Head of Manufacturing – Pharmaceutical Production

About the role

This senior leadership position is based in a GMP‑regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Central England. Reporting to the Site Leadership Team, you will steer production operations, drive continuous improvement and support the introduction of new products.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to Production Managers and Shift Leaders, building a high‑performing manufacturing organisation.
• Drive operational excellence across all manufacturing activities, improving productivity, quality, cost and service performance.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma and other continuous‑improvement initiatives to boost OEE and overall efficiency.
• Ensure safe execution of manufacturing processes while maintaining full GMP, regulatory and quality compliance.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain and Technical Services to optimise equipment reliability and performance.
• Support technology transfer and the commercial launch of new pharmaceutical products.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, implementing actions to maximise operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous development across the manufacturing function.

Required profile

• Degree qualified in Life Sciences, Engineering, Pharmacy or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, preferably within GMP environments.
• Proven track record of leading production or manufacturing teams at senior level.
• Demonstrated success delivering operational improvements, efficiency gains and cultural change.
• Strong understanding of GMP, modern manufacturing principles and operational excellence.

Required skills

• Lean methodology
• Six Sigma
• GMP compliance
• OEE monitoring and improvement
• Technology transfer processes