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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Company: Boehringer Ingelheim is a top employer dedicated to improving global health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, career development, and wellness programs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal health while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Scientific degree and proven leadership in GMP-regulated environments required.
- Other info: This is a fully site-based role at our cutting-edge Pirbright facility.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Position
Are you ready to take the helm of a world-class production facility and shape the future of animal health? At Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), we’re looking for a visionary Head of Production to lead our Pirbright site—driving excellence, innovation, and compliance in every aspect of our manufacturing operations. This is more than a leadership role—it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a global organisation.
As Head of Production, you’ll be at the heart of our mission—ensuring the seamless delivery of our business strategy through outstanding performance across People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost. You’ll lead a high-performing team, champion regulatory excellence, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
This is a fully site-based role at our cutting-edge Pirbright facility, where your expertise will directly influence the production of life-saving animal vaccines.
Tasks & Responsibilities
Production Leadership & Compliance
- Oversee all production activities, from operations and maintenance to validation and waste management
- Ensure full compliance with GMP, biosafety, HSE, and quality standards
- Lead contamination control strategies and maintain rigorous hygiene protocols
- Own SOP development and implementation, ensuring alignment with regulatory and licensing requirements
- Drive data integrity, documentation accuracy, and validation of aseptic procedures
Strategic Supply Chain & Operational Excellence
- Manage end-to-end supply chain planning, budgeting, and inventory control
- Collaborate with Procurement to align supply needs with production schedules
- Monitor GMP compliance and lead regulatory inspection readiness
- Embed a culture of Quality, Safety, and Continuous Improvement through visual management and Gemba walks
Senior Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic direction and company-wide initiatives
- Inspire and motivate teams to achieve local and global targets
- Champion open communication and cross-functional alignment
People Development & Departmental Growth
- Lead, coach, and develop a diverse, high-performing team
- Shape departmental structure to meet evolving business needs
- Drive talent development, performance management, and succession planning
- Promote knowledge sharing and operational excellence across the team
Requirements
- A scientific degree (e.g., pharmacy, veterinary medicine, biology, chemistry) or equivalent experience
- Proven leadership in GMP-regulated production environments, ideally in biopharmaceuticals
- Deep understanding of aseptic manufacturing, biosafety, and operational excellence tools (Lean, Six Sigma)
- Experience with UK regulatory inspections and audits
- Strategic mindset with strong influencing and communication skills
- A collaborative, pragmatic, and solutions-focused approach
- Exceptional organisational, time management, and IT skills
WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Boehringer Ingelheim has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. Being certified as a Top Employer confirms our dedication to a better world of work, delivered through excellent HR policies and people practices. To learn more visit: Company
Why Boehringer Ingelheim?
With us, you can develop your own path in a company with a culture that knows our differences are our strengths \\u2013 and break new ground in the drive to make millions of lives better.
Here, your development is our priority. Supporting you to build a career as part of a workplace that is independent, authentic and bold, while tackling challenging work in a respectful and friendly environment where everyone is valued and welcomed.
Alongside, you have access to programs and groups that ensure your health and wellbeing are looked after \\u2013 as we make major investments to drive global accessibility to healthcare. By being part of a team that is constantly innovating, you\’ll be helping to transform lives for generations.
Want to learn more? Visit #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Production employer: Boehringer Ingelheim
Contact Detail:
Boehringer Ingelheim Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in GMP and biosafety. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biopharmaceutical industry, especially those who have experience in production leadership roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations at Boehringer Ingelheim.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges in production environments. Highlighting your strategic mindset and problem-solving skills will set you apart as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Boehringer Ingelheim's recent projects and initiatives in animal health. Being knowledgeable about their work will show your genuine interest in the role and the company's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in GMP-regulated production environments, particularly in biopharmaceuticals. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific achievements related to operational excellence tools like Lean or Six Sigma.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for animal health and your vision for the role. Discuss how your strategic mindset and collaborative approach can contribute to the company's mission and values, particularly in fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Highlight Regulatory Knowledge: Given the importance of compliance in this role, ensure you detail your experience with UK regulatory inspections and audits. Mention any specific instances where you successfully led teams through these processes.
Showcase People Development Skills: Illustrate your experience in leading and developing high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you've shaped departmental structures, driven talent development, and promoted knowledge sharing within your teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Boehringer Ingelheim
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Production, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in GMP-regulated environments, focusing on your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK regulatory standards and inspections relevant to biopharmaceuticals. During the interview, highlight your experience with compliance and how you've successfully navigated audits in the past.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Boehringer Ingelheim values a culture of continuous improvement. Be ready to share instances where you've implemented Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to enhance operational excellence and drive efficiency.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll need a strategic mindset. Think about how you can contribute to the company's direction and be prepared to discuss your vision for aligning production with business goals.
