Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the significance of pharmaceutical production supervisors is unparalleled.

As the pharmaceutical industry continually evolves, the demand for proficient individuals who can effectively manage, optimize, and safeguard the production process heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pharmaceutical production supervisor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the operations of pharmaceutical production,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable pharmaceutical production supervisor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process of pharmaceutical products and ensuring the adherence to safety procedures, quality standards, and production schedules.

They play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of the production lines and the quality of pharmaceutical products.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Supervising daily operations of pharmaceutical production, such as product manufacturing, packaging, and labeling
• Ensuring the production process adheres to internal and external quality standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Monitoring production schedules and adjusting them as needed to meet target delivery dates
• Training, mentoring, and managing production staff, and ensuring they comply with safety and sanitary regulations
• Identifying and troubleshooting production issues, and implementing corrective actions
• Collaborating with other departments such as Quality Control, Procurement, and Research & Development to optimize production processes
• Conducting regular inspections of production equipment and machinery, ensuring their proper maintenance and functionality
• Maintaining accurate records of production activities, including batch records, equipment logs, and employee training records
• Ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to pharmaceutical production
• Implementing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production operations

 

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor to oversee the production operations in our pharmaceutical facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that our production lines operate efficiently, maintain high-quality output, and comply with strict health and safety regulations.

In this role, you are expected to schedule and supervise staff, manage inventory, implement safety and quality control measures, and troubleshoot issues that arise during production.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day pharmaceutical production operations and workflows.
• Ensure compliance with industry safety and quality standards.
• Manage production schedules to meet demand and minimize downtime.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate production staff to ensure efficiency and adherence to company policies.
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
• Analyze production data and implement operational improvements as needed.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Manage product quality assessments and implement quality control programs.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimize production processes.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Production Supervisor in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Thorough understanding of industry safety standards and quality control regulations.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with inventory management and production scheduling.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse team.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications.
• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology or related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Professional development and training opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor
• Work Environment: This role requires work in a pharmaceutical production facility with strict adherence to safety protocols. Some exposure to hazardous materials may occur.
• Reporting Structure: The Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor reports to the Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Do?

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisors typically work in pharmaceutical manufacturing companies where they oversee the production of pharmaceutical products such as tablets, capsules, ointments, and injectables.

Their main responsibility is to ensure that production processes run smoothly and efficiently while meeting both quality and safety standards.

This includes monitoring production schedules, coordinating with various departments such as quality control, maintenance, and warehousing, and ensuring that the production area is kept clean and organized.

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisors are also responsible for training and managing production staff, ensuring that they adhere to company policies, and safety and hygiene standards.

They play a critical role in the planning and execution of production schedules, ensuring timely delivery of pharmaceutical products.

They are also responsible for troubleshooting problems that may arise during the production process and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisors also work closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure that the products meet the requisite regulatory standards and quality benchmarks.

In some cases, they may be involved in research and development activities, assisting in the development of new products or improving existing ones.

Overall, the role of a Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor is to ensure that pharmaceutical products are produced in an efficient, safe, and high-quality manner.

 

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Qualifications and Skills

A Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor should possess a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry knowledge to manage production operations effectively, including:

• Deep understanding of pharmaceutical production processes and standards to oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate, supervise and direct a team of production workers, fostering a positive and efficient work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to quickly identify and address production issues, minimizing downtime and maintaining workflow.
• Proficiency in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other quality assurance methods to ensure the high-quality production of pharmaceutical products.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with different departments, convey instructions to the team, and provide updates to upper management.
• Ability to effectively manage resources, including personnel, materials, and equipment, for optimal production efficiency.
• Strong organizational skills to manage production schedules, maintain production records, and ensure timely delivery of pharmaceutical products.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and standards in the pharmaceutical industry to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

 

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Experience Requirements

Entry-level Pharmaceutical Production Supervisors often have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or a related field.

They typically also have 1 to 2 years of experience in a pharmaceutical production setting, possibly through internships or part-time roles.

These professionals gain their initial experience in roles such as Lab Technician, Quality Assurance Analyst, or other pharmaceutical manufacturing-related roles.

In these roles, they learn about the stringent regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and the precision needed in drug production.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a solid foundation in pharmaceutical production processes.

They often have experience in managing teams and coordinating production schedules.

They may have also had the opportunity to handle crisis situations and equipment malfunctions, developing their problem-solving skills.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically well-versed in all aspects of pharmaceutical production.

They may have experience in managing multiple production lines, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies, and implementing quality control measures.

These candidates are well-positioned for senior roles, and may be ready for larger managerial responsibilities or even plant management roles.

 

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Education and Training Requirements

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisors typically require a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology, or a related field.

Practical experience in a pharmaceutical or healthcare setting is also beneficial, as it provides hands-on knowledge about the production process and the industry’s regulatory standards.

In addition to the foundational education, many employers prefer candidates who have a postgraduate degree or certification in pharmaceutical manufacturing or a related discipline.

This further education can provide specialized knowledge about advanced production techniques, quality control processes, and modern industrial practices.

Apart from the formal education, strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), FDA regulations, and other national and international pharmaceutical production guidelines is essential.

For prospective supervisors, previous experience in a supervisory or management role can be beneficial.

It could demonstrate their leadership skills, ability to work under pressure, and aptitude for meeting production deadlines and maintaining quality standards.

As the pharmaceutical field is constantly evolving, ongoing training and professional development are encouraged.

This might involve attending workshops, seminars, and courses to stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing and production technology.

 

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Salary Expectations

A Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor can expect to earn an average salary of $71,001 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary significantly based on factors such as the level of experience, education, geographical location, and the size of the employing company.

 

Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor need?

A Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields.

Additionally, several years of experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is usually necessary.

A thorough understanding of FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) is also crucial in this role.

 

What are the typical responsibilities of a Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor?

A Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

They coordinate production schedules, monitor productivity, and ensure that safety standards and regulations are met.

They also supervise and train staff, manage budgets, and liaise with other departments to optimize production efficiency.

 

What skills are necessary for a Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor?

A Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor should have strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.

They need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage their team and liaise with other departments.

Knowledge of pharmaceutical production processes and the ability to work under pressure are also important skills.

 

What qualities make a good Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor?

A good Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor has a deep understanding of pharmaceutical production processes and regulatory standards.

They are committed to quality assurance and continuous improvement.

They are effective communicators and can manage and motivate their team to meet production targets.

They are analytical and can quickly identify and solve problems to maintain production efficiency.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor?

Finding the right Pharmaceutical Production Supervisor can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

Candidates must have a blend of academic qualifications, industry experience, and soft skills.

They need to be well-versed in regulatory standards and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

It’s crucial to provide competitive benefits and clear career progression opportunities to attract and retain the best talent.

 

Conclusion

And that wraps it up.

Today, we’ve taken an in-depth look into the life and role of a pharmaceutical production supervisor.

Surprise!

It’s not just about overseeing production.

It’s about safeguarding the process of creating life-saving drugs, one production batch at a time.

With our comprehensive pharmaceutical production supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your ticket to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every production batch is a piece of a much larger puzzle.

Let’s shape the future of pharmaceutical production. Together.