Sterile Packaging Lead: Lean Ops & Quality

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

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.