Process Leader (First Line Manager) – Night Shift

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Macclesfield is seeking an experienced Process Leader for the night shift to drive safe, compliant and efficient operation of a manufacturing process area. You will lead daily performance, develop the manufacturing team and ensure production plans meet quality, cost and schedule targets in a highly regulated environment.

You will coach teams, embed Lean, 5S and continuous improvement across the area, manage resources and holidays, monitor key metrics, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Line management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Practical understanding and application of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience working within a unionised environment.
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience managing performance, development, attendance and team capability.
• The ability to maintain high standards while working in a fast-paced and changing operational environment.
• Strong communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• A consistent commitment to ethical conduct, compliance, safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, compliant and efficient operation of your designated manufacturing process area.
• Manage and develop a manufacturing team, either directly or through Team Leaders.
• Set clear objectives and ensure colleagues understand how their work contributes to wider business and supply goals.
• Coach team members to improve performance, build capability and support career development.
• Manage team resources effectively, including skills coverage, holidays, absence and overtime.
• Ensure production plans are delivered on time and in full, while maintaining operational, quality, cost and asset standards.
• Monitor performance against key manufacturing measures and take action where results are outside expectations.
• Embed standard ways of working and ensure operating procedures, production records and visual controls remain accurate and current.
• Promote Lean manufacturing, 5S and continuous improvement across the process area.
• Lead the prompt identification, escalation and resolution of manufacturing issues.
• Ensure deviations, audit actions, change controls and other compliance activities are managed and closed within agreed timelines.
• Review production and batch documentation to ensure it meets applicable cGMP requirements.
• Maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring hazards, incidents and risks are identified, reported and effectively controlled.
• Manage budgets and resources responsibly, promoting cost-conscious decision-making.
• Build effective relationships across Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Engineering, Supply Chain, employee representatives and external service providers.

Skills

People leadership

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Stakeholder management

Safety & quality mindset

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Shift: Fri - Sun Nights = 18:20 - 06:20 (12h)

Lead people, performance and continuous improvement in pharmaceutical manufacturing We are looking for an experienced

Process Leader – Night Shift

Location: Macclesfield

Shift: Fri - Sun Nights = 18:20 - 06:20 (12h)

Lead people, performance and continuous improvement in pharmaceutical manufacturing

We are looking for an experienced Process Leader to join our Operations Manufacturing team in Macclesfield.

In this role, you will lead the day-to-day performance of a manufacturing process area, ensuring products are delivered safely, compliantly, on time and to the required quality standards. You will be responsible for operational performance across areas such as manufacturing, formulation, filling or packaging, while creating an environment where colleagues can perform at their best.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established manufacturing leader who enjoys coaching teams, improving performance and solving operational challenges in a highly regulated environment.

What You’ll Do

As Process Leader, you will:

• Lead the safe, compliant and efficient operation of your designated manufacturing process area.
• Manage and develop a manufacturing team, either directly or through Team Leaders.
• Set clear objectives and ensure colleagues understand how their work contributes to wider business and supply goals.
• Coach team members to improve performance, build capability and support career development.
• Manage team resources effectively, including skills coverage, holidays, absence and overtime.
• Ensure production plans are delivered on time and in full, while maintaining operational, quality, cost and asset standards.
• Monitor performance against key manufacturing measures and take action where results are outside expectations.
• Embed standard ways of working and ensure operating procedures, production records and visual controls remain accurate and current.
• Promote Lean manufacturing, 5S and continuous improvement across the process area.
• Lead the prompt identification, escalation and resolution of manufacturing issues.
• Ensure deviations, audit actions, change controls and other compliance activities are managed and closed within agreed timelines.
• Review production and batch documentation to ensure it meets applicable cGMP requirements.
• Maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring hazards, incidents and risks are identified, reported and effectively controlled.
• Manage budgets and resources responsibly, promoting cost-conscious decision-making.
• Build effective relationships across Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, Engineering, Supply Chain, employee representatives and external service providers.

Essential Experience

What we’re looking for

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Line management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Practical understanding and application of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience working within a unionised environment.
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience managing performance, development, attendance and team capability.
• The ability to maintain high standards while working in a fast-paced and changing operational environment.
• Strong communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• A consistent commitment to ethical conduct, compliance, safety and quality.

Desirable Experience

• Experience coaching teams and embedding Lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge and practical application of Safety, Health and Environment principles.
• Experience working within an FDA, cGMP or similarly regulated quality system.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Pharmaceutical formulation
  • Manufacturing or filling operations
  • Packaging
  • Validation
  • Technology transfer
  • Change control
• Experience reviewing batch documentation, investigating deviations or supporting audit activity.

The qualities you’ll bring

You will be a visible and approachable leader who can build trust, set clear expectations and remain consistent under pressure. You will be comfortable addressing performance concerns, recognising strong contribution and leading colleagues through change with fairness and respect.

You Will Also Bring

• A genuine commitment to developing people.
• Strong operational judgement and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work effectively across functions.
• A proactive approach to safety, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Good financial and resource awareness.
• The confidence to raise concerns, challenge non-standard practices and make timely decisions.

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing performance, product supply and team development. You will work in a collaborative, highly regulated environment where safety, quality, continuous improvement and patient delivery are central to every decision.

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader who can inspire teams, strengthen performance and maintain high standards of safety and compliance, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Date Posted

16-Sept-2026

Closing Date

30-Sept-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.