Packaging Manager

Position Overview

Packaging Manager (Permanent) - Dundalk, County Louth - Night shift (Thursday to Saturday, 12 hour shift 7pm to 7am).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily packaging operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements in a GMP regulated CDMO environment.
• Monitor and drive achievement of departmental KPIs - output, quality, safety and efficiency targets across multiple packaging lines.
• Implement agile and lean production practices to continuously improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Provide clear direction and performance expectations across all shifts, ensuring operational continuity in a multi shift environment.
• Recruit, onboard and develop production team members in collaboration with HR and training functions.
• Deliver regular feedback, coaching and performance reviews, and address performance or conduct issues in line with company policy.
• Ensure adequate cross training and succession planning within the team to reduce skill gaps and dependency risks.
• Manage workforce planning in line with demand fluctuations.
• Ensure compliance with all internal and external regulatory and quality standards, including GMP, SOPs and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to investigate and resolve deviations, non conformances and customer complaints.
• Support internal and external audits and inspections, ensuring readiness at all times.
• Actively participate in daily tiered communication meetings, planning sessions and cross functional forums.
• Maintain effective working relationships with key departments - Engineering, Warehouse, Quality, Planning and Procurement.
• Support client facing activities as required, including walkthroughs or discussions related to batch packaging or deviation investigations.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost and delivery.
• Utilise problem solving tools and techniques to address root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Support digitalisation and automation initiatives where appropriate.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 3years supervisory or people management experience in a high volume manufacturing or packaging environment.
• Minimum of 5years experience in a primary or secondary packaging environment.
• Technical certificate, diploma or degree preferred; candidates with strong equivalent technical experience will also be considered.
• Experience in a GMP regulated or pharmaceutical environment essential.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross functional teams in a dynamic setting.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Flexible, hands on approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental standards in manufacturing.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in a high volume CDMO packaging environment.
• Exposure to multiple packaging formats (blister, bottle, sachet, vial labelling) across different client products with varying regulatory and quality requirements.
• Exposure to client audit activities within a CDMO setting.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or exposure to lean manufacturing tools.
• Experience working across multiple shifts or in 24/7 operations.
• Ability to analyse data and translate insights into actions.
• Change management experience in transitioning teams or implementing new systems/processes.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

PCI Pharma Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. PCI does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, or any other protected status. PCI is committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace and upholding the highest standards of fairness and equal opportunity at every level.