Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Job Vacancy in Johannesburg, South Africa – Pharmaceuticals

Job Description

Position: Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor

Company: Pfizer South Africa

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Experience: 5-7 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Pharmaceuticals

Department: Production

Salary: SSP 500,000 – 800,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Pfizer South Africa is a leading global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving health outcomes through innovative medicines, vaccines, and consumer health products. With a strong presence across the African continent, Pfizer invests heavily in research, development, and state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities. As part of its commitment to excellence, Pfizer continuously seeks top talent to drive its mission of delivering breakthrough therapies to patients. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a world‑class organization that values scientific rigor, operational excellence, and a collaborative culture. Candidates will be part of a dynamic team that contributes directly to the production of life‑saving medicines, supporting both local and international markets. The position aligns with the growing demand for skilled professionals in South Africa Jobs and reinforces Pfizer’s dedication to creating career opportunities in South Africa.

Job Overview

The Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor will lead a team of operators and technicians within Pfizer’s high‑tech manufacturing plant in Johannesburg. This role is responsible for ensuring that all production activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety standards, and quality specifications. The supervisor will coordinate daily production schedules, monitor equipment performance, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. By fostering a culture of safety, quality, and efficiency, the supervisor will play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality pharmaceutical products on time and within budget. For more information about Pfizer’s commitment to innovation, visit https://southafricajobsearch.com/. This position is a prime example of Job Vacancy in South Africa that offers both professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on public health.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing operations, ensuring adherence to GMP and SOPs.
• Monitor production metrics, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to meet quality and yield targets.
• Lead shift handovers, communicate production plans, and ensure seamless transition between teams.
• Maintain equipment logs, oversee preventive maintenance, and coordinate with engineering for troubleshooting.
• Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, conducting regular safety briefings.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, Validation, and Supply Chain teams to resolve deviations and ensure product release.
• Develop and mentor team members, conducting performance reviews and identifying training needs.
• Prepare and present production reports to senior management, highlighting key performance indicators.
• Support batch record review and release processes, ensuring accurate documentation.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of GMP, FDA, and EMA regulations applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach to decision making.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for cross‑functional collaboration.
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and process control software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Commitment to safety culture and proactive risk management.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications such as Certified Pharmaceutical GMP Professional (CPGP) or Six Sigma Green Belt are advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional development.

Experience

Candidates must have 5‑7 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical production, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role. Experience in sterile manufacturing, tablet compression, or aseptic filling is highly valued. Prior exposure to large‑scale operations and multi‑shift environments will be considered a strong asset.

Salary

The annual compensation package ranges from SSP 500,000 to SSP 800,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and performance. The package includes a competitive base salary, performance‑based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits designed to support the well‑being of employees and their families.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Employee stock purchase options and profit‑sharing schemes.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering GMP, safety, and company policies.
• Ongoing technical training on equipment, process validation, and quality systems.
• Leadership development workshops and mentorship opportunities.
• Access to internal e‑learning platforms for continuous skill enhancement.

Working Environment

Pfizer’s Johannesburg facility is a modern, ISO‑certified manufacturing site equipped with cutting‑edge technology and a strong emphasis on safety and sustainability. Employees work in a collaborative, multicultural environment that encourages innovation and knowledge sharing. The plant operates on a 24/7 schedule with rotating shifts, offering flexibility for candidates seeking diverse work patterns.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through the Pfizer Careers portal. The process includes an online questionnaire, submission of a detailed CV, and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment at the Johannesburg plant. Please ensure all documents are uploaded in PDF format.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Pfizer South Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This commitment aligns with our broader goal of fostering Employment in South Africa that reflects the communities we serve.