Packaging Manager (Inspection, Labelling & Packaging)

Next Phase Recruitment; Worthing; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full ownership of a critical function

Visible leadership role reporting to/à

Opportunity to rebuild processes and提升

Job summary

Next Phase Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head of Production to lead a sterile GMP packaging and inspection operation in a highly regulated environment. You will oversee a team of around 17, set clear expectations, and drive delivery of quality, safety and compliance.

Key focus areas include Lean implementation (5S, Visual Management, Standard Work), training and upskilling, S&OP driven packaging schedules, and continuous improvement to boost efficiency and reduce risk.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience within pharmaceutical packaging or inspection operations.
• Proven background in sterile GMP manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing teams in highly regulated, audit-driven settings.
• Ability to drive change, challenge behaviours and reset standards where needed.
• Comfortable managing performance and having difficult conversations when required.
• Strong understanding of GMP, compliance expectations and operational risk.
• Track record of delivering process improvements and efficiency gains using Lean principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the inspection, labeling and packaging of products, with focus on sterile operations.
• Ensure all inspection activities are completed in controlled environments by fully trained personnel.
• Monitor operational performance, proactively managing risks to product quality and patient safety.
• Lead, develop and manage a team (circa 17), setting clear expectations and driving accountability.
• Build and implement structured training and upskilling plans across the team.
• Plan and coordinate packaging schedules to meet delivery timelines using S&OP data.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, improving efficiency, cost, safety and quality.
• Embed Lean principles including Visual Management, 5S and Standard Work.
• Re-establish and strengthen processes where required, ensuring consistency and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

GMP knowledge

Lean principles

People management

Change management

Auditing

Risk management

Job description

Working Pattern

Monday to Friday - 7am to 3pm

Responsibilities/Role

• Oversee the inspection, labelling and packaging of products, with particular focus on sterile operations

• Ensure all inspection activities are completed in controlled environments by fully trained personnel

• Monitor operational performance, proactively managing risks to product quality and patient safety

• Lead, develop and manage a team (circa 17), setting clear expectations and driving accountability

• Build and implement structured training and upskilling plans across the team

• Plan and coordinate packaging schedules to meet delivery timelines using S&OP data

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, improving efficiency, cost, safety and quality

• Embed Lean principles including Visual Management, 5S and Standard Work

• Re-establish and strengthen processes where required, ensuring consistency and compliance

Experience & Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience within pharmaceutical packaging or inspection operations

• Proven background in sterile GMP manufacturing environments

• Experience managing teams in highly regulated, audit-driven settings

• Ability to drive change, challenge behaviours and reset standards where needed

• Comfortable managing performance and having difficult conversations when required

• Strong understanding of GMP, compliance expectations and operational risk

• Track record of delivering process improvements and efficiency gains using Lean principles

Additional Information

• Opportunity to take full ownership of a critical function

• Visible leadership role reporting directly into the Head of Production

• Chance to make a tangible impact, rebuilding processes, improving team performance and elevating quality standards

• Work within a regulated sterile manufacturing environment with high accountability