Paresh Shah
City/State of Residence: Keller, Texas
Job Title: Senior Manager of Operations
Company: Zebra Technologies
Years with Company: 3.5
Industry of Your Company: Zebra’s solutions incorporate mobile computing, barcode scanning, RFID, thermal printing, plus location, temperature and motion sensing technologies to elevate the shopping experience, track and manage inventory as well as improve supply chain efficiency and patient care.
Training / Education: Focused in economics and statistics
What made you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?
My career began in a distribution center at an early age. I was always curious about what went on behind the scenes to create a product, and how that product ultimately made it into the hands of a customer or end user. I also believed it would be great career path because of learning opportunities at every stage.
What does your job entail?
My job entails managing and planning all aspects of distribution center operations including receiving, storing and execution of orders. There is lot more involved in the overall aspect of execution, which covers capacity management, inventory accuracy, customer compliance, KPIs and delivered quality. Most importantly, my job requires me to have a finger on the pulse at all the times. There are no dull moments.
What is the most interesting part of your job? Your proudest moment?
I would say the most interesting part of my job is collaborating with teams from various business units internally like finance, sales or supply chain & operations, and also with third-party providers and customers. There are continuous opportunities to bring about change. I also find mentoring and coaching very interesting, and enjoy seeing the results of these relationships.
My proudest moment is seeing my team succeed. Every quarter end brings a unique opportunity to showcase patience, persistence and agility. We come together as a team and we see success taking shape. There are long and tiring days; however, there is great pride in seeing the results of our efforts.
What do you love about manufacturing?
What I love about manufacturing is that it requires quick, outside-the-box thinking. You have to take risks, and even though you may not succeed, you will always learn something. It is also important to take such risks, as it could bring a new edge to your products and processes.
What advice would you give to kids considering a job in manufacturing?
It is an industry filled with opportunities and exposure to a global community – it requires constant change, risk-taking, and an ability to think quickly. The field provides ample opportunity to discover and implement new ideas – it’s not just about procurement and shipments. It is about innovation, creativity and positive impact.
