Production Manager (Packaging Operations)

Company Overview

Zuellig Pharma is a leading healthcare solutions company in Asia, and our purpose is to make healthcare more accessible to the communities we serve. We provide world-class distribution, digital, and commercial services to support the growing healthcare needs in this region.

The company was started a hundred years ago and has grown to become a multibillion-dollar business covering 17 markets with over 12,000 employees. Our people serve more than 200,000 medical facilities and work with over 450 clients, including the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Job Purpose

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of GMP secondary packaging and redressing operations, ensuring the timely delivery of customer requirements while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, safety, and operational efficiency. The role will oversee production planning, technology transfers, workforce management, continuous improvement initiatives, and regulatory compliance within a healthcare logistics and manufacturing environment.

Expectations of the Role:

Production Planning & Operations Management

• Lead and oversee daily production operations, ensuring efficient execution of secondary packaging, relabelling, kitting, and redressing activities.
• Manage production planning and scheduling to optimize resource utilization, maximize throughput, and achieve customer service level commitments.
• Coordinate closely with Supply Chain, Warehouse, Program team, and Quality teams to ensure smooth operational execution and timely delivery.
• Monitor production performance through key operational metrics and implement corrective actions to achieve productivity, quality, and service targets.

Customer Support & Technology Transfer

• Serve as the primary operational lead for customer onboarding and new redressing introductions.
• Evaluate customer requirements and develop redressing solutions that meet regulatory and commercial objectives.
• Lead technology introduction activities, process validation, line qualification, and implementation of new packaging or redressing requirements.
• Ensure all production documentation, work instructions, and batch records are properly established and maintained.

Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure full compliance with cGMP, GDP, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Partner closely with Quality Assurance to ensure timely batch review, product release support, deviation investigations, CAPA implementation, and change control activities.
• Lead production readiness for customer audits, regulatory inspections, and certification audits.
• Promote a strong quality culture and ensure all personnel are adequately trained and qualified for GMP operations.

Continuous Improvement & Project Management

• Identify and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, service levels, and operational efficiency.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste and optimize production processes.
• Manage capital expenditure projects, equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and facility improvement programs.
• Drive annual productivity savings and ensure adherence to approved operating budgets.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, planners, coordinators, and technical personnel.
• Establish performance objectives and development plans to build a high-performing and engaged workforce.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Ensure all employees complete required GMP, GDP, quality, safety, and operational training programs.

Requirements (Must-Have):

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing, production, pharmaceutical packaging, healthcare logistics, or a regulated operational environment.
• Minimum 5 years of people management experience leading production or operational teams.
• Proven experience managing customer requirements, operational projects, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.

Advantageous to Have:

• Strong knowledge of cGMP, GDP, quality management systems, and regulated operations.
• Experience in pharmaceutical secondary packaging, medical device packaging, clinical trial logistics, or healthcare contract manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and risk management frameworks.
• Proficiency in SAP ERP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Microsoft Office applications.

Why Join Zuellig Pharma

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where our employees can learn, grow, and achieve shared success. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every individual feels valued, respected, and treated fairly. As a leading multi-market healthcare solutions provider, we empower our employees to gain comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the dynamic healthcare industry across the region. Enjoy the flexibility to effectively balance your work and personal life while taking charge of your career journey through our empowering growth opportunities. Our Total Rewards program is designed to support your overall well-being in every aspect.