Production Manager

Overview

Our client is a growing pharmaceutical manufacturer seeking a Production Manager to lead and direct manufacturing operations within a GMP-regulated environment. This role is accountable for delivering production plans in line with Quality, Cost and Supply requirements, while fostering a strong culture of safety, engagement and continuous improvement.

You will lead a multi-layered manufacturing team and work cross-functionally to ensure operations are safe, compliant, efficient and aligned to broader site objectives.

Key Responsibilities

EHS Leadership

• Ensure full compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety standards and regulations
• Own departmental safety risk management and EHS performance metrics
• Drive a proactive, safety-first culture across all operations

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure GMP standards and audit readiness across all manufacturing activities
• Own quality performance, including risk management and compliance metrics
• Ensure team capability, training and performance meet required standards

Production Performance

• Deliver production targets on time and in full
• Own departmental structure, resources and performance optimisation
• Define and manage KPIs (leading and lagging) to drive performance and visibility
• Minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency

Operational Excellence

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC and SHINGO principles
• Partner with Operational Excellence teams to improve OEE and reduce waste
• Align departmental strategy with long-term business goals and growth plans

People Leadership

• Lead, develop and engage a team of Shift Managers, Team Leaders and Operators
• Drive a high-performance culture with clear accountability and strong engagement
• Own workforce planning, succession planning and L&D strategy
• Manage performance, employee relations and team development

Cost Management

• Own and manage departmental budgets (OPEX, CAPEX and headcount)
• Identify and deliver cost efficiencies without compromising quality or supply
• Support project-related investment and spend decisions

Supply Assurance

• Ensure uninterrupted product supply through proactive planning and issue resolution
• Own end-to-end product supply within the department (manufacturing through to batch release)
• Align departmental plans with wider business and supply chain strategy

Technical Transfer & Commercialisation

• Support planning and execution of tech transfer and new product introductions
• Own manufacturing readiness, resource planning and execution for new products
• Ensure successful integration of new processes into routine operations

Core Competencies

• Execution Excellence: Strong planning, clear KPIs and consistent delivery against targets
• Accountability: Clear ownership of safety, quality, cost and performance outcomes
• Team Leadership: Builds high-performing, engaged and aligned teams
• Business Insight: Data-driven decision making across cost, quality and supply
• Managing Complexity: Able to prioritise effectively across competing operational demands

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Significant experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing with proven leadership capability
• Strong track record in optimising production performance, cost control and delivery
• Experience managing budgets and leading cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated success in continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Strong knowledge of GMP, QMS, CAPA, RCA and regulatory inspections
• Proven ability to deliver against tight timelines and targets

Preferred

• Experience within biopharmaceutical or aseptic manufacturing environments
• Exposure to freeze-drying (lyophilisation)
• Experience managing projects with associated budgets
• Degree in a science or engineering discipline