Manager, Production

About the role

As the Manager, Production at Ferring—a privately-owned, biopharmaceutical leader—you will oversee aseptic manufacturing operations across lyophilization (LYO) lines, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of daily production activities. This role directly manages first-shift production supervisors and provides leadership continuity across second and third shifts to maintain consistent operational performance. Acting as the deputy to the Director of Production, Packaging, and MTS, you will serve as a key escalation point and operational leader in the Director’s absence, driving right-first-time batch execution, supporting timely batch record review, and leading continuous improvement initiatives within a GMP-regulated environment.

Ferring is recognized as one of “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company and honored by Fortune for addressing society’s unmet needs. Ferring US is also Great Places to Work® Certified, distinguishing it as one of the best companies to work for in the country.

Responsibilities

• Production Leadership & Oversight
  • Provide direct leadership to 1st shift Production Supervisor and associated manufacturing teams.
  • Oversee operations across lyophilization lines, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards.
  • Provide cross-shift support to ensure continuity, issue resolution, and consistent execution.
  • Serve as primary point of contact for production operations during off-hours or in absence of the Director.
  • Monitor production metrics and ensure achievement of schedule, yield, and right-first-time targets.
• Operational Execution & Compliance
  • Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with GMP, aseptic processing requirements, and site procedures.
  • Monitor batch execution to ensure adherence to process parameters, documentation standards, and timelines.
  • Support and perform batch record review for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
  • Partner with Quality to support deviations, investigations, and CAPAs.
• Cross-Functional Alignment
  • Lead and participate in daily production meetings, shift handovers, and cross-functional alignment forums.
  • Coordinate with Quality Assurance, Engineering/Maintenance, MS&T (Manufacturing Science & Technology), and Supply Chain/Planning.
  • Ensure clear communication of priorities, risks, and operational status across shifts and departments.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and drive process improvements related to throughput, cycle time, right-first-time batch execution, and deviation reduction.
  • Support implementation of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze production data and trends to identify opportunities for optimization.
• Leadership & People Management
  • Coach and develop Production Supervisor – 1st shift and frontline staff.
  • Ensure proper training, qualification, and adherence to aseptic behaviors.
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
  • Support performance management, staffing, and workforce planning.
• Deputy Responsibilities
  • Act on behalf of the Director of Production, Packaging, and MTS for production-related decisions when required.
  • Provide decision-making support for production prioritization, escalations, risk mitigation, and resource allocation across shifts.
  • Ensure continuity of leadership and operational stability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Life Sciences, or related field required.
• 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including:
  • At least 5 years in aseptic/sterile operations.
  • At least 3 years of direct supervisory or people-management experience.
  • Experience leading supervisors and supporting multiple shifts.
• Lyophilization experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of:
  • GMP and aseptic processing.
  • Batch record review and documentation practices.
  • Deviation and CAPA management.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Operational decision-making in a regulated environment.
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments and remain on the production floor for extended periods, including walking, standing, and moving through operational areas.
• Ability to enter aseptic cleanroom areas and comply with established gowning, hygiene, personal protective equipment, and safety requirements.
• Ability to perform routine physical activities such as reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, and climbing stairs to observe operations and access manufacturing areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around manufacturing equipment and tolerate conditions typical of a pharmaceutical production environment, including moderate noise and required PPE.
• Ability to provide flexible on-site support outside normal business hours, including occasional second- or third-shift, weekend, or emergency coverage based on operational needs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, and vision) with a premium differential inversely tied to base salary.
• 401k plan with company match.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Basic life insurance.
• Wellness benefits.
• Reimbursement for certain tuition expenses.
• Sick time accrual of 1 hour per 30 hours worked.
• Vacation time for full-time employees: up to 120 hours in the first four years of employment, and 160 hours in the fifth year.
• 15 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave (subject to a minimum period of employment at Ferring).

Pay

The base salary range for this role is $121,299 to $225,269, with additional annual incentive compensation based on individual and company performance. The actual amount paid may differ based on experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and primary work location.