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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Company: Dynamic pharma company focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry while leading cross-functional teams.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a team that values continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Product Lead – Manufacturing (Pharma) is responsible for end-to-end product ownership across commercial pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. This role ensures robust, scalable, compliant, and cost-efficient manufacturing processes aligned with regulatory requirements and business objectives. The role bridges Technical Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, and Commercial teams to drive lifecycle management, process optimization, technology transfer, and continuous improvement for assigned product(s) or portfolio. The ideal candidate combines strong pharmaceutical manufacturing expertise with product strategy, lifecycle management, and cross-functional leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the manufacturing product strategy across lifecycle stages (launch → scale → maturity → optimization).
- Define manufacturing readiness plans aligned with commercialization timelines.
- Develop and maintain Target Manufacturing Profile (TMP) and process control strategies.
- Lead capacity planning and long-term manufacturing strategy.
- Lead technology transfer from R&D to commercial manufacturing.
- Ensure successful process validation (PPQ), engineering batches, and launch readiness.
- Drive cross-functional launch governance for new product introductions.
- Manage site selection and CMO coordination where applicable.
GMP Compliance & Quality
- Ensure full compliance with cGMP, FDA, EMA, ICH, and local regulatory standards.
- Partner with Quality Assurance on deviations, CAPA, change control, and risk management.
- Maintain inspection readiness and support regulatory audits.
- Implement Quality by Design (QbD) principles and continuous verification programs.
Process Optimization & Operational Excellence
- Improve yield, throughput, and cost of goods (COGS).
- Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Optimize batch cycle times and reduce manufacturing variability.
- Lead risk assessments (FMEA) and process robustness programs.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with Supply Chain on demand forecasting and production planning.
- Align with Regulatory Affairs for post-approval changes and variations.
- Partner with Engineering on capital projects and automation initiatives.
- Present manufacturing strategy and performance updates to executive leadership.
Financial & Performance Management
- Own manufacturing-related P&L elements for assigned products.
- Develop annual operating plans and cost-reduction strategies.
- Monitor KPIs including:
- OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
- Batch success rate
- Deviation rate
- Right First Time (RFT)
- COGS performance
- On-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery
Experience
- 10–15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Proven experience in oral solid dosage, injectables, biologics, or sterile manufacturing (as applicable).
- Hands-on experience with:
- Process validation and PPQ
- Regulatory inspections (FDA/EMA)
- Tech transfer and commercialization
- GMP documentation systems
- Process validation lifecycle
- Cleaning validation
- Change management systems
- Stability programs
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful commercial launch readiness
- Yield and cost improvements
- Improved OEE and RFT metrics
- On-time tech transfer completion
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field.
- MBA or advanced management certification preferred.
Product Lead – Manufacturing (Pharma)-London,UK employer: Navikenz
Contact Detail:
Navikenz Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Lead – Manufacturing (Pharma)-London,UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local pharma events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Product Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cGMP and regulatory standards. We want you to be able to discuss how you’ve driven process optimisation and lifecycle management in past roles. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your cross-functional leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with teams like Quality Assurance and Supply Chain. We want to see that you can bridge gaps and drive results across departments.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Product Lead position!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Lead – Manufacturing (Pharma)-London,UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Lead role. Highlight your experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in lifecycle management and cross-functional leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, like your expertise in process validation or technology transfer.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or driven successful product launches in the past. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navikenz
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of cGMP, FDA, and EMA regulations, as well as the specific technologies and methodologies used in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
Prepare examples that highlight your experience working with various teams such as Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Engineering. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led cross-functional projects and managed stakeholder expectations. This will show that you can bridge gaps between departments effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can contribute to the company's long-term goals. Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing manufacturing strategies, optimising processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Use specific metrics or KPIs from your past experiences to illustrate your impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to crisis management or process validation challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and problem-solving skills in these scenarios. This will help you convey your ability to handle pressure and make informed decisions.