Head of Production

SLS Services Limited; Worthing; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

West Sussex facility is seeking a proactive Head of Production to lead manufacturing operations with a focus on safety, compliance, and efficiency. This role requires a strategic mindset with passion for continuous improvement and lean frameworks in a highly regulated setting.

The Company offers a dynamic, supportive environment where you will shape future-proof teams and drive operational excellence across site manufacturing activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in GMP compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of large teams within complex environments.
• Track record in capacity planning and operational strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for site manufacturing ensuring compliance, efficiency and engagement.
• Champion a Safety-First culture and ensure full cGMP compliance.
• Lead, develop, and motivate the production team to achieve business goals.
• Oversee financial performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage change programs for new product launches and improvements.
• Engage and influence stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability.

Skills

Pharma production expertise

Lean manufacturing

Performance metrics

Education

BSc in science/engineering/management

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

We are seeking a proactive, strategic Head of Production to lead manufacturing operations at a dynamic West Sussex facility, ensuring world-class standards in safety, compliance, and efficiency. This role would suit someone passionate about continuous improvement, lean frameworks, and building strong, future-proof teams in a highly regulated environment.

The Company:

Join a respected global pharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing life-changing treatments. With a strong culture of innovation and collaboration, this organization offers a supportive, agile environment where your expertise will directly influence operational success. The business is committed to investing in people and processes, making it an exciting time to become part of their journey toward excellence and growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive experience in GMP compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• BSc in a Scientific, Engineering, or Management discipline.
• Proven leadership of large teams within complex, matrix environments.
• Track record in driving change, capacity planning, and operational strategies.

Responsibilities

As Head of Production, you will provide strategic leadership for all site manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and engagement across production operations:

Champion a Safety-First culture and ensure full cGMP compliance.

• Lead, develop, and motivate the production team to achieve business goals.
• Oversee financial performance, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage change programs for new product launches and operational enhancements.
• Engage and influence stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability.

Skills / Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical production processes.
• Expertise in lean principles, process improvement, and problem-solving.
• Ability to manage complex operational and financial performance metrics

Nice to Haves

• Experience in steriles/biologics manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ERP implementation.
• Previous exposure to large-scale change management projects.