Production Manager

Walker Cole International is exclusively supporting a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation in the North West in the search for a Production Manager. This is a great opportunity to lead and direct manufacturing activities, embedding a strong culture of engagement and continuous improvement while ensuring processes remain safe, compliant and efficient.

Your responsibilities as the Production Manager will include:

• Ensuring strict adherence to EHS standards and GMP/regulatory compliance across all operations, fostering a culture of safety and audit readiness.


• Owning production performance, ensuring targets are met on time and in full, with optimised team structure and clear KPIs to maintain and improve performance.


• Championing continuous improvement and lean practices, including DMAIC, SHINGO and Six Sigma, and defining OEE to identify efficiencies and reduce waste.


• Leading and developing a team of Shift Managers, Team Leaders and Operators, conducting performance reviews and ensuring a strong learning and development programme, including succession planning.


• Owning departmental cost management and E2E product supply, from manufacturing through to batch release, while supporting technical transfer and commercialisation of new products.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Significant pharmaceutical manufacturing experience with a demonstrated track record leading and optimising manufacturing operations, with a focus on productivity and cost control.


• Proven experience managing budgets and leading, developing and growing teams.


• Experience implementing lean manufacturing, process optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines and targets.


• Experience of QMS, RCA, CAPA and regulatory cGMP audits; previous leadership experience within biopharmaceutical or aseptic manufacturing is advantageous.


• Relevant experience in Manufacturing, Engineering or a related discipline, ideally educated to degree level in a science-based subject.

Production Manager | Manufacturing Manager | GMP Operations | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Lean Manufacturing | Six Sigma | CAPA | QMS | Continuous Improvement | OEE | Biopharmaceutical | Aseptic Manufacturing