Production Pharmacist

Posting Date: Nov 12, 2026

Department: Formulation

Business Unit: Manufacturing

Country: South Africa

State: KwaZulu-Natal

Location: Durban

Req Id: 107969

Job Purpose

Coordinates and controls production activities under the supervision of the Manufacturing Manager and Head of Production. Implements the production plan and targets according to cGMP, while maintaining the highest level of Quality, Safety and Productivity. Upholds and maintains all legislative requirements when reviewing and approving all production and related activities, within the scope of a legally appointed Pharmacist. Leads /supervisors employees engaged in production activities.

Key Accountabilities

Financials

Effective utilization of resources to keep processes cost effective

Continuous Improvement Processes Planning

Participates in developing team goals and objectives, by planning resources, equipment and manpower

Conducts shift handover

Production plan is updated as required, in accordance with Production Planning

Contingency plans for production are generated and implemented as and when required

Be accountable for shift production and translating targets into outputs

Forecast possible problem areas and non conformances that could potentially affect production

Reporting breakdowns and stoppages to direct line Manager/relevant responsible persons

Timekeeping of staff

Ensure timeous receipt of materials from stores

Ensure timeous receipt of QA documents

Able to co-ordinate Production activities

Multitask

Prepare for daily operations to meet daily production outputs

Motivate and suggest equipment and process requirements/improvements

Operate Effectively

Ensures areas and equipment are clean and ready for use as per SOP

Ensures documentation/materials are checked as per SOP

Ensures Sign Off on process:

Declaration of ready and clean for production

Authorization of Production Documents

Initiate operational action to prioritize shift problems and any deviations that may occur

Reporting any deviations and the generation of non conformance reports and investigations

Reporting breakdowns to maintenance

Monitors downtimes and problem solves with corrective action

Evaluates Product yields and reports deviations to Production Manager

Ensures product yield compiles to limits, if not initiates an investigation, collates report and discusses with Production Manager

Performs calculations such as yields and potency calculations

Assists in re-design of manufacturing methods

Performs training of operators on SOP’s, safety etc

Initiates changes once approval has been obtained

Accountable for product integrity

Writing up of SOPs
- Generation and close out of Deviations and Change controls.
- Conduct regular audits
- Review and improve current documents (BMR/BPR’s, SOP’s, Log Books etc)
- Drawing up of new BMR/BPR’s
- Plan/organize/conduct Qualifications of equipment
- Assist with New Product Development and validations
- Training of staff
- Maintenance of training matrix
- Conduct Root Cause analysis and process optimization projects
Record Keeping
- Responsible for ensuring the ‘real time’ completion of Batch Manufacturing Records (BMR) and Batch Packaging Records (BPR), Log Sheets, Syspro Transaction etc. during all production processes. (Reconcile, audit , queries resolved before QA login
- Responsible for the timeous completion of Non-conformance reports and the initiation and implementation of relevant corrective actions
- Responsible for the timeous completion of Change Control Requests and the initiation and implementation of relevant actions
- BMR’s and BPR’s are reviewed and made current where necessary
Cost/Budget Support
- Orders and controls non-production spend items
- Participates and supports the implementation of Best Practices and other continuous improvement initiatives
Quality Control Assurance
Ensures corrective action is taken to minimize deviations and yield transgressions
Prepares, reports and submits Deviations and transgression reports to QA
Ensures that GMP and SOP procedures are strictly adhered to
Monitors quality checks including in-process controls according to SOP, reviews and improves if necessary
Responsible for Document Procedure Compliance:
Sign-on/ Completion
Verification as per SOP
Audit docs before QA login and final signoff

Safety, Health and Environmental Standards

Safety and health problems are identified and reported to the safety rep for rectifying

Hazardous situations resolved immediately or reported to Production Manager

Equipment is available and ready for use

Incidents/accidents are prevented by effective operating of equipment and machinery, and following health and safety procedures

Health and safety procedures are adhered to

The work area is safe and clean as per company policy

SOPs are followed

Learning and Growth/ Provide Ongoing Assessment and Feedback of Development / Resolve IR Issues
- Performance issues are accurately identified and action instituted
- Potential conflict is resolved according to IR procedures
- Disciplinary action is taken according to the IR policy – in cases of poor performance and inappropriate behaviour by staff
Identify Development/Training Needs of Self and Team
- Staff performance is monitored against standards and regular feedback is provided
- Individual goals are developed and aligned to team goals and roles are clearly defined as per role profile
- Performance discussions are held regularly to identify learning requirements
- Training of intern pharmacists and pharmacist manufacturing assistants
Skills & Knowledge

Educational qualifications:

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

Relevant experience:

Minimum of 3 - 4 years of experience in Pharmaceutical manufacturing plant

Previous staff management is advantageous

Must be a strong leader with the ability to organize, motivate the staff, and take quick and appropriate action in case of problems.