Lead Technical Operator (AVI/Pack Team)

ThermoFisher Scientific; Swindon; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific in Swindon is seeking a production supervisor to operate AVI and packing lines within a GMP-regulated facility. You will ensure compliance with SOPs, batch records, and quality standards while leading a team across rotating day and night shifts.

The role requires experience in pharma manufacturing, strong English and maths, and a track record in process improvement. The position is on-site with strong safety and cGMP focus.

Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated pharma environment (MHRA/FDA) is required.
• Strong command of GMP and batch documentation.
• Lean/CI exposure and team supervision experience.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate AVI and packing lines per SOPs and BMRs.
• Perform quality checks, IPCs, line changes, and batch documentation.
• Maintain equipment, cleaning, and readiness for inspections.
• Lead by example in a GMP-compliant production area.
• Monitor environmental monitoring and report faults to supervision.
• Support CAPA investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Quality systems

Team leadership

GMP understanding

Strong English

Education

A-Levels or equivalent

Scientific background

Job description

Work Schedule

Other

Environmental Conditions

Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc... allowed, No contact lens allowed; prescriptive glasses will be provided, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

Working shift pattern: 24/7 Pattern – 2 shifts on, 2 days off, 3 shifts on, 2 days off, 2 shifts on, 3 days off, etc.. Shifts will rotate between Day shift, 6.45am to 7pm, and Night shifts 6.45pm to 7am

When you’ll part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do challenging work and be part of a team that values performance, quality and innovation. As part of a successful, growing global organization, you will be encouraged to perform at your best. With revenues of $20 billion and the largest investment in R&D in the industry, we give our people the resources and opportunities to make significant contributions to the world.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operation of the Automatic visual inspection & packing lines in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Perform AVI and packing of pharmaceutical products (Sterile & non-sterile) in accordance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs)
• Perform AVI and Packaging operational duties, e.g. line clearance, In Process Checks (IPC) checks, replace components on line, complete batch & associated documentation, right first time for accordance with SOPs to ensure compliance with cGMP
• Set equipment to ensure minimum downtime levels, minimum product damage/waste, support machine start-up, changeovers, testing and cleaning activities in accordance with SOP's and cGMP requirements
• Monitoring equipment status and readiness for inspection & packing, reporting any faults or issues to Supervision
• Cleaning and maintenance of clean rooms/equipment to SOPs, cGMP and pharmaceutical industry regulatory standards
• To ensure any instances of non-conformance are communicated to the Process Coordinator, Area Manager, or Quality Assurance representatives to ensure that they are investigated and rectified
• Support project validation work, and new product introduction to the Operations department
• SAP transactions
• Using Quality systems for GMP changes and report writing.
• Conduct and assist, where appropriate, in basic equipment maintenance
• EDMS author and approver status for document updates

Leadership Responsibilities

• Ensure the weekly inspection/packing plan is understood by the team, and activities in the production area are organised to achieve agreed targets and measures of performance:
• Ensure equipment status and readiness for inspection & packing are effectively monitored and maintained - this will include cleaning of equipment and area - and any faults or issues are reported.
• Timely preparation of material requisitions and returns, ensuring effective line operation and accurate batch record documentation..
• Timely escalation of all issues that cannot be resolved.
• Ensure inspection and packing lines are set up in accordance with the Batch Record (BMR), ensuring availability of relevant materials and equipment (where applicable).
• Supervise environmental monitoring (where applicable).
• Tracking of progress and downtime reporting, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Accurate and timely completion of the BMR, including online reviews, reconciliations, and MRP transactions, and complete Batch Notifications as required.
• Effective team leadership in line with GMP requirements and company rules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintenance of competency (suitably qualified and experienced) for the role through timely completion of training and, as appropriate, assessment and delivery of skills and knowledge training to others.
• Contribute towards continuous improvement initiatives both through participation and putting forward ideas and suggestions.
• Minimise material use and costs, without compromising quality, during batch running.
• Cover operational requirements in the production area as required.
• Provide additional leadership where appropriate in the absence of the Production Coordinator (where applicable).
• Leading by example with a one-team focus

GMP

• Ensure products are inspected and packed, and documentation is completed in accordance with GMP and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support the Process Coordinator in performing Level 1 and Level 2 audits.
• Support relevant Deviation and Complaint investigations and determination of appropriate CAPA as required.
• Maintain a high level of tidiness and cleanliness at all times – personal, work area, and department.
• Take ownership, accountability, and enforce good GMP and GDP within the GMP facility.

EH&S

• Understand emergency procedures and comply with safe systems of work.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety rules, signage, and instructions at all times.
• Ensure prompt reporting and investigation of all accidents, near misses, and breaches of rules.

Qualifications/Experience

• Experience of working in a pharmaceutical or other regulated environment (MHRA and FDA regulations)
• Experience of clean room working, knowledge of AVI, packaging, and serialization is highly desirable
• Strong competency in English and Maths is essential, and a scientific background is essential (e.g. A-Levels)
• Has supervised previously or has experience in developing individuals
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage your own workload
• Experience in Lean systems and Continuous Improvement (green belt would be desirable)
• Understanding of HMI-driven pharmaceutical systems

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, each one of our 120,000 extraordinary minds has a unique story to tell. Join us and contribute to our singular mission—enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.