AstraZeneca
Process Leader (First Line Manager) – Sterile Production
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Production Manager (First Line Manager) – Macclesfield
Location
Macclesfield, UK
Type
Permanent
Shift
Shift-based role:
- On duty: 7 days on (4 early, 3 late), 3 days off, 7 days on (3 early, 4 late), 4 days off
- Early shift: 06:00 - 14:20
- Late shift: 13:40 - 22:00
About AstraZeneca & the Role
At AstraZeneca, we aim to redefine the possibilities of a bio-pharmaceutical company. We break traditional norms by pioneering new ways of working and fostering innovation. This exciting opportunity as a Production Manager (First Line Manager) sits within our sterile manufacturing plants at our Macclesfield campus.
Located across 100 acres, our largest UK campus combines laboratories, factories, and offices. Currently, Macclesfield is undergoing significant redevelopment based on AstraZeneca’s pipeline growth, centred on our three key value propositions: Chemistry, Packing, and Complex Parenterals.
If you’re an experienced leader ready for a fast-paced manufacturing challenge to steer your department strategically, this role is for you.
Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Manage a team of operators, overseeing daily, weekly, and monthly performance across Safety, cGMP compliance, Supply, Cost, and People.
- Regulatory Excellence: Adhere to and enforce policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations, ensuring full compliance within your team.
- People & Performance: Handle performance management, compounding, disciplinary processes, and team engagement.
- Document Control: Review and approve process-related documents, including batch records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Quality & Safety: Lead SHE investigations and Quality Deviation investigations as necessary.
- Continuous Improvement: Apply Manufacturing Excellence/Lean Principles, including:
- Hands-on auditing (Layered Audits, Visual Management)
- Implementing Problem Solving methods
- Confirming Process Efficiency through Standard Work
- Digital Integration: Utilise new technologies and digital platforms to streamline performance.
- Collaboration: Build strong networks with internal and external stakeholders to drive improvements.
- Innovation: Proactively lead process enhancements and champion improvements for your team.
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Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience as a leader with a track record in people development.
- Degree (or equivalent industry experience) in Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain.
- Hands-on experience in a highly regulated/GMP production environment.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Proficient in applying Lean/Manufacturing Excellence principles, leading successful process improvements in a compliant setting.
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Desirable
- Experience in automated/digital environments, particularly with electronic batch records.
- Familiarity with formulation, filling, packaging, validation, technology transfer, or change control.
- Prioritisation of working in a sterile/clean area or laboratory environment.
- Experience managing within a unionised workforce.
- Exposure to unionized environments would also be an asset.
Why Join AstraZeneca?
We are committed to being a Great Place to Work, empowering innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Here, your potential shapes tomorrow’s life-changing medicines and therapies.
- A culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and diversity.
- Lifelong learning opportunities, nurturing your professional growth.
- Work in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment among bold science leaders.
Truly, your talents heal lives.
Closing Details
- Date Posted: 29-Jun-2026
- Closing Date: 12-Jul-2026
AstraZeneca values diversity and inclusion. Our recruitment processes are designed to accommodate all applicants fairly. If you need adjustments or accommodations, please do let us know during your application.
Excited? We can’t wait to hear from you! Apply early.
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