Production Shift Manager in Edinburgh

At Veranova, we believe people are our most important asset, and we are dedicated to building the most talented and diverse workforce in our industry. Our commitment to uncompromising focus on quality, compliance, safety, and excellence in delivery shapes everything we do. We are not just looking for skills; we are seeking innovative individuals who have a mindset open to learning and growth, and a desire to make a difference.

Veranova is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pharma and biotech customers. With deep technical expertise and impressive flexibility, we develop solutions and processes that support and accelerate innovation. Join us on our mission to enable current and next-generation therapeutics to improve and save the lives of patients.

The role of the Shift Manager is to lead and manage all aspects of shift operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant manufacture of products in accordance with cGMP and EHS standards. The role is accountable for achieving production targets, optimizing resources, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role provides leadership, coaching, and development to the shift team, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence while ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure production schedule targets and plans are met.
• Communicate key details to the Associate Director, Production, including deviations from the manufacturing schedule, quality, EHS, and resource issues.
• Work with all manufacturing areas to ensure standardisation of processes.
• Manage resources to optimise utilisation and achieve operational targets.
• Maintain control and ensure effectiveness in: EHS, cGMP, and company policies and procedures, plant and process performance, site security, training and development, resource availability (annual leave, absence, overtime).
• Act as the incident officer or main control in the event of an incident.
• Maintain effective control of product mix, including raw materials, intermediate stocks, and product recovery streams.
• Provide effective communication up and down the management line and across departments.
• Carry out specific tasks and duties as allocated by Operations Management.
• Participate and/or lead improvement projects as required.

• Ensure strict compliance with all EHS standards and actively promote a safety-first culture.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with cGMP, security, and EHS policies and procedures.
• Lead by example in all aspects of safety, quality, and operational behaviour.
• Investigate incidents and accidents.
• Issue and close out Permits to Work.
• Ensure comprehensive and effective shift handovers.

• Manage staff, including absence, discipline, grievance management, and recruitment.
• Ensure all staff are trained effectively and sufficient cover is maintained.
• Identify areas for process and operator improvement and implement actions to achieve efficiency.
• Provide appropriate cover for shift supervisory staff when required.
• Ensure resources and materials are available and resolve issues.
• Allocate work responsibilities within the shift team.
• Provide incident support until the Duty Emergency Manager arrives.
• Any other duties as reasonably requested.

• Experience in the active pharmaceutical ingredient or fine chemicals industry working in a cGMP production, scale-up or pilot plant facility, including team management in such an environment.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to motivate.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Flexible approach to meet business needs.
• BSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering or equivalent experience.

• Inclusive Culture: At Veranova an inclusive culture is integral to our values. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can bring their full self to work and thrive in their career.
• Financial Wellness: The company provides an industry-leading compensation package, and this position is eligible for an annual performance bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable bonus plan. You will also receive excellent pension contributions with the option of making contributions via salary sacrifice and access to discounts from major online and high street stores.
• Health & Wellbeing: As well as being entitled to 25 days’ annual leave plus recognised Scottish public holidays, our colleagues are also eligible to participate in benefits such as our Health Shield Cash Plan, Cycle2Work Scheme, life insurance, income protection, and GP Anytime.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous growth and development through resources such as LinkedIn Learning, functional career pathways, and individual Personal Development Plans to map out your future with us.

At Veranova, we are eager to meet people that believe in our values and can contribute to the team in a variety of ways. We value a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. If you want to be part of improving and saving the lives of patients, we encourage you to apply regardless of whether you meet every qualification listed.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces, first responder, or are in the process of transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life, we encourage you to apply. Your experience brings invaluable skills and insights that can contribute to our team.

For applicants who may require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to confirm your request for an accommodation. Please include the job number, title, and location of role. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.

Under UK legislation, we are required to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work in the UK, both at the time of offer and throughout their employment. Please note that we are not able to provide sponsorship for this role, so applicants must have the necessary right to work in place independently.

Veranova is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.

All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Veranova for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Veranova respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.