At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the MSAT team and drive process improvements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Company: Leading pharmaceutical manufacturer specialising in oral solid dosage forms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on innovative pharmaceutical processes and product quality.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 10-15 years of experience in manufacturing.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: England, UK
Department: Manufacturing / Technical Operations
Reports to: VP/Director of Technical Operations or Site Head
Overview
Our client is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer/CDMO specialising in oral solid dosage forms, including high-volume commercial products and complex formulations. They are committed to quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous innovation.
The Head of MSAT (Manufacturing Science & Technology) will provide strategic and operational leadership for MSAT activities supporting commercial manufacturing, process improvements, and technology transfer for oral solid dosage products. This role will be responsible for ensuring robust, compliant, and scalable manufacturing processes across multiple product lines while supporting new product introductions (NPI) and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the MSAT team, providing guidance, coaching, and development.
- Define and execute the MSAT strategy aligned with site and corporate objectives.
- Serve as technical expert for oral solid dosage manufacturing processes.
- Process Development & Technology Transfer
- Lead technology transfer from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
- Ensure process robustness, scalability, and reproducibility.
- Collaborate with R&D, QA, and Production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, yield improvement, and efficiency gains.
- Implement continuous improvement programs using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Support automation and digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing.
- Compliance & Quality
- Ensure MSAT operations comply with cGMP, regulatory expectations, and internal quality standards.
- Support regulatory submissions and inspections, providing technical expertise and documentation.
- Manage change control, deviation investigations, and CAPA related to MSAT activities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with QA, Production, Supply Chain, and Engineering to drive operational excellence.
- Act as the technical point of contact for external stakeholders (customers, regulators, CDMOs).
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 10–15 years’ experience in oral solid dosage manufacturing.
- Proven track record in MSAT, process development, and technology transfer.
- Strong knowledge of cGMP, regulatory standards (MHRA, EMA, FDA).
- Experience managing teams of technical professionals.
- Experience in CDMO or multi-product site environments.
- Knowledge of continuous manufacturing, high potency products, or OSD automation.
- Lean/Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications.
- Leadership: ability to develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams.
- Problem-solving: technical and analytical skills to troubleshoot complex manufacturing challenges.
- Communication: strong interpersonal and presentation skills for cross-functional collaboration.
- Project Management: ability to manage multiple technology transfer and optimization projects simultaneously.
- Strategic Thinking: aligning MSAT objectives with broader site and corporate goals.
Head of Manufacturing in England employer: Barrington James
Contact Detail:
Barrington James Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Manufacturing in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their manufacturing processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in MSAT and how you've driven process improvements. A confident, concise summary of your skills can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in joining our team and makes it easier for us to find your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Manufacturing in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of MSAT role. Highlight your experience in oral solid dosage manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our commitment to quality and innovation.
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 your skills can contribute to our MSAT team. Be sure to mention any relevant certifications like Lean or Six Sigma that showcase your process improvement expertise.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive process improvements. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better! It shows us the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barrington James
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of oral solid dosage manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss specific technologies and methodologies you've used in the past, especially around process development and technology transfer.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving strategic initiatives. Think about how you've motivated and developed your team members in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Head of MSAT position.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Since compliance is key in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of cGMP and regulatory standards. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've ensured compliance in past projects or during audits.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with other departments like QA, Production, or R&D. Highlight your communication skills and how you've acted as a technical point of contact to resolve challenges.