Operations Manager

SUMMARY:
OPERATIONS MANAGER – PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING Location: Cape Town

POSITION INFO:

Salary: R140k/month (depending on experience)

Our client, a respected name in the South African pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Operations Manager to lead and oversee its production operations. We are looking for a qualified Pharmacist with a minimum of 15 years’ experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging, with proven leadership ability, strong operational acumen, and a passion for driving results.

Position Overview

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire manufacturing and packing process, ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, and the successful delivery of production targets. This critical leadership role involves production planning, team management, process optimisation, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with GMP standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all manufacturing and packing operations to ensure timely and compliant delivery of pharmaceutical products.
• Develop and execute monthly capacity plans and production schedules aligned with forecasted demand.
• Manage production activities to meet budget and performance objectives.
• Lead the introduction, validation, and optimisation of new products and processes.
• Liaise with QA, Regulatory Affairs, Engineering, and other departments for cross-functional collaboration.
• Maintain GMP compliance, cleanliness, safety, and proper documentation including BMRs, SOPs, and CAPAs.
• Control and account for scheduled substances, ensuring legal compliance and proper recordkeeping.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead capital projects, including facility and equipment upgrades.
• Train, develop, and motivate production staff to meet performance goals and build operational capacity.
• Investigate and resolve non-conformances and deviations promptly.
• Provide monthly operational and production reports to executive management.

Requirements

Qualifications & Knowledge

• BPharm degree and registration with the South African Pharmacy Council.
• Additional pharmaceutical manufacturing qualifications advantageous.
• In-depth understanding of GMP, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and packaging processes.
• Solid experience in auditing, risk assessment, and technical documentation.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least several years in a leadership or senior operational role.
• Strong track record in production planning, scheduling, quality assurance, and team development.

Key Competencies

• Can-Do Attitude – resilient and driven to exceed targets.
• Leadership – inspires and guides teams to high performance.
• Problem-Solving – analytical thinker who responds decisively under pressure.
• Communication – clear, professional, and effective in all forms of communication.
• Detail-Oriented – strong focus on quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Team Player – collaborates effectively across all levels and departments.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria and are ready to take on a senior leadership role in a respected pharmaceutical company, please email your updated CV in Word format along with a copy of your qualification/s, ID, reference letters or contactable referees and a profile picture of yourself to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.