Process Leader (First Line Manager) – Sterile Production in Macclesfield

Location: Macclesfield

Type: Permanent

Shift: Permanent, shift based roles. 7 on (4 earlies, 3 lates), 3 off, 7 on (3 earlies, 4 lates), 4 off. Earlies 06:00 - 14:20/ Lates 13:40 - 22:00.

At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, pioneering groundbreaking methods and bringing unexpected teams together.

Are you an experienced leader, looking for a new and exciting challenge within a fast-paced manufacturing environment? If so this could be the ideal opportunity!

We are looking to recruit a Production Manager (First Line Manager) to join our sterile manufacturing plants at our Macclesfield campus. At 100 acres Macclesfield is AstraZeneca's largest UK campus with a variety of work environments including laboratories, factories and offices. We are currently undergoing an ambitious campus redevelopment driven by AstraZeneca’s pipeline and grounded in our three core key value propositions – Chemistry, Packing and Complex Parenterals.

This is an excellent opportunity with AstraZeneca to lead a diverse team and to join a fast-growing manufacturing environment. If you are looking for an exciting professional challenge and opportunity to craft and implement the strategic direction of your own area then this is the role for you.

Responsibilities:

• A strong, confident leader and mentor you'll be responsible for the Line Management of a Team of Operators and the daily, weekly and monthly performance of defined processes in terms of Safety, cGMP, Supply, Cost and People.
• Working in a highly regulated environment you will understand relevant policies, procedures, laws, regulations and codes of business. You will ensure that they are adhered to both personally and by those you will work with.
• All performance management activities for your team.
• Reviewing and approving the process related documentation including batch records.
• Performing SHE investigations and Quality Deviation investigations as required.
• Improving the performance of your processes by the use of Manufacturing Excellence/Lean Principles including Visual Management, Standard Work, Problem Solving, Layered Audits and Process Confirmation.
• With a digital attitude, you will embrace new technology using a variety of digital platforms to improve performance.
• Resilient and used to working in a dynamic, changing environment, you will be comfortable networking with varying partners both internally and externally to AstraZeneca.
• Taking initiative and leading improvements on behalf of your wider team.

Essential Requirements:

• Proven leadership and people development experience.
• A Degree or equivalent experience in a Science, Engineering, Manufacturing or a Supply Chain related subject or equivalent practical work experience.
• Experience of working within a highly compliant or cGMP production environment.
• Proven track record of delivering continuous improvement and problem solving.
• Proven application of Lean/Manufacturing Excellence principles, with the ability to lead process improvements and deliver business benefit in a highly regulated environment.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience of working in a highly digital and automated environment, preferably with experience of electronic batch records.
• Experience in either formulation, filling, packaging, validation, technology transfer or change control.
• Experience in a Sterile/Clean Area or a Laboratory Environment.
• Experience of working within a unionised environment.

At AstraZeneca, we 're dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society. An inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Always committed to lifelong learning, growth and development.

So, what’s next… Are you already envisioning yourself in this role? Good, because we can’t wait to hear from you.

Date Posted: 18-May-2026

Closing Date: 01-Jun-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.