Director of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 4,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health coverage

Retirement planning

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Director of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations to lead a state-of-the-art facility in Mahikeng, North West, ZA. This on-site role oversees manufacturing, quality systems, and continuous improvement across production lines.

The ideal candidate will bring 10–12 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing with 5+ years in senior leadership, deep GMP knowledge, and a hands-on approach to strategic problem solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 10–12 years of progressive pharmaceutical manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling and execution.
• Ensure GMP, FDA, SAHPRA and other regulatory compliance.
• Lead and develop a diverse manufacturing team focused on performance and continuous improvement.
• Optimize processes to improve efficiency and product quality and reduce costs.
• Oversee capital investment projects for equipment and facility upgrades.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing budget and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Implement robust quality control and quality assurance systems.
• Drive lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee supply chain integration and timely delivery of finished products.
• Represent the company during regulatory inspections and audits.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Team development

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a seasoned and visionary Director of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations to lead their state-of-the-art facility in Mahikeng, North West, ZA. This is a pivotal on-site leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of pharmaceutical production, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, managing large teams, and implementing innovative manufacturing strategies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing leadership, a deep understanding of GMP, and a proven ability to manage complex operations and continuous improvement initiatives. This role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, including production planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA, SAHPRA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop a diverse team of manufacturing professionals, fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Oversee capital investment projects related to manufacturing equipment and facility upgrades.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Implement and maintain robust quality control and quality assurance systems within the manufacturing environment.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Manage supply chain integration and ensure timely delivery of finished products.
• Represent the company during regulatory inspections and audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Director of Manufacturing).
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including solid dose, liquid, or sterile product manufacturing.
• Extensive experience with GMP, validation, regulatory compliance, and quality systems.
• Proven track record in managing large operational budgets and capital expenditure projects.
• Strong leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• This is a strictly on-site role requiring full-time presence at our facility in Mahikeng, North West, ZA.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits, including executive-level health coverage and retirement planning. This is a leadership opportunity with significant scope for impact and career advancement within a growing organization. Be instrumental in shaping the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region. Work in a state-of-the-art facility with access to advanced technologies. Contribute to the production of essential medicines that improve lives. The role is based in Mahikeng, North West, ZA, offering a stable and long-term career.