Lead Technical Operator

ZipRecruiter; Swindon; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Lead Formulation Technician in Swindon to oversee the preparation and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. This role demands expertise in GMP environments, team leadership, and operational excellence, ensuring stringent adherence to quality and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated GMP environment.
• Knowledge of cleanroom operations and aseptic processing.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up bulk formulation, filling, inspection, and packing lines.
• Ensure equipment readiness and escalate technical issues when necessary.
• Lead by example in promoting high GMP standards.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Lean Manufacturing

Education

A-Levels or equivalent in a science subject

Job description

Job Description

Lead Formulation Technician (Lead Technical Operator)

Location: Swindon, UK

Job Type: Full-time

Reports to: Process Coordinator

Salary: £28,567.50 per annum (£14.64 per hour) + 22% shift allowance

Shift Pattern: Double Days 7am - 3pm, 3pm - 11pm

We're seeking a Lead Technical Operator to join our manufacturing team in Swindon. In this role, you'll be responsible for the preparation, formulation, filling, inspection, and packaging of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products within a GMP-compliant environment. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a fast-paced and highly regulated production team, where quality, precision, and safety are top priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operate and set up bulk formulation, filling, inspection, and packing lines.
2. Manufacture, inspect, and package pharmaceutical products in accordance with SOPs and Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs).
3. Perform routine duties including line clearance, in-process checks (IPC), and completion of batch documentation.
4. Minimise downtime and waste by supporting efficient machine changeovers, testing, and cleaning procedures.
5. Conduct Clean In Place (CIP) and Steam In Place (SIP) activities using HMI-controlled systems.
6. Operate airlocks, autoclaves, and automated cleaning systems to maintain sterile conditions.
7. Assist with validation activities and support new product introduction.
8. Accurately complete SAP transactions and GMP documentation.

Leadership Duties:

1. Organise cleanroom activities to meet weekly production plans and performance targets.
2. Ensure equipment readiness and escalate technical issues when necessary.
3. Lead by example in promoting high standards of GMP and team collaboration.
4. Provide day-to-day guidance, including training support and operational leadership in the absence of the Production Coordinator.
5. Monitor production progress, identify downtime trends, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated GMP environment (MHRA/FDA).
• Knowledge of cleanroom operations and aseptic processing.
• Scientific background (A-Levels or equivalent in a science subject).
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience is desirable.
• Strong communication and organisation skills with the ability to manage individual workloads.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement (Green Belt certification is a plus).
• Understanding of HMI-driven pharmaceutical systems.
• Aseptic block licence (advantageous).

Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a committed and high-performing production team, playing a vital role in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products that make a real difference in people's lives. This is your chance to work in a structured yet dynamic environment that offers growth, responsibility, and the opportunity to lead.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer. By applying for this role, your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.