At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a fast-paced pharmaceutical environment, ensuring safety and quality standards.
- Company: Rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on scaling manufacturing capacity and enhancing productivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and drive growth in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester, UK
Sector: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Company Overview
Our client is a rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation based in Manchester, specialising in the development and commercial manufacture of complex oral solid dose and speciality pharmaceutical products. With a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer partnership, the business supports a diverse portfolio of branded and generic medicines supplied across the UK and international markets.
As part of continued investment and expansion, they are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead site-wide manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and productivity while supporting ambitious growth plans.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Head of Operations will hold overall responsibility for Manufacturing, Production Planning, Engineering, Warehousing, and Operational Excellence across the Manchester site. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring a strategic yet hands-on operator capable of driving operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring GMP excellence across a fast-paced pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in scaling manufacturing capacity, embedding Lean principles, and shaping the long-term operational strategy of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Site Operations Leadership
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across Manufacturing, Packaging, Engineering, Supply Chain and Warehousing.
- Own day-to-day site operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing activities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary operations team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Act as a key member of the Site Leadership Team, contributing to wider business strategy and growth initiatives.
Manufacturing Excellence
- Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), throughput, labour productivity and schedule adherence.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to increase manufacturing capacity whilst maintaining GMP compliance.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, optimise workflows and improve right-first-time performance.
- Ensure robust production planning and resource allocation to meet customer demand and business objectives.
Head of Operations employer: Barrington James
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Manchester's pharmaceutical sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that prioritises innovation and quality, team members are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that impact healthcare. The competitive salary, bonus structure, and comprehensive benefits package further enhance the appeal of joining this rapidly expanding organisation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking rewarding and impactful employment.
