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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in manufacturing and packaging operations for innovative pharmaceutical products.
- Company: Join Almac Pharma Services, a leader in healthcare solutions with a focus on employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while working in a fast-paced, rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership, particularly in regulated environments, is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your contributions and supports your career journey.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Craigavon
Hours: 35 hours per week Monday to Friday flexitime
Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits package
Business Unit: Almac Pharma Services
Almac Pharma Services provide expert development and manufacturing solutions to support the provision of medicines and treatments to patients worldwide. Operating from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, our highly skilled team ensures efficient and reliable production and packaging of commercial drug products.
We are now seeking an experienced and highly capable Associate Director to lead our large-scale Laxido manufacturing and packaging operation. This is a senior leadership role within a 24/7, highly regulated manufacturing facility, managing a workforce of 100+ employees across blending, primary and secondary packaging, manual packing and serialisation. As a key member of the Operations Management Team, you will play a critical role in shaping operational strategy, ensuring cGMP compliance, driving performance, and delivering for our customers.
The role involves providing strategic and operational leadership for the Laxido packaging operation, ensuring the function consistently delivers against business objectives while fostering a culture of operational excellence, quality, and continuous improvement. Key aspects of the role include:
- Leading and developing a high-performing operations team, including Production Shift Managers and Technical Support teams, within a 24/7 operating environment
- Ensuring all operations are executed in full compliance with cGMP, regulatory requirements and Almac quality systems
- Owning the Quality Management System for the department, including SOPs, deviations, CAPA and change management
- Managing complex new product introductions (NPI), technical transfers, process and equipment validation activities
- Driving operational performance and ensuring resource models, shift structures and labour utilisation align with forecast demand and business needs
- Leading and contributing to capital investment projects, equipment selection and facility design decisions
- Working closely with Planning, Commercial, Logistics and wider Packaging teams to deliver customer satisfaction and schedule adherence
- Acting as a visible leader who leads by example, promotes collaboration and builds strong cross-functional relationships
Key Requirements:
- Degree (or equivalent level qualification) or significant senior-level experience in a comparable manufacturing or operations leadership role
- Management experience within a packaging operation
- Experience working in a pharmaceutical or other regulated environment
- Demonstrated experience of new product introduction, process and equipment validation
- A strong track record in performance management, including use of OEE and variance reporting
- Experience developing and leading shift-based management teams
- Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills
- Proven ability to analyse operations, optimise resources and implement sustainable process improvements
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK
- This role may require coverage beyond normal working hours. It is a condition of your employment that you can fulfil this requirement of the role.
Why Build Your Career at Almac? At Almac, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Your future matters and our approach is simple: we support, develop and reward our people, build fulfilling careers and together we advance human health.
Ready to Make an Impact? Join a company where no two days are the same, where you will be challenged, supported, and empowered to drive real change. Apply today and take the next step in your career with Almac.
For further information relating to the essential and desirable criteria, please review the person specification attached to the online job posting. Apply online - please ensure your CV clearly outlines how you meet the criteria for this role. Please upload your CV in PDF format where possible.
Closing date for receipt of applications 06 May 2026 at 17:00
Associate Director - Manufacturing in Craigavon employer: Almac Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Almac Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Manufacturing in Craigavon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Almac and its operations. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of advancing human health – it’ll show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or driven performance improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers – it’ll help you communicate your impact clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in manufacturing and operations leadership – tailor it to the role for maximum impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Manufacturing in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and operations leadership, especially in regulated environments like pharmaceuticals. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven performance and operational excellence in previous roles. We love seeing concrete examples of success.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. We appreciate a personal touch that reflects your enthusiasm for advancing human health.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to upload your CV in PDF format there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Almac Group Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the manufacturing processes and cGMP compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of Laxido packaging operations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a regulated environment, focusing on performance management and operational excellence.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past challenges you've faced in manufacturing or operations and how you overcame them, especially regarding new product introductions and process validations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Almac's operational strategies and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.