Pharmaceutical Production Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Generous retirement plan

Annual performance bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement in RichardsBay

Job summary

Placements24 is looking for a Pharmaceutical Production Manager to oversee Richards Bay operations in KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead daily production, ensure GMP compliance, and drive efficiency while managing budgets and planning with strategic remote input.

The role requires 7+ years in pharma manufacturing and a relevant degree, with Master’s as an advantage. You will mentor staff, implement CAPAs, and coordinate with QA, engineering, and supply chain to meet targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's preferred.
• 7+ years in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations; 3+ in supervision.
• Deep GMP knowledge and experience with scale-up and troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership, planning, and communication skills.
• Experience with validation and CAPA programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily pharmaceutical production, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, EHS regulations, and quality standards.
• Lead, train, and motivate the production team toward targets.
• Monitor performance, drive CAPAs, and implement improvements.
• Manage material inventory and procurement to meet demands.
• Lead cost control, budgeting, and collaboration with QA/Engineering/SC.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Leadership

Production planning

Process optimization

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or Industrial Engineering

Master's degree (advantage)

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Validation (process/ cleaning/ equipment)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Pharmaceutical Production Manager to oversee operations at their facility in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves managing all aspects of pharmaceutical production, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards, safety regulations, and production schedules. The successful candidate will lead a team of production staff, optimize manufacturing processes, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and product quality. This position requires strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a deep understanding of GMP principles within the pharmaceutical industry. The hybrid nature of this role allows for effective on-site leadership and strategic planning from a remote setting, providing flexibility while maintaining operational excellence. You will be responsible for achieving production targets and maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily pharmaceutical production activities, including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Ensuring all production processes comply with GMP, environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Leading, training, and motivating the production team to achieve departmental goals.
• Monitoring production performance, identifying deviations, and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
• Managing raw material inventory and ensuring timely procurement to meet production demands.
• Implementing and driving continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Collaborating with quality assurance, quality control, engineering, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Developing and managing the production budget, controlling costs, and optimizing resource utilization.
• Preparing production reports and performance metrics for senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP regulations and their application in pharmaceutical production environments.
• Proven experience in process optimization, scale-up, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of production planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Experience with validation processes (process, cleaning, equipment) is essential.
• Ability to balance on-site operational demands with strategic remote planning and analysis.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical production equipment and technologies.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary
• comprehensive medical aid
• a generous retirement plan
• annual performance bonuses
• Our client offers a challenging and rewarding work environment with significant opportunities for career advancement.
• Employees benefit from ongoing training and development programs designed to enhance leadership and technical skills.
• The hybrid work arrangement in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offers a blend of on-site engagement and strategic remote work.