Production Manager – Sterile Manufacturing
We are seeking a highly motivated Production Manager to lead a dedicated sterile manufacturing operation within a global pharmaceutical environment. This role offers the opportunity to manage a high-performing production suite, deliver life-enhancing products to global markets, and drive excellence in compliance, quality, and operational performance.
You’ll be responsible for leading a skilled team, ensuring that products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest regulatory and quality standards. With a focus on continuous improvement, you’ll shape a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
This is a pivotal role for an experienced leader who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing setting and enjoys developing people, processes, and performance.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Compliance
Champion a proactive health and safety culture, ensuring adherence to all company, environmental, and statutory standards.
Conduct and review risk assessments, implementing effective controls and fostering a safety-first mindset throughout the production area.
Ensure the facility operates in full compliance with GMP, environmental, and regulatory requirements always.
Quality Leadership
Embed a strong “right first time” and continuous improvement mindset across all production activities.
Ensure all manufacturing processes, documentation, and cleaning procedures meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Lead investigations, implement CAPAs, and drive root cause analysis in collaboration with Quality Assurance.
Always maintain a state of audit readiness through regular internal compliance reviews and effective follow-up actions.
Operational Excellence
Manage day-to-day production operations within a sterile manufacturing suite, ensuring schedules, capacity, and quality standards are consistently met.
Lead your team to achieve on-time delivery of customer orders while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield optimisation, waste reduction, and equipment performance.
Ensure robust adherence to SOPs, GMP, and validation protocols.
Track and report operational and compliance KPIs, using data to inform performance improvements.
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Manufacturing Supervisors and Operators across multiple shifts.
Build a motivated, cohesive, and high-performing team culture based on respect, collaboration, and accountability.
Identify and address training needs, ensuring all team members are fully competent and compliant in their roles.
Communicate effectively across teams to ensure alignment on production priorities and performance goals.
About You
Essential Criteria
Degree or higher-level qualification in Pharmacy, Science, Engineering, or Mathematics
OR a minimum of five years’ experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing or packaging environmentMinimum three years’ experience in a management role, including managing shift-based teams
In-depth understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory, and validation requirements
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop diverse teams
Proven experience in EHS and contamination control
Demonstrated capability in maintaining GMP compliance and audit readiness
Excellent organisational, communication, and IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Proven success in driving production performance and delivering quality products to strict regulatory standards
Desirable Criteria
Experience in oral dose, sterile injectables, or other pharmaceutical dosage formats
Formal training or certification in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence