Associate Process Leader (Trainee Manager) – Sterile Production

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Macclesfield is seeking an Associate Production Manager to join our Operations team. You will work with Production Managers to learn manufacturing processes, support daily performance against the production plan, and ensure compliance with cGMP and SHE standards.

As you grow, you will gain experience in deviation management, problem solving, and driving Manufacturing Excellence initiatives, collaborating with Quality, Engineering and other support functions to enhance performance

Qualifications

• Degree in Science or Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a regulated cGMP environment, either in an operational or laboratory-based role.
• Experience coaching, supporting or leading others, formally or informally.
• Experience investigating problems and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues across different functions and levels of the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day performance of defined processes to meet the production plan and standards.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering and other functions to identify opportunities and improve performance.
• Develop coaching and leadership capabilities to support a future production leader.

Skills

Leadership experience

Coaching

Communication

Problem solving

Regulated environment

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Closing date: midnight 02/09/2026

Shift: initially days but potential for future shift-based work (mix of early and late shifts, Approx 06:00- 14:15/ 13:45- 22:00 and weekend working)

Introduction To Role

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and develop your supervisory skills? Join us at AstraZeneca, where you can make a meaningful difference to patients’ lives. With science at its heart, our work is about transforming breakthroughs in the lab into transformative medicines for the world’s most complex diseases. We are currently looking for an Associate Production Manager to join our Operations team at our largest UK campus in Macclesfield.

Location: Macclesfield, UK

Type: Permanent

Competitive Salary And Benefits

Opening date: 20/08/2026

Closing date: midnight 02/09/2026

Accountabilities

As an Associate Production Manager, you will work alongside existing Production Managers to gain proficiency in manufacturing processes such as formulation, manufacturing, filling, and packaging. You will support the day-to-day performance of defined processes, ensuring delivery against the production plan and operational standards, while maintaining focus on cost, asset performance, current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) requirements.

The role will also provide opportunities to develop experience in deviation management, root‑cause problem solving, change implementation and the delivery of Manufacturing Excellence and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across Operations, Quality, Engineering and other support functions to identify opportunities, resolve issues and improve performance.

As your experience develops, you will be expected to build your confidence in coaching and supporting colleagues, contributing to a positive team culture and demonstrating the behaviours required of a future production leader.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Education or equivalent experience: A degree in Science, Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent academic and practical experience.
• Regulated environment: Experience of working in a highly compliant or cGMP environment, either in an operational or laboratory-based role.
• Leadership and coaching: Experience of coaching, supporting or leading others, formally or informally.
• Problem solving: Experience of investigating problems and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communication and collaboration: The ability to work effectively with colleagues across different functions and levels of the organisation.

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Project management: Experience of planning or delivering projects within an operational, technical or laboratory environment.
• Digital capability: Familiarity with digital tools and platforms used to monitor performance, manage information or improve ways of working.
• Lean and continuous improvement: Experience of applying Lean principles or other structured improvement methodologies.
• Sterile or pharmaceutical operations: Experience within sterile manufacturing, filling, packing or a related regulated production environment.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work five days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

Interested?

Come and join our journey!

Date Posted

20-Aug-2026

Closing Date

01-Sept-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.