The Company

Multinational Pharmaceutical Company

Pharmaceutical Production Manager 

THE ROLE

• Act as the key driver for the adoption of new operational methodologies, promoting a Lean culture across all organizational levels (Tier Accountability, Gemba Walks, and Structured Problem Solving), effectively managing resistance to change;
• Maintain a strong presence in the department (Gemba), acting as a visible, approachable, and authoritative reference for Department Managers, Shift Supervisors, and Operators;
• Build a collaborative and cohesive work environment, actively contributing to a positive company climate and team motivation, while managing over 100 direct and indirect resources;
• Coordinate departments with heterogeneous technologies:
  • Sterile: Ensure process sterility (Aseptic processing, sterilizing filtration, filling in classified environments, terminal sterilization);
  • Semisolids (Gels) and Solid Oral Forms: Supervise granulation, mixing, compression, and bulk preparation processes.
• Ensure the efficiency of primary and secondary packaging lines, by reducing changeover times and optimizing material flow;
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to align short and medium-term production plans (MPS/S&OP) with plant capacity, balancing line saturation and customer service levels (OTIF);
• Coordinate with Maintenance to ensure plant availability, planning technical downtime and preventive interventions without impacting service levels;
• Ensure that every phase of the production process occurs in rigorous compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, collaborating proactively with Quality Assurance on deviations, CAPAs, and Change Controls, and supporting regulatory inspections (e.g., AIFA/FDA);
• Promote a “zero" safety culture (i.e. zero injury), ensuring compliance with Legislative Decree 81/08 and environmental regulations, and guaranteeing that all personnel are properly trained and aware of operational risks;
• Elaborate the production budget (fixed costs, variable costs, headcount), monitoring monthly performance, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions to restore efficiency.
• Continuously track and analyze key performance indicators (OEE, scrap, productivity, absenteeism, yield), reporting trends to Management and defining recovery strategies;
• Demonstrate proven experience in managing capital investment and technology-transfer projects, including plant revamping initiatives and the introduction or transfer of new production technologies.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree: Engineering (Chemical, Management, Mechanical) or scientific disciplines (Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology);
• At least 5 years of experience in a similar role (minimum 3 years in Pharma within structured Pharmaceutical/Consumer Healthcare companies), or with transversal professional path covering roles of increasing responsibility related to production/production process management/operational excellence. Proven experience in Pharmaceutical or Consumer Healthcare manufacturing contexts is mandatory;
• Advanced knowledge of sterile and/or non-sterile production techniques;
• Advanced knowledge of GMP (sterile and non-sterile) and HSE regulations;
• Advanced knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies (i.e. Problem Solving, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, SMED). Green Belt certification is required;
• Good Knowledge of validation processes (process, cleaning, equipment);
• Proficient knowledge of English (written and spoken): at least B2 level;
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams toward common goals;
• Ability to listen, understand others' motivations, and adapt communication to the interlocutor (from the operator to the Plant Director and other SLT members);
• Proven experience in managing organizational or cultural change projects;
• Ability to analyze complex situations (root cause analysis) and take rapid, data-driven decisions;
• Ability to maintain clarity and precision in dynamic environments while meeting strict deadlines.

LOCATION: Firenze

Please send your CV to: [email protected]

Ref: Pharmaceutical Production Manager