GMP Production Leader – Quality & Continuous Improvement

Blackfield Associates; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackfield Associates invites a seasoned Production Manager to lead GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery of production activities while fostering a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement.

You will manage production schedules, deviations, CAPAs and change controls, drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, support technology transfer and scale-up, and coach teams to meet KPIs in safety, quality and delivery.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience leading GMP manufacturing operations within the pharmaceutical sector.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of GMP compliance, deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and audit support.
• Experience presenting manufacturing performance and quality matters to internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or formal continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a strong GMP, quality, and EHS culture across manufacturing operations.
• Manage production schedules, resources, and operational performance to meet customer and business objectives.
• Take ownership of deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and complaints, ensuring robust investigations and effective corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Monitor and improve key manufacturing KPIs including productivity, schedule adherence, quality, and safety metrics.
• Lead operational expenditure performance, labour utilisation, waste reduction, and cost control activities.
• Support technology transfer, process scale-up, new product introductions, and equipment implementation projects.
• Develop, coach, and manage manufacturing teams, including recruitment, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Partner with Engineering and cross-functional teams to maximise equipment reliability and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure ongoing audit and inspection readiness within the manufacturing area.

Skills

GMP experience

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Quality systems

Education

Life Sciences degree

Engineering degree

Job description

Blackfield Associates invites a seasoned Production Manager to lead GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery of production activities while fostering a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement.

You will manage production schedules, deviations, CAPAs and change controls, drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, support technology transfer and scale-up, and coach teams to meet KPIs in safety, quality and delivery.