Pharmaceutical Production Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-related bonuses

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking an experienced Pharmaceutical Production Manager to oversee all manufacturing operations. You will lead a dedicated team, drive continuous improvement, ensure GMP compliance, and balance safety, quality and productivity to reliably supply high-quality medicines.

The role requires a strong track record in production management within pharma, process validation, equipment qualification, and change control, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related technical field.
• 7–10 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing with 3–5 years in supervision/management.
• Strong GMP/regulatory knowledge (SAHPRA) and track record of leading production teams.
• Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, and change control.
• Excellent leadership, communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in production planning and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities to meet targets safely and GMP-compliant.
• Mentor and develop production supervisors and operators.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to drive operational excellence.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance within the facility.
• Collaborate with QA/QC, Engineering and Supply Chain to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Manage production scheduling and resource allocation to optimize output.
• Lead investigations into deviations and CAPAs with effective corrective actions.
• Oversee validation and qualification activities for equipment/processes.
• Assist in budgeting for the production department and monitor costs.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Leadership

Production planning

Problem-solving

Quality control

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading and expanding pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Pharmaceutical Production Manager to oversee their manufacturing operations in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. This crucial role involves managing all aspects of the production process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. The Production Manager will lead a dedicated team, driving continuous improvement initiatives and optimizing production workflows to meet demand. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned manufacturing professional to take on significant responsibility within a dynamic and growth-focused organization. The position demands strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and a deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing principles and GMP. We are looking for an individual who can effectively balance operational demands with a commitment to safety, quality, and productivity. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the reliable supply of high-quality pharmaceutical products to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring that manufacturing targets are met safely, efficiently, and in compliance with GMP.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors and operators.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence.
• Ensure adherence to all safety regulations and environmental policies within the production facility.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering, and Supply Chain departments to resolve production issues and implement improvements.
• Manage production scheduling and resource allocation to optimize output and minimize downtime.
• Lead investigations into production deviations and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Oversee the execution of validation and qualification activities for production equipment and processes.
• Contribute to budget planning and control for the production department.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong understanding of GMP, pharmaceutical production processes, and regulatory requirements (e.g., SAHPRA).
• Proven track record of successfully managing production teams and achieving operational targets.
• Experience with process validation, equipment qualification, and change control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in production planning and control systems.
• Experience in implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Willingness to work on-site in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid, provident fund, and performance-related bonuses.
• Employees have access to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• The company fosters a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• This role offers significant leadership challenges and the chance to make a substantial impact on the company's success and patient well-being.
• Join a dedicated team committed to excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.