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