Roberto McLean brings years of learned discipline and operational precision to his role with BioMarin. He first honed these skills during his time in the military, and notes that this laid the foundation for his current role helping ensure that BioMarin’s life-changing medicines reach patients safely and efficiently.  

“Two mottos have stayed with me since I was honorably discharged: ‘Stay alert’ and ‘Don’t fear failure,’” he says. “These principles have shaped my entire career at BioMarin.” 

Roberto, an Operational Readiness Planner in Manufacturing Operations, shared his story in our employee profile series, “The DNA of BioMarin.” The series draws inspiration from the four bases that constitute DNA – A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine) and G (guanine) – by asking employees to reflect on the role that Aspiration, Translation, Connection and Gratitude play in their everyday work.  

Learn more about Roberto’s transition from the military ranks to a leader in strategic site planning and how he built a career rooted in readiness and collaboration.  

ASPIRATION
How did you get your start in the biopharma industry? What do you aspire to accomplish through your work at BioMarin and in your career?

After graduating from high school, I knew my path to college wouldn’t follow the “normal” route. I didn’t feel ready for that next step, but I knew I needed a challenge. After conversations with a classmate who had joined the Army and my grandfather, who had served as well, I found my path. I enlisted and served in an infantry unit. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The Army gave me lifelong brothers and taught me skills that strengthened me both mentally and physically. 

Using the GI Bill, I put myself through college and entered the biotech field shortly after graduating. I started in manufacturing and then pivoted to my current role in supply chain. Both roles taught me the critical importance of each step in creating therapies that improve patients’ lives.  

At BioMarin, I work as an Operational Readiness Planner, setting the table for production to meet supply chain requirements. In this role, I lead strategic planning and develop cross-functional readiness plans across 25 teams involved in the manufacturing of our medicines. This helps ensure we are agile so that when things happen that could disrupt our processes, we can adapt to continue fulfilling our commitment to patients. 

I want to help build systems and processes that empower teams to deliver therapies with speed and precision. Over time, I aim to grow into a strategic leadership role that shapes how we prepare for and adapt to change. 

GRATITUDE
Tell us about something you’re grateful for in your career, and why.

I’m grateful to work with a team that is both highly skilled and deeply mission driven. My team’s dedication pushes me to be better every day.  

I believe team success depends on every member having the resources they need to meet their deliverables. Achieving objectives requires all of us to work together toward the same goal. I’m thankful for being part of that. 

I’m especially appreciative of BioMarin’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which reinforce the diversity and inclusivity of our workforce. Being a co-chair of our Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) brings back the pride and camaraderie I felt in the military. Connecting with other veterans and colleagues who support our community means a great deal.  

CONNECTION
What role does connection play at BioMarin?

Relationships and collaboration build the foundation for everything we do at BioMarin. When I transitioned from the military, I sought an environment where I could continue making a meaningful impact. The discipline, teamwork and operational precision I learned in the Army translated naturally into biopharma. I was drawn to BioMarin’s focus on rare conditions and the company’s commitment to improving lives.  

The relationships I’ve built here have shaped how I approach my work every day. Partnering with driven colleagues has shown me that success isn’t just about execution, but also resilience and staying focused in the face of obstacles. These relationships have also helped me grow, not just professionally, but personally as well. 

For myself, connection extends beyond my colleagues. Through ERGs like VERG, I’ve found a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion while honoring the unique experiences of veterans. 

As one of the co-chairs of VERG, my goal is to help expand the group’s visibility and engagement. My colleague Sean Fisher’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our purpose of creating an inclusive forum for veterans, military-connected individuals and anyone who wants to support us. I’m excited to build on that momentum. 

TRANSLATION
How do you hope your work will translate into impact for the patient communities BioMarin is working to support?

I hope my work leads to a real, tangible impact for the patient communities we serve. Every plan, timeline and readiness effort exists to address patient needs. My colleagues and I are committed to supporting BioMarin’s purpose by ensuring the efficient and safe delivery of treatments to those patients who are counting on us. Leading cross-functional readiness plans across multiple teams has been especially gratifying. In the military, completing the mission is always the objective. Here, the mission is to meet the needs of the patients depending on us. 

Seeing the results of our efforts reflected in patient stories and outcomes is what motivates me every day. Knowing that my role, no matter how behind-the-scenes it may seem, directly contributes to improving lives gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment. The collaborative environment here, where each team member’s contribution is valued, reinforces that every detail matters when it comes to patient care and our operational readiness.