Head of Production

Job Title: Head of Production

Barrs Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd Location: Ndabeni, Cape Town, South Africa

Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Reporting to: General Manager & Responsible Pharmacist

About Us

Barrs Pharmaceuticals is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer committed to producing high-quality medicines that meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy and regulatory compliance. We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Production to lead and oversee all manufacturing activities across our pharmaceutical production operations.

The Opportunity

This is a key senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across Oral Solid Dosage (OSD), liquids, semi-solids and packaging operations. The successful candidate will ensure manufacturing excellence, regulatory compliance, quality standards and operational efficiency while leading a team of Production Pharmacists and manufacturing personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and direct all pharmaceutical manufacturing activities across OSD, liquids, semi-solids and packaging operations.

Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives.

Ensure achievement of production targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.

Oversee production planning, capacity utilisation and resource optimisation.

Ensure compliance with SAHPRA regulations, PIC/S GMP requirements and company quality standards.

Maintain a state of inspection readiness and participate in regulatory and customer audits.

Drive continuous improvement, process optimisation and operational excellence initiatives.

Lead, coach and develop Production Pharmacists, Pharmacist Assistants and manufacturing teams.

Support the Responsible Pharmacist in ensuring compliance with all applicable pharmaceutical legislation and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Essential

Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm).

Registered Pharmacist with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) in good standing.

Minimum 10-15 years' pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.

Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior production leadership role.

Extensive experience within a SAHPRA-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Proven Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) manufacturing experience.

Experience in liquids, semi-solids and packaging operations.

Proven track record of successful SAHPRA inspections and GMP audits.

Strong knowledge of GMP, PIC/S guidelines, validation, quality systems and pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

Advantageous

Postgraduate qualification in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Pharmacy, Manufacturing or Business Management.

GMP Lead Auditor certification.

Lean Six Sigma qualification.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for a leader who:

Demonstrates integrity, accountability and sound judgement.

Has exceptional leadership and people development skills.

Thrives in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Drives operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Builds strong relationships across functions and teams.

Possesses excellent planning, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their CV together with a cover letter outlining their relevant pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.

Only suitably qualified candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be considered.

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Work Location: In person