Production Manager

About the role

Responsible for the proactive management of the Water Soluble Powders and Tablets manufacturing building in accordance with MNOSHA safety regulations, FDA cGMP regulations, and Local and Federal compliance requirements. A dynamic, hands-on leader with the ability to drive performance through the development of employees via accountability, standards, and continuous improvement; leads by example as a technical expert in powder blending, milling, tablet compression, coating, and packaging processes. An intuitive solutionist to the requirements of the business with a strong understanding of supply chain, operations, and other factors that may cause production delays, while maintaining quality, compliance, and delivery standards through efficient and effective planning, direction, and coordination of all production and maintenance activities within the building.

Responsibilities

• Translate company strategy into meaningful plans and actions at the operations level.
• Manage and evaluate daily, weekly, and monthly KPI information to identify bottlenecks and enable actions to problem-solve and remove obstacles for smooth production flow.
• Participate in the budget planning process and work with the production budget to strive for cost management and improvements.
• Ensure proper communication is maintained with internal and external customers.
• Observe and align operations in all departments to acquire knowledge of methods, procedures, and standards related to departmental duties.
• Identify production needs and execute actions including process management, staffing, equipment, and training.
• Make Continuous Improvement a priority in the day-to-day life of the production system and management.
• Build and sustain empathy and trust by actively listening, understanding, coaching, and supporting employees and team members.
• Assess existing talent to determine if skills/competencies are appropriate for current roles and future goals.
• Set performance goals and objectives with direct reports.
• Ensure SOP, Safety, and CGMP training are current and that all employees are compliant.
• Develop employees through daily learning, training, workshops, mentorship, etc.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate all areas of powder and tablet production to produce quality and compliant products safely and at the most economic cost to meet on-time customer demand.
• Identify trends in processing times (blending, milling, compression, coating, filling, and packaging) and take appropriate actions to address and improve operating conditions.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and colleagues, anticipating and interpreting business needs to identify solutions, including approval of technical documentation such as investigations, protocols, qualification, and validation.
• Interface with external organizations such as the FDA, DEA, Contract Auditors, OSHA, EPA, and others to ensure compliance with current regulations.
• Set and measure team performance/goals, contribute to production scheduling decisions, and work cross-functionally to close deviation investigations and introduce new product SKUs.
• Take a hands-on approach to problem-solve production constraints and/or improve production capacity.
• Oversee all day-to-day activities within the Water Soluble Powders and Tablets building.
• Lead and support powder handling, blending, tablet press, coating, and packaging equipment modifications and upgrades for automated process efficiency, regulatory compliance, and replacement of obsolescent equipment, controls, and systems.
• Enhance management and operational skills within the production department; provide technical advice regarding equipment improvement based on departmental systems.
• Manage the following production lines/departments: Powder Blending & Filling and Tablet Compression, Coating & Packaging (non-sterile, water-soluble powders and tablets).
• Apply knowledge of cost accounting principles for a manufacturing environment, develop cost reduction plans, and ensure departments operate within budget.
• Ensure cGMP compliance and attainment of PSQDC (Performance, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) targets.
• Support CI project teams by providing adequate time for activities to facilitate process improvements.
• Encourage and mentor CI Leaders to educate and empower a CI mindset throughout production operations.
• Participate as a role model in establishing a CI culture with responsibility to translate it onto the manufacturing floor.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical manufacturing experience, with 3 years of leadership experience directly within solid dose/powder drug product manufacturing (blending, milling, tablet compression, coating, and/or packaging).
• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or equivalent life science field; or significant direct and relevant experience.
• Effective at working in fast-paced environments, specifically in a leadership capacity, to facilitate objective decision-making.
• Ability to perform departmental capacity analysis to recommend short- and long-term strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing staff groups and major projects or initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
• Excellent people management skills.
• Strong command of the English language; written and verbal.

Qualifications

• Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, or related field (desirable).
• 2–3 years of Continuous Improvement experience – Green Belt or Black Belt Certification a plus.
• Prior experience with water-soluble powder and/or tablet manufacturing equipment (e.g., ribbon blenders, fluid bed processors, tablet presses, coating pans).

Skills

• Complexity/Stress Management/Time Management: The ability to keep functioning effectively under pressure and maintain self-control in the face of hostility or provocation. Cuts through complexity to focus on core issues; manages time smartly; manages resources soundly.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to be thoughtful and draw pertinent conclusions after discussions or meetings; supports final outcomes and decisions.
• Fostering Collaboration/Teamwork: The ability to work jointly with others or together, especially in an intellectual endeavor; demonstrates interest, skill, and success in getting groups to learn to work together. Builds partnerships for global performance. Respects others.
• Results Oriented: The ability to focus on the desired result of one’s own department’s work, setting challenging goals, and meeting or exceeding them.
• Thoroughness/Detail Oriented: Ensuring that one’s own and others’ work and information are complete and accurate; carefully preparing for meetings and presentations, following up to ensure agreements and commitments are fulfilled.

Benefits

• Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) plan for retirement savings
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program

About the company

Bimeda is a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal health products with over half a century’s experience in providing science-driven solutions to optimize the health, wellbeing, and productivity of the world’s animals. Bimeda’s global innovation program sees six state-of-the-art R&D centers across four continents collaborate on an enviable product development pipeline which anticipates the ever-evolving needs of the animal health industry. Bimeda’s nine manufacturing facilities across seven countries allow the company to manufacture a broad range of preventative, curative, and nutritional products including sterile injectables, vaccinations, nutritional boluses, feed additives, tablets, water-soluble powders, pastes, and non-sterile liquids. Globally, the company focuses on the development, manufacture, and commercialization of quality Bimeda-branded products while also being the partner of choice for contract manufacturing and R&D services for prominent companies within the animal health industry.