Operations Manager - Pharmaceuticals

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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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