Antigen Production Team Lead

Merck; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical company based in Milton Keynes is seeking a Production Manager to oversee the manufacturing of bacterial antigens. The role involves coordinating production activities, managing a team of up to 12, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in Science or equivalent experience and strong communication skills. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to important vaccine production processes.

Qualifications

• Effective communicator; able to communicate clearly across multiple disciplines (verbally and in written form).
• Highly organised and able to prioritise.
• Experience of working in a GMP environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the End to End manufacturing in the department.
• Ensure manufacturing Tier meetings are run effectively.
• Responsible for daily scheduling and oversight of the production schedule capacity.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Problem Solving

GMP Compliance

Communication

Data Analysis

Equipment Maintenance

Education

Bachelors in Science or equivalent pharmaceutical industry experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

IPT1 (Integrated Production Team) is responsible for the production of bacterial antigens.

This position is responsible for the effective coordination and planning of various activities critical to maintaining safe, compliant and on-time operations within our production teams. The incumbent will report to the operational coach and will be the conduit between the production teams and the IPT leadership team, to effectively manage people, process and plant.

Responsibilities

The primary activities include but are not limited to:

Manage the End to End manufacturing in the department which produces antigens derived from large scale aerobic and anaerobic fermentations for animal bacterial vaccines.

People

• Leading team through daily GMP facility operation and management
• Managing a total number of direct reports up to 12 people
• Ensure manufacturing Tier meetings are run effectively
• To liaise with the Learning & Development team to manage instructor-led training, and be accountable for completion of on job training for the production team
• Accountable for direct reports development and progression
• Participate in recruitment and onboarding for new team members
• Deputise for Operational Coach and IPT Lead duties as required
• Collaborate cross functionally

Safety

• Responsible for the safe process of the department such as, COSHH, risk assessments, manual handling risk assessments
• Coordinate Wastewater discharge permits and requests with Health and Safety and Engineering teams
• Participate in the Process Hazard Analysis programme for equipment in the area
• Completion and documentation of safety walkthroughs and housekeeping audits

Quality

• Ensure all QMS metrics are managed appropriately, including deviations to the process, CAPA and improvement via change controls
• Ensuring Production areas are always audit ready
• Promoting Right First-Time culture

Delivery

• Responsible for daily scheduling and oversight of the production schedule capacity
• Daily tier process attendance and escalation management
• Dynamic fast paced decision making, resolving issues and re-scheduling if required.

Cost

• Control of the departmental month end financial transactions (SAP)
• To liaise with the Supply Chain and Warehousing team to ensure inventory checks are planned and executed according to the schedule
• Review status of corrective work order requests and ensure timely closure by the responsible team member
• Review and communication of other KPI’s relevant to production operation
• Other administrative support to production management as required
• Input into projects and improvement initiatives as required

Leadership Behaviours

• Define and communicate a clear direction aligned with company goals
• Lead by example in adhering to GMP and ethical standards
• Promote a culture of quality, safety and accountability
• Strategic Decision-Making; Based decision on data, risk assessment and long-term impact
• Empower team to deliver innovative solutions
• People Development & Engagement
• Coach and mentor talent; invest in team growth
• Foster collaboration, inclusion and resilience
• Operational Excellence & Accountability
• Drive continuous improvement and lean thinking
• Own outcomes and support cross-functional performance

Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelors in Science or equivalent pharmaceutical industry experience
• Effective communicator; able to communicate clearly across multiple disciplines (verbally and in written form)
• Highly organised and able to prioritise
• High level of Microsoft Office proficiency
• Able to problem solve and adapt approach to reach the desired outcome
• Experience of working in a GMP environment

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Problem Solving, Cleanroom Gowning, Cleanroom Operations, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Equipment Maintenance, Escalation Management, GMP Compliance, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis, Inventory Management, Management Process, Manufacturing, Master Batch Records, Pharmaceutical Guidelines, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Process Optimization, Production Operations, Production Scheduling, Production Support, Risk Analysis, Risk Assessments {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

08/12/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.