Senior Pharmaceutical Production Manager

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Executive-level insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Production Manager to lead a major manufacturing facility in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee all production activities, ensure GMP compliance, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement across the operation.

The role requires a strong leader with 7–10 years in pharma manufacturing and 3–5 years in a senior capacity, plus a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• 7–10 years in pharma manufacturing operations with 3–5 years in a senior role.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, regulatory compliance and quality systems.
• Proven leadership, people development, and budgeting ability.
• Experience with Lean/Six Sigma is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all pharmaceutical manufacturing activities from planning to execution.
• Ensure GMP compliance and regulatory requirements are met (FDA/EMA/SAHPRA).
• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, managers and operators.
• Drive continuous improvement to increase productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage the production department budget and allocate resources efficiently.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and calibration with engineering teams.
• Maintain robust quality systems with QA for deviations and CAPA.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and regulatory bodies.
• Champion safety and regulatory compliance in the production environment.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmacy

Chemical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Tools

GMP

Quality management systems

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical organization with a strong commitment to advancing global health, is looking for an experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Production Manager to lead their manufacturing operations in Paarl, Western Cape. This high-level role involves overseeing all aspects of pharmaceutical production, from raw material handling to finished product packaging, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with global regulatory standards. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in pharmaceutical manufacturing leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive operational excellence and contribute to the delivery of life-changing medicines from a key strategic location. You will be responsible for a significant production facility and a dedicated team of professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Direct and manage all pharmaceutical manufacturing activities, including production planning, scheduling, and execution. Ensure that all production processes are conducted in strict accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, SAHPRA). Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, managers, and operators, fostering a high-performance culture. Implement and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality. Manage the operational budget for the production department, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient resource allocation. Oversee the maintenance and calibration of all production equipment, collaborating closely with engineering and maintenance teams. Ensure robust quality systems are in place, working with Quality Assurance to investigate deviations and implement corrective actions. Manage inventory of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished goods related to production. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and regulatory bodies. Champion a strong safety culture within the production environment, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Requirements

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management or leadership role. Extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, technologies, and equipment. Proven expertise in GMP, regulatory compliance, and quality management systems. Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams. Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational budgets. Excellent strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is highly desirable. Ability to work under pressure and manage complex operational challenges.

Benefits

Our client offers an executive-level compensation package, including a competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, provident fund, and executive-level insurance. Opportunities for extensive professional development, executive training, and international exposure are provided. Employees benefit from a challenging and dynamic work environment, a commitment to innovation, and the chance to make a profound impact on global health. Our client values leadership excellence and offers a supportive infrastructure for success. Join our client in Paarl, Western Cape and lead the way in pharmaceutical production.