Manufacturing Operations Graduate Programme, Irvine, UK, 2026

WISE Campaign; Irvine; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global healthcare company is seeking talented graduates for its Manufacturing Operations Graduate Programme in Irvine, Scotland. This competitive two-year program aims to develop future technical and operational leaders by providing hands-on experience, training, and cross-functional exposure in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Candidates must have a relevant degree and a passion for the industry. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual performance-based bonus

Private Healthcare Insurance

Employee recognition programs

Access to wellness platform

Qualifications

• Written and spoken fluency in English.
• Must have a relevant degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, etc.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on exposure to pharmaceutical production processes.
• Collaborate across different functional areas for product delivery.

Skills

Passion for Manufacturing

Technical Expertise

Attention to Detail

Strong Interpersonal Skills

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Join the GSK Manufacturing Operations Graduate Programme UK, 2026: Help us get ahead of disease together.

Education required: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biologics & Process Technology, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology, IChemE accredited degrees.

Language requirement: Written and spoken fluency in English.

Location: Irvine

Expected start date: September 2026.

Application Information:

You can apply to only one GSK Graduate Programme in the UK.

Application deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and this role will close once we have received enough relevant applications. We recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Assessment Centre Date: November/December 2025.

See what our graduate programme participants have to say about their experiences in our GSK Graduate Programmes!

Are you a talented and driven student or graduate eager to make an impact on billions of lives? Apply for the Manufacturing Operations Programme at GSK today!

Within our Global Supply Chain (GSC) business, we manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients\' needs and drive our performance. Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people. Our supply chain is not just core to our operations; it\'s vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply.

We need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

Ahead together with tailored training and career development

Are you a talented and driven technical graduate eager to make an impact on billions of lives? GSK\'s Global Supply Chain (GSC) Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to delivering medicines and vaccines to people worldwide.

This two-year programme is designed to prepare you for future technical, operational and engineering roles within GSK\'s Global Supply Chain (GSC) within your chosen discipline.

What You\'ll Experience:

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Spend time at your home site, working on cross-functional projects and rotations to deepen your expertise and knowledge of the business.
• Kaizen Assignment: A short-term breadth assignment, which could include global-focused opportunities, to expand your skills and experience beyond your home site.
• Tailored Training: Benefit from role-specific training and development, supported by a generous training budget and access to enriching resources.
• Professional & Personal Growth: Thrive in a challenging yet supportive environment, where you\'ll develop technical expertise through valuable on-the-job experience.

Key Programme Features:

• Digital Data & Analytics (DDA) Objective: Each rotation has a DDA focus, reflecting GSK\'s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, helping you to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Sustainability Element: Contribute to GSK\'s Net Carbon Zero mission by working on impactful projects that promote environmental sustainability.
• Mentoring & Networking: Build your professional network and enhance visibility through direct access to senior leaders and mentors who will guide and support your career development.

Join GSK\'s GSC Graduate Programme and take the first step toward a rewarding career, where your work makes a difference to patients at the end of our supply chain.

What will you do?

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Gain hands-on exposure to production processes, manufacturing systems, and equipment performance.
• Explore Innovative Technologies: Work with cutting-edge technologies and understand the entire pharmaceutical production lifecycle.
• Risk and Compliance: Develop understanding of risk management and compliance critical to manufacturing operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Discover how manufacturing, quality, technical services, and supply chain functions work together to get products to our patients.
• Continuous Improvement: Apply advanced problem-solving methodologies (DMAIC, Lean Six Sigma) to enhance the efficiency of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Digital & Data Expertise: Use data-driven approaches and visualization techniques to improve decision-making and operational efficiencies.
• Process & Sustainability Improvements: Drive enhancements in safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability through data analysis and GMP compliance projects.
• Smart Manufacturing & Business Projects: Lead initiatives to improve yield, productivity, and operational efficiency using advanced technologies.
• Drive performance excellence: Work with teams to establish KPIs that maintain high standards.

What are we looking for?

• Passion for Manufacturing: Clear enthusiasm for chemical/process engineering in the pharmaceutical industry and improving manufacturing processes.
• Technical Expertise: A relevant degree and an interest in data management and analytical technologies.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: A focus on growth, innovation with the ability to simplify complex processes, and apply innovative thinking.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-Motivation: Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn and develop.
• Attention to Detail: Analytical, organized, and process-driven.
• Resilience: High adaptability and flexibility, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

What do we offer you?

• Competitive salary, with an annual bonus based on company performance.
• Relocation Allowance (eligibility confirmed once your first location is confirmed).
• Employee recognition programs, which reward exceptional achievements.
• Access to our cutting-edge wellbeing platform: personalise your experience, help reduce stress, increase focus, build connections and resilience. Also access to a confidential helpline 24/7, mindfulness, health screenings and financial wellbeing support.
• Access to Private Healthcare Insurance, including 24-hour online GP.
• Additional Support through salary sacrifice including: identity protection, long-term care insurance, home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Option to opt into our share save plan which links rewards to longer-term performance.
• Engage with Employee Resource Groups for networking, mentorship, and growth.
• Access to TalNet, communities of Early Careers programme participants offering development and networking.
• 2 volunteering days per year, called "Together Days".
• Formal and informal technical and soft skills training delivered through coaching and mentoring by senior leaders, your manager, peers, and a mix of virtual and in-person courses.

Let\'s do this!

Learn more about the application process at GSK careers page. After submitting your application, you will be asked to complete our GSK Digital Assessment to demonstrate your skills through engaging exercises.

Top tips and further information are available on our recruitment pages. For UK Intern roles you can call or email the relevant contacts above. For UK Graduate Programme roles you can contact [e-mail].

Why GSK? Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports an agile working culture. We encourage discussing reasonable adjustments with the hiring team. We cannot guarantee skilled worker sponsorship; sponsorship is based on business needs and immigration rules at the time.

Apply now!

Important notice to Employment businesses/Agencies is included in our policy. For more information about GSK and our careers, visit our website.