Head of Operations – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

About the role

The Head of Operations will lead site‑wide manufacturing and operational excellence at a fast‑growing pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation in Manchester. Reporting to the Managing Director, this senior leader will be responsible for manufacturing, production planning, engineering, warehousing and continuous improvement across the site.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Manufacturing, Packaging, Engineering, Supply Chain and Warehousing.
• Own day‑to‑day site operations, ensuring safety, compliance and efficiency.
• Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), throughput, labour productivity and schedule adherence.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous‑improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimise workflows.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to maintain GMP, MHRA and international compliance.
• Oversee engineering, maintenance and capital projects to support capacity growth.

Required profile

• Strategic yet hands‑on operator with extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead and develop multi‑disciplinary operations teams.
• Strong track record of delivering operational performance and scaling manufacturing capacity.

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• GMP compliance
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• CAPA investigations
• MHRA regulatory knowledge

What we offer

• Competitive salary package with bonus and benefits.
• Opportunity to shape the long‑term operational strategy of a high‑growth pharma business.
• Leadership role within a dynamic, innovative environment.