Operations Manager - Pharmaceuticals

Ubuntu RM; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Ubuntu RM is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day manufacturing and packaging operations within a GMP-regulated facility. You will lead production, packaging and support functions to meet targets safely, efficiently and in full regulatory compliance.

You will ensure adherence to batch records, SOPs and CAPAs, drive continuous improvement, manage workforce planning and develop supervisors/operators while upholding safety standards and cost control.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of management experience in a manufacturing setting, preferably pharmaceutical.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in contracts/manufacturing environments is advantageous.
• Experience managing unionised workforces is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all manufacturing and packaging operations to meet OTIF targets.
• Lead production, packaging, and operational support to optimise cost and performance.
• Ensure GMP and regulatory compliance, including documentation and audit readiness.
• Monitor KPIs (yield, scrap, downtime) and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead, develop and manage production supervisors, team leaders and operators.
• Maintain safe working conditions and enforce health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Engineering to align schedules and equipment reliability.
• Manage production budgets and contribute to capital planning.

Skills

Management experience

GMP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Unionised workforce management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Engineering, Production Management, Industrial Engineering

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall management of day-to-day manufacturing operations (including the warehouse) within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The role ensures that production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The Operations Manager leads production, packaging, and operational support functions to deliver high-quality products to clients while optimising cost, performance, and workforce capability.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Adhere to GMP guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and regulatory requirements

2. Operational Leadership

• Oversee all manufacturing and packaging operations.
• Ensure production plans are executed on time and in full (OTIF).
• Drive adherence to approved batch records and standard operating procedures.
• Optimise capacity utilisation and operational efficiency.

3. GMP & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain inspection readiness in accordance with SAHPRA.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation is accurate, complete, and audit ready.

4. Quality & Performance Management

• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure right-first-time batch execution.
• Manage deviations, investigations, and CAPAs within the production environment.
• Monitor KPIs such as yield, scrap, rework, and downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and compliance.

5. People Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, develop, and manage production supervisors, team leaders, and operators.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and quality.
• Manage workforce planning, training, and performance management.

6. Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with South African occupational health and safety legislation.
• Maintain safe working conditions and enforce safety protocols.
• Drive incident prevention and safety awareness initiatives.

7. Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Procurement to align production schedules with material availability.
• Coordinate with Engineering to minimise downtime and ensure equipment reliability.
• Support new product introductions and technology transfers into production.

8. Cost Control & Resource Management

• Manage production budgets and cost control initiatives.
• Monitor labour efficiency and operational costs.
• Contribute to capital planning and equipment upgrade decisions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Engineering, Production Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification advantageous.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE/ QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Minimum 5 years’ management experience in a manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical is advantageous)
• Experience in a contract manufacturing (CMO/CDMO) environment is advantageous.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements is advantageous.
• Experience managing unionised workforces is advantageous