Process Supervisor

Actalent; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Process Supervisor, Chemical Processes to oversee front-line pharmaceutical manufacturing in a 24/7 GMP environment. You will supervise a small team, drive safe and compliant production, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across batch and continuous processes.

The role requires leadership in a high-stakes, change-ready setting with strong collaboration across Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance. A degree in engineering and extensive GMP experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing leadership.
• Experience supervising front-line personnel.
• GMP documentation experience.
• Willingness to work 24/7 shifts.
• Engineering background with process understanding.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing operations, ensuring GMP and safety.
• Lead and develop manufacturing personnel with training and feedback.
• Manage incidents and prepare daily status reports.
• Use data to identify improvements and drive production objectives.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, and Supply Chain.
• Provide technical oversight for chemical processes.
• Maintain production records and batch documentation.
• Ensure 24/7 coverage and shift handoffs.

Skills

Chemical production

Operations leadership

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

GMP knowledge

Documentation review

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Shift supervision

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Flexible scheduling

Education

Associates or Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Job Title: Process Supervisor, Chemical Processes

Process Supervisor, Chemical Processes supervises and coordinates front-line pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in a 24/7 environment, ensuring strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), established procedures, and safety requirements. This role oversees small- to large-scale chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing activities using both batch and continuous processes, provides day-to-day leadership to a team of technicians, and drives safe, efficient, and compliant production under changing operating conditions. The supervisor also supports continuous improvement, cost savings initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain uninterrupted operations and high product quality.

Job Description

Process Supervisor, Chemical Processes supervises and coordinates front-line pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in a 24/7 environment, ensuring strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), established procedures, and safety requirements. This role oversees small- to large-scale chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing activities using both batch and continuous processes, provides day-to-day leadership to a team of technicians, and drives safe, efficient, and compliant production under changing operating conditions. The supervisor also supports continuous improvement, cost savings initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain uninterrupted operations and high product quality.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing operations, including assigning work, monitoring productivity, and ensuring adherence to GMP, safety, and operational procedures.
• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing personnel by providing training, performance feedback, and clear direction during shift operations.
• Professionally manage and supervise operational incidents by preparing daily status reports, delegating resources, resolving conflicts, and leveraging internal support systems as needed.
• Use operational data and performance metrics to track trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and make data-driven decisions that support production objectives.
• Lead and participate in root cause investigations for process deviations, variances, equipment issues, and safety incidents, and ensure appropriate corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Conduct daily Tier meetings, communicate key performance indicators, review safety and quality metrics, and facilitate forward-looking production planning.
• Review and approve manufacturing documentation and ensure timely completion and accuracy of batch records, logbooks, investigations, and related GMP records.
• Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, Supply Chain, and other internal and external support groups to resolve issues and maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Provide technical oversight and troubleshooting support for chemical manufacturing processes and elevate issues appropriately when needed.
• Serve as the primary shift contact with outside emergency responders and service providers when required.
• Ensure effective shift-to-shift communication and keep leadership informed of significant activities, risks, and overall operational performance.
• Ensure specified product quantity levels, including raw materials and product specifications, are available to support production schedules.
• Drive cost savings through process improvements and lean implementation within the manufacturing area.
• Establish and maintain detailed operational and production records in compliance with GMP and internal standards.
• Design and implement work methods and procedures that increase productivity and improve service within the assigned department.
• Participate in budget preparation and track progress toward organizational goals related to productivity, quality, safety, and cost.
• Submit maintenance work orders and issue safe work permits as needed to maintain equipment and building systems in a safe and reliable condition.
• Provide leadership and coverage in a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including 812-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating schedules as operational needs dictate.

Essential Skills

• Experience in chemical production or pharmaceutical manufacturing, with hands‑on exposure to batch and/or continuous processes.
• Operations leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including direct supervision of front‑line personnel.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand, operate, and support troubleshooting of production equipment.
• Troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electronic, and process‑related issues in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing and pharmaceutical manufacturing principles and practices.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), including documentation review and compliance requirements.
• Ability to review, complete, and approve GMP documentation such as batch records, logbooks, and investigations with a high level of accuracy.
• Engineering leadership capability, including the ability to interpret technical information and apply it to day‑to‑day operations.
• Strong communication skills to lead Tier meetings, coordinate with cross‑functional teams, and ensure effective shift‑to‑shift handoffs.
• Ability and willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Either an associates or bachelors degree in engineering or 23 years of chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience in an operations leadership role.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and related manufacturing processes.
• Background in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in lean implementation and cost‑savings initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong documentation and record‑keeping skills aligned with GMP expectations.
• Experience coordinating with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, and Supply Chain functions.
• Ability to design and refine work methods and procedures to improve productivity and service levels.
• Willingness to consider candidates without a degree who have a strong Background in chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing and demonstrated leadership capability.
• Interest in long‑term career growth in a manufacturing leadership path, supported by structured development opportunities.
• Eligibility for bonus and stock options, as well as participation in comprehensive benefits and retirement programs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that operates on a 24/7 schedule to support continuous production. You will work as part of a leadership team that includes approximately four supervisors and a team of technicians, directly overseeing a team of about six technicians on your shift. The environment involves chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including both batch and continuous operations, and requires close interaction with production equipment, maintenance personnel, and cross‑functional support teams. Current scheduling includes a MondayThursday schedule from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch. Beginning in January, the schedule transitions to two teams operating on either a 4/3 or 2‑2‑3 schedule, with flexibility to provide 24‑hour coverage depending on the chemistry of the product being produced. By March or April, the operation moves to 24/7 coverage with four teams on a 2‑2‑3 schedule in designated manufacturing areas. The position requires flexibility to work 812‑hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating schedules as operational needs evolve. The facility emphasizes safety, GMP compliance, and collaboration, and offers significant room for growth, company‑paid benefits, and a competitive retirement program with a matching contribution.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $93600.00 - $114400.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Lots of room for growth, both bonus and stock options, all company paid benefits along with 6% 401k match

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Richmond, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.