Karl-Erik Uibomäe
Tallinn
Summary
I am a versatile and strategic leader with extensive experience across highly technical industries, including bioprocessing, automotive, and fintech. My core expertise lies in strategic planning, product development, process optimization, and cross-functional team leadership, with a proven track record of driving innovation and business growth. I specialize in New Product Introduction (NPI), having led the full lifecycle of product launches from concept to market, optimizing processes to significantly increase efficiency and reduce costs.
My leadership style is people-first, fostering collaboration and empowering teams to excel. I have a deep understanding of product development, market strategy, and business process improvement, and I’m skilled at navigating complex challenges with innovative solutions. With experience spanning from startup entrepreneurship to managing large-scale, multi-million-euro projects in global companies, I bring a broad perspective to senior leadership roles.
As I transition into a C-level or senior leadership position, I aim to leverage my experience to drive long-term strategy, operational excellence, and market expansion. I am passionate about building innovative, scalable solutions that bring value and impact, while leading teams toward sustained success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Repligen
01.2024 - Current
- Lead full lifecycle of New Product Introductions (NPI) for advanced bioprocessing systems, including Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) and KrosFlo TFF (KTF) systems, ensuring smooth market introduction from concept to full-scale production.
- Spearhead cross-functional collaboration between engineering, production, and compliance teams to optimize product designs, enhance scalability, and ensure adherence to biopharmaceutical industry standards.
- Implement strategic process improvements, boosting production efficiency by 40% across KrosFlo RS10 and RS20 systems, significantly reducing costs and increasing output at Repligen's new production site in Estonia.
- Contribute to expanding Repligen's global market footprint, driving initiatives that support innovations in biologics manufacturing to improve human health and strengthen the company's leadership in bioprocessing industry.
LAUNCH MANAGER
AS Norma
03.2023 - 07.2024
- Promoted to lead launch initiatives for the R&D and Industrial Engineering units, managing investment studies, feasibility analysis, and personnel management across departments.
- Oversaw a team of 35+ across engineering, production, and R&D, driving the successful implementation of new automotive safety products in global markets.
- Managed large-scale industrial projects, ensuring timely execution and compliance with both company and client-specific requirements.
CO-FOUNDER / CEO
UNIPLY Systems Llc.
01.2023 - 07.2024
- Co-founded a fintech platform simplifying the mortgage application process by enabling users to submit a single application to multiple banks, reducing processing time by 3.5x.
- Led all business development, product strategy, and operations, improving user acquisition cost for banks and optimizing customer experience.
- Managed a diverse team, navigating legal, technical, and financial challenges, though the venture ultimately concluded due to capital constraints and lack of sector-specific expertise.
MANAGING PARTNER / CO-FOUNDER
Bikebox
03.2020 - 07.2024
- Co-founded a sporting goods company specializing in bicycle sales, repairs, and services, overseeing strategic planning, operations, and customer relations.
- Implemented an end-to-end service model, from customer order intake to bike repair and delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction and company growth.
- Directed marketing initiatives and operational workflows, fostering a customer-centric approach and establishing the company as a key player in the local market.
PROJECT TEAM LEADER
AS Norma
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Led cross-functional teams in the design and mass production of automotive safety components, managing multi-million-euro projects from Letter of Interest (LOI) to Start of Production (SOP).
- Directed the successful implementation of the FMP30 project, overseeing the procurement of an 800T servo press and establishing a full production line, generating over €10M annually.
- Managed a portfolio of projects, improving manufacturing processes and driving innovation in mass production, contributing significantly to departmental revenue.
- Ensured seamless coordination among engineering, procurement, and production teams to meet deadlines, quality standards, and client expectations.
MANAGEMENT BOARD MEMBER
DT Royal MTÜ
02.2016 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: DT Royal is one of the leading ballroom dance clubs in Estonia for which I was one of the founders
- My responsibilities were everything from setting up a training schedule to organizing World Grand Prixs' and Estonian championships with thousands of visitors and hundreds of competitors
- We organized events like Tallinn Open in Saku Suurhall, Kalevi spordihall, Jüri Pallihall etc
- As a former dancer myself, it was a logical thing to do but I have since resigned my duties and feel I am no longer passionate about the dancing world
- Royal is one of the leading ballroom dance clubs in Estonia for which I was one of the founders
JUNIOR PROJECT MANAGER
AS Norma
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Worked in collaboration with the senior project manager to define project goals and establish a timeline and plan to achieve them
- Got accustomed to the specific regulations/standards in the automotive industry
- Tipped my toes into multi-million euro project management
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Entrepreneurship in the Digital Era
Estonian Business School
Tallinn, Estonia10.2024
4th level degree - MIG/MAG welding
TALLINNA MEHAANIKAKOOL
02.2023
BA - Micro- and Macroeconomics
TALTECH
09.2020
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Market Strategy Development
- Product Development & New Product Introduction
- Process Optimization & Business Process Improvement
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Innovation & Problem-Solving
- Project Management
- Bioprocessing & Automotive Manufacturing Expertise
- Fintech & Materials Technology Experience
- People-First Leadership & Mentorship
- Entrepreneurship & Start-Up Management
- Regulatory Compliance & R&D Innovation Management
Languages
Estonian
Proficient
C2
English
Advanced
C1
Finnish
Intermediate
B1
Russian
Elementary
A2
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Taking online courses
- Brainstorming
- Boxing
Hobbies
I am an avid fan of being in the nature and travelling. I enjoy hiking and camping. I am also an amateur Triathlete and have recently discovered golf for myself.
Timeline
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Repligen
01.2024 - Current
LAUNCH MANAGER
AS Norma
03.2023 - 07.2024
CO-FOUNDER / CEO
UNIPLY Systems Llc.
01.2023 - 07.2024
PROJECT TEAM LEADER
AS Norma
01.2022 - 03.2023
JUNIOR PROJECT MANAGER
AS Norma
09.2021 - 01.2022
MANAGING PARTNER / CO-FOUNDER
Bikebox
03.2020 - 07.2024
MANAGEMENT BOARD MEMBER
DT Royal MTÜ
02.2016 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Entrepreneurship in the Digital Era
Estonian Business School
4th level degree - MIG/MAG welding
TALLINNA MEHAANIKAKOOL
BA - Micro- and Macroeconomics
TALTECH
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