Compression Lead

About the Role

The Compression Lead is responsible for overseeing daily operations within the Compression Department, ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant production of tablet products. This position serves as the floor lead for compression activities and is responsible for machine operation, troubleshooting, operator support, equipment readiness, production scheduling coordination, training, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Compression Lead must possess advanced technical knowledge of tablet compression equipment, compression science, tooling maintenance, and tablet manufacturing processes. This individual is expected to lead by example, ensure adherence to GMP and safety requirements, assist with investigations and deviations, and support departmental goals related to productivity, quality, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily compression room activities.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot all compression equipment, including Stokes and other tablet presses.
• Perform complete machine changeovers, set-ups, and cleaning verifications.
• Operate multiple tablet presses simultaneously as production demands require.
• Verify materials against batch records and Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Perform weigh-ups independently and ensure accuracy.
• Maintain continual machine operation to maximize production output.
• Monitor tablet quality and ensure compliance with established in-process specifications for weight, thickness, hardness, appearance, and friability.
• Serves as the primary floor leader in Compression/Blending in the absence of a supervisor.
• Maintains a strong commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and compliance.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and ownership of department performance.
• Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned by Management.

Technical & Troubleshooting Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and correct issues related to: Weight variation, Hardness, Thickness, Capping, Picking and sticking, mechanical malfunctions
• Perform advanced diagnostics on compression equipment.
• Work closely with Maintenance to resolve equipment issues and improve machine reliability.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance and basic equipment repairs.
• Inspect, install, maintain, and safely handle compression tooling.
• Maintain equipment, maintenance logs and records.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of tablet compression experience in a pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting multiple compression platforms.
• Previous experience leading, training, or mentoring operators preferred.
• Experience with root cause investigations, process improvements, and equipment optimization preferred.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8–12-hour shifts)
• Frequently lift and move materials up to 50 lbs.
• Perform repetitive motions (grasping, pushing, pulling)
• Ability to bend, stop, and reach regularly
• Comfortable working around machinery, noise, and chemical products (with PPE)
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

Work Environment

• May work in indoor manufacturing environments that can be warm or hot due to equipment, machinery, or production processes.
• May work with tablets or powdered materials, where airborne particulates may be present within applicable OSHA‑permitted exposure limits using established safety controls.