Chad Conger has worked for Perrigo for over 26 years and is based in Vermont. Find out about his varied and exciting career journey below!
How long have you worked here? Can you tell us more about your role and background? I have worked at the Vermont Infant Formula facility for 26 years with 29 years in regulated industries. I started as an intern in the Micro Lab and was hired full time on the night shift a week before I graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM). After several promotions, I transferred to another Pharmaceutical facility for three years where I managed an Audit Team. However, in 2005 I came back to the Vermont facility when it was under the name of PBM Nutritionals in Regulatory Affairs, returning to Quality Assurance in 2010. Along the way, I used tuition reimbursement to get a Master’s Degree from St. Michaels College in Administration.
What made you decide to join Perrigo? I started my internship because I needed credits to graduate from UVM and the Vermont facility had a fantastic reputation in the area. The Professor teaching my Food Microbiology class at the time was the Micro Lab Manager and I offered to work for credits. (I ended up getting paid and getting the credits). When a full-time position opened on weekend nights I jumped at the chance. My start might have been a little by chance, but I am here with Perrigo because I want to be. Every day has a different challenge!
How has your career progressed since you joined Perrigo? A career with Perrigo Company opens so many doors. I have worked in Laboratories, became a Supervisor in a Laboratory, then moved into Supplier Quality, Managing an Audit Team, Submitting Formula Filings to the FDA, and QA Compliance. When you work for a company with a global footprint like Perrigo, think about what you want to do then you can map a path to it.
What keeps you at Perrigo? The challenge of infant formula keeps me at Perrigo. From a Regulatory and Compliance perspective Infant Formula fills a unique space between food and pharmaceuticals. It is fast paced, complex, and full of new problems to solve. Just when I think I have seen it all something new comes up. I have grown my career and technical knowledge at Perrigo and don’t see it stopping.
What is your favourite part of your role? My favorite aspect of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with people across the hall and around the globe within Perrigo and with our partner companies.
What is your career highlight so far? It sounds like a cliché, and even more so because many of my peers have a similar opinion but watching the development and career progression of my team and individuals that have reported to me in the past is truly a career highlight. Relative to accomplishments, I could list things from the past, but I much prefer to think about what we are going to accomplish next and when we hit that next milestone for about a week it will be a new career highlight!
What would you say to people thinking about applying to Perrigo? Don’t wait to apply. Interviews and applications are a two-way process. In the worst case you get to learn about a great company. If you are the successful candidate, it will be a great career with very good company.
How would you describe the company culture? Fast paced, dynamic and many incredible resources.
What do you like about life at Perrigo? One of my favorite aspects of life at Perrigo is the opportunities. If you are reliable, motivated, and work hard you will be amazed at the number of Perrigo leaders that will want to help you achieve your goals within this company.
Tell us a unique fact about yourself! I am 3rd degree Tae Kwon Do black belt and I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
We are always looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our teams at Perrigo. Take your next career step today and check out our live vacancies!