At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production activities and lead teams to ensure efficient operations.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company focused on biosafety and compliance.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until 2027 with competitive salary and career growth.
- Other info: Full-time onsite role with opportunities for continuous improvement and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while ensuring product quality.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an Assistant Production Manager (APM) to support production activities at our Pirbright, UK manufacturing site. The role ensures efficient, compliant and safe large-scale production of FMD and BTV antigens and final product, working within EU, UK, GMP, biosafety and HSE standards. The APM will oversee daily production operations, lead teams, optimise processes and support the Head of Production to maintain high productivity and regulatory compliance. This is a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2027. It is based at the Pirbright manufacturing site and requires full-time onsite attendance.
Production & Operational Excellence
- Ensure production departments operate efficiently and in full compliance with biosafety, GMP, HSE and statutory requirements.
- Manage and develop staff, deputising for the Head of Production when required.
- Lead process improvements, addressing inefficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
- Oversee equipment, business processes and training within your scope.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coordinate daily activities with Production, QA, MSAT and other departments to ensure smooth production flow.
- Strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting quality assurance and operational efficiency.
- Act as client project manager for CAPEX-related activities impacting production readiness.
Area Management
- Plan and execute shift-based work, cover holiday/sickness planning and coordinate staff exchanges between areas.
- Manage cost centres and annual budgeting for assigned areas.
- Own end-to-end batch scheduling, ensuring timely batch close-out (target: within 12 weeks).
- Coordinate maintenance, validation and production scheduling to minimise downtime.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead or support tier meetings and ensure timely execution of assigned actions.
- Drive business process excellence (BPE) initiatives and lead improvement projects.
- Apply project management methodologies to deliver initiatives on time, within scope and budget.
Biosafety & EHS
- Ensure all biosafety rules are followed and required reporting/communication is completed.
- Investigate EHS incidents, conduct risk assessments and complete all mandatory H&S training.
Finance & GMP
- Monitor departmental budgets, investigate variances and approve invoices.
- Ensure readiness for audits and lead required activities during internal/external inspections.
- Manage change controls, CAPA actions, deviation investigations and accurate data entry (LIMS/SAP/GBS).
Qualifications
- Degree in a scientific discipline preferred; equivalent experience also considered.
- Experience in a pharmaceutical or highly regulated production environment.
- Strong organisational, communication and people management skills.
- Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver against multiple operational deadlines.
- Experience driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Good IT skills (MS Office, SAP/GBS desirable).
- Deep understanding of HSE, biosafety and GMP standards.
- Strategic thinking and strong leadership skills.
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong autonomy.
- Evidenced ability to work methodically with minimal supervision.
- Ability to challenge existing processes and promote a culture of improvement.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for the successful candidate. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory DBS certificate.
Assistant Production Manager in Guildford employer: Boehringer Ingelheim
At our Pirbright manufacturing site, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee development. As an Assistant Production Manager, you will benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritises safety and compliance while offering opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to producing high-quality products in a state-of-the-art facility, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Production Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 production processes. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to operational excellence and process improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Production Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in production environments, especially any work with GMP and biosafety standards. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Pirbright. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your organisational and communication skills in your application. Mention any experience you have with project management methodologies or continuous improvement initiatives. We’re all about operational excellence here!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to us. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Boehringer Ingelheim
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Assistant Production Manager role. Brush up on your knowledge of GMP, biosafety, and HSE standards, as well as any relevant production processes. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed projects in the past. Think about times when you improved processes or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to manage staff and drive continuous improvement, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to production challenges or team dynamics. Practise your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. This will help you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the company's approach to continuous improvement or how they handle cross-functional collaboration. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
