

Sunar Yatırım A.Ş.

10.2023 - Current

By monitoring trends, market and demands; Determining investment proposals that will guide company strategy in short, medium and long term like 3-5-10 years.
Becomes part of more than 20 business decisions, Operational Expenses and Capital Expenses, recruitment, procurement etc.
In new investments; Leads determination of new product / technology / equipment ideas, process and cost-effective solutions, and creation of technology strategy that will support group's growth, create new revenues and support horizontal and vertical integration
Conducts and manages domestic/international research, analysis, networking and trial activities to bring new technologies to company that will support growth of companies within group
Periodically reviews business and operational results with reporting managers and identifies bottlenecks in operational processes
Provides guidance to business unit managers for resolution.
Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
Implemented useful inventory management and tracking systems to reduce costs and improve operations.
Mentored emerging leaders within organization, fostering professional growth and development opportunities for team members.
Increased %15 capacity utilization by identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions that optimized workflows.
Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth
Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale
Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices
Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations
Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability
Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations
Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations
Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within organization

RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sunar Yatırım A.Ş.

12.2013 - 10.2023

Managed 30 new product development project which creates added value
Managed 15 publicly funded national and international research and development projects
Support high performance innovation projects by performing experiments, chemical analysis or measuring process data on laboratory, benchtop or pilot plant trials
Create fast and accurate solutions to customers new expectations about products
To perform moderately complex technical research with focus on engineering of high performance innovations for new or existing processes and products and provide guidance to product lines
Analyze process capability and cost performance to identify opportunities for improvement
Coordinating new product trials with plant and aligning these trials with operating conditions
Provided technical support to sales department in face to face interviews with customers, especially in new developed products
To manage prescribing, costing and routing studies of newly developed products which are changed in process route and made cost improvement
To conduct literature reviews related to relevant investment, to provide process and supplier recommendations, to conduct pilot trials on targeted final product, to coordinate process and project teams.
Following investment incentives and grants and ensuring that relevant incentives are used. Took incentives for 7 project.
Enhanced product development processes by streamlining workflows and improving communication between departments.
Conducted market research to understand customer needs and identify potential opportunities.
Spearheaded initiatives to adopt cutting-edge tools and technologies within the R&D department, increasing overall efficiency and collaboration among team members.
Managed the development of more than 3 new products each year.
Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth opportunities while increasing overall team productivity
Improved internal collaboration between departments such as engineering, design, manufacturing, marketing using effective communication strategies
Evaluated competitor offerings, gathering insights to inform future product enhancements and maintain a competitive edge
Coordinated with suppliers and vendors to negotiate contracts, ensuring cost-effective sourcing for materials and components
Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products, resulting in strong stakeholder satisfaction
Reviewed product development budgets, expenditures and research
Distinguished product issues and gathered information on customer experiences
Increased customer satisfaction with product quality by implementing rigorous testing protocols and addressing issues promptly
Enhanced product development processes by streamlining workflows and improving communication between departments
Conducted market research to understand customer needs and identify potential opportunities
Created product roadmaps to help guide product development processes and align with overall business goals
Directed concept design, feature definitions and production support

PLANT OPERATIONS ENGINEER

SASA Polyester San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.

04.2010 - 12.2013

Being responsible from production of specialty of polymers and chemicals like PBAT, PBT, PET's and D.O.T.P
Design and supervise projects of newest line of polymer plant
Provided support to regions/plants in Industrial Group for productivity/process improvement strategies and plans, and help implement assigned initiatives
Being responsible from cost control, cost reduction and process optimization
Analyzed process entitlement and cost performance to identify improvement opportunities
Demonstrated good working knowledge of 6 Sigma tools to improve productivity, lower costs and reduce scrap
Assisted in plant flow assessment and alternatives comparison, and acquires experience using layout tools
Worked with plant employees to establish standard work instructions and control plans, for respective projects and events, to ensure long-term sustainable improvements.
Improved plant efficiency by implementing innovative engineering solutions and optimizing operational processes.
Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback designed to foster skill development and job satisfaction.
Enhanced production quality by developing and enforcing strict manufacturing standards and protocols.
Achieved successful project outcomes by maintaining accurate documentation and meeting strict deadlines
Established strong working relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills, fostering trust and collaboration
Provided input to team lead regarding areas for process and procedural improvement
Presented technical findings to stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding of project status and goals
Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements
Optimized engineering processes by implementing innovative solutions and streamlining workflow
Enhanced product performance by conducting thorough failure analysis and recommending improvements
Developed positive working relationships with stakeholders to effectively coordinate work activities
Reduced project completion time with efficient resource allocation and effective communication strategies

QUALITY CONTROL CHIEF

02.2009 - 04.2010

To help assist people who make the product with right quality of analysis so that the problem can be attended before this become a big problem
Samples management (end to end)
Constant communication to people each time we have some complaints/feedback from within or from customer with regard to overall quality of product and services
Audit of quality assurance system so that the repeatability with regard to product and packing quality can be attained
Verification of input materials
Education and development of people who control/assure quality.

Education

Ph.D. - Engineering Technology

Adana Science Ve Technolgy University, Adana

01.2021 - 01.2025

M.D. - Engineering Technology

Adana Science Ve Technolgy University, Adana

01.2019 - 04.2021

M.D. - Business Administration And Management

Cukurova University, Adana

01.2011 - 04.2013

Chemical Engineering (Bachelor Deg.) - Chemical Engineering

Gazi University, Ankara

01.2004 - 04.2008

Skills

Possess 15 years of professional experience on process design, innovation, and product development fields

Project Management

Operations Management

Team Management

Project Coordination

Business Development

Creativity and Innovation

Well knowledge of project management and process improvement

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical, scientific, and legal documents

Ability to respond to common complaints/inquiries

Well knowledge of setting and managing budgets

Experienced in multi-project management and decision making

Self-starter and ability to network and align with stakeholders

Good communicator and facilitator

Easy adaptable to new conditions and willing to travel

Analytical Thinking

Additional Information

Place of Birth: Adana
Date of Birth: 07/01/1986
Nationality: Turkish
Driving License: B
Marital Status: Married

Some Project Achievements

Starch based construction chemicals process design & production and product development for concrete admixtures
Sodium gluconate plant process design & production and its applications
Sugar alcohol based binders production for glasswool & rockwool
Polyols liquid & powder (Sorbitol, Maltitol, Mannitol, etc.) production and applications
Speciality of Glucose Syrups Production
Enzymes for carbohydrates processing and their applications
Maltodextrin (liquid & powder) production and its applications
Speciality polymer production such as PBAT, PBT, PET's
Thermoplastic Starch and Bioplastic compounds
Biopolymers production and compounding
Sorbitan Esters & Isosorbide production

Awards

European Business Awards - 2017 The Award for Environmental & Corporate Sustainability with Sorbitol and Maltitol Production
Stevie International Business Awards - 2020 Achievement in Product Innovation and Chemical Company of the Year with Biopolymer production
PAGEV (Plastic Research and Development Foundation of Turkey) Bioplastics Innovation Award - 2017

Languages

Turkish

Native language

English

Advanced

C1

German

Intermediate

B1

Timeline

MANAGING AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES DIRECTOR - Sunar Yatırım A.Ş.

10.2023 - Current

Adana Science Ve Technolgy University - Ph.D., Engineering Technology

01.2021 - 01.2025

Adana Science Ve Technolgy University - M.D., Engineering Technology