Shift Manager

Biopharma Careers; Wrexham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ipsen Biopharm Ltd in Wrexham is seeking an experienced Shift Manager to lead sterile manufacturing operations on a 12‑hour rotating shift schedule. You will guide Team Leaders and Operators to deliver production targets safely, compliantly and to the highest quality standards.

The role requires strong people leadership, hands-on problem solving, and a track record of driving Lean improvements and cost efficiency in a pharma environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a similar level manufacturing role within the pharma industry.
• Experience leading and motivating large manufacturing teams.
• Proven track record of leading and optimising operations with lean, process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work to shift patterns (12‑hour rotating shifts: days/nights).

Responsibilities

• Lead shift teams to maintain safe, high‑performing and compliant operations.
• Ensure GMP, quality and regulatory standards in a sterile environment.
• Deliver production targets by coordinating people, equipment and schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and SHINGO principles to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
• Resolve operational issues quickly to maintain reliable supply of medicines.
• Manage shift-level costs while supporting long‑term operational excellence.

Skills

People leadership

Lean / Six Sigma

Continuous improvement

Regulatory compliance

Job description

Title

Shift Manager

Company

Ipsen Biopharm Ltd

About Ipsen

Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation.

Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavor every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company’s success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society!

For more information, visit us at https://www.ipsen.com/ and follow our latest news on LinkedIn and Instagram .

Job Description

At Ipsen, we are committed to improving the lives of patients, with a special focus on advancing neuroscience therapies. Our Wrexham site is a vital part of this mission, delivering cutting-edge solutions in a dynamic and collaborative environment. We are proud to be winner of Pharma Company of the Year 2025, Great Place to Work certified and a Shingo Bronze Medallion holder, reflecting our commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

With a recent £24 million investment in the site and a further £86.4 million expansion underway, there has never been a more exciting time to join us. If you are passionate about making an impact and want to be part of a team that values growth, innovation, and excellence, then Ipsen could be where you thrive!

We’re looking for proactive and people-focused Shift Managers to lead sterile manufacturing operations on 12-hour 4 on 4 off rotating shifts (nights and days). In this role, you’ll be responsible for driving operational performance whilst guiding and leading a team of Team Leaders and Operators, ensuring products are made safely and to the highest quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead your shift team, fostering a safe, high‑performing, and collaborative culture.
• Ensure all operations meet GMP, quality, and regulatory standards in a sterile environment.
• Deliver production targets by coordinating people, equipment, and schedules effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and SHINGO principles to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
• Resolve operational issues quickly to maintain a reliable supply of life‑changing medicines.
• Manage shift-level costs responsibly while supporting long‑term operational excellence.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Significant experience in a similar level manufacturing role from the pharma industry
• Experience leading and motivating large manufacturing teams
• Proven experience leading and optimising manufacturing operations through productivity‑focused, cost‑efficient practices and the implementation of lean, process optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to work according to shift pattern (4 on/ 4 off c. 6am-6pm/6pm-6am, Days/Nights)

Ready to Lead the Shift?

If you're passionate about guiding teams, improving processes, and making a real impact in pharmaceutical manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you.

help us deliver vital medicines to patients who depend on them.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported; where we embrace “The Real Us”. The value we place on different perspectives and experiences drives our commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities. When we include diverse ways of thinking, we make more thoughtful decisions and discover more innovative solutions. Together we strive to better understand the communities we serve. This means we also want to help you perform at your best when applying for a role with us. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let the recruitment team know. This information will be handled with care and will not affect the outcome of your application.