Head of Operations

Head of Operations

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Allerton Bishop Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing team in aseptic drug product operations.
  • Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in northern England.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to drive process improvements.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in pharmaceutical manufacturing and champion operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences or Engineering with extensive GMP leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Allerton Bishop is partnering with a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company to appoint a Head of Operations. Our client is based in northern England and this role will play a pivotal part in driving process improvement across aseptic drug product and fill finish operations while leading and developing a high-performing team of Production Shift Managers. This is a senior leadership position within a GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, where you will be accountable for optimising aseptic production processes, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring flawless execution of day-to-day manufacturing activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor and develop a team of Production Managers and Shift Leaders to deliver consistently high standards in aseptic operations.
  • Drive process optimisation and efficiency improvements across drug product manufacturing, with a strong focus on aseptic techniques.
  • Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with GMP, regulatory, safety and quality standards.
  • Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to deliver process robustness, equipment reliability, and site investment projects.
  • Lead technical transfer and support the introduction of new aseptic drug products into commercial manufacture.
  • Act as a champion for continuous improvement and operational excellence, implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.

Your Background

  • Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering or a related field.
  • Extensive GMP manufacturing leadership experience, ideally within aseptic pharmaceutical drug product.
  • Strong track record of leading production teams and shift operations within a regulated environment.
  • Demonstrated success in process improvement, problem-solving, and driving cultural change in manufacturing teams.
  • Technical knowledge of aseptic sterile manufacturing, biologics, or injectables is essential.

Head of Operations employer: Allerton Bishop Search

At Allerton Bishop, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, particularly in northern England. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture ensures that our employees are not only supported in their professional growth but also empowered to drive meaningful change in aseptic operations. With a focus on continuous improvement and a strong emphasis on compliance and quality, we offer unique opportunities for leadership development and the chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic industry.
Allerton Bishop Search

Contact Detail:

Allerton Bishop Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their team too. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the Head of Operations role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Process Optimisation
Aseptic Techniques
GMP Compliance
Regulatory Knowledge
Quality Standards
Lean Methodologies
Six Sigma
Technical Transfer
Problem-Solving Skills
Cultural Change Management
Manufacturing Operations Management
Biologics Knowledge
Injectables Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in GMP manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific achievements in process improvement and team leadership that relate to aseptic operations. We love a good story!

Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Don’t forget to highlight your technical knowledge of aseptic sterile manufacturing and biologics. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure to mention any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!

How to prepare for a job interview at Allerton Bishop Search

✨Know Your GMP Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) knowledge. This role is all about ensuring compliance, so be ready to discuss how you've implemented GMP standards in your previous roles and how you can bring that expertise to the table.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head of Operations, you'll be leading a team of Production Managers and Shift Leaders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored and developed teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering a high-performance culture and driving continuous improvement.

✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Skills

Be ready to talk about specific instances where you've driven process optimisation and efficiency improvements. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your success, especially in aseptic techniques, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Emphasise Collaboration with Quality and Engineering Teams

This role requires strong partnerships with Quality and Engineering teams. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively to enhance process robustness or equipment reliability. Showing that you can work cross-functionally will set you apart.

Head of Operations
Allerton Bishop Search
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