Our Client is a rapidly growing EU-GMP pharmaceutical manufacturer of medical cannabis products based in Malta. We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations while overseeing plant engineering and maintenance activities. This dual-role position is ideal for a technically strong professional who thrives in a dynamic small-site environment and is motivated by responsibility, ownership, and operational excellence.
Role Overview
The Production Manager will be responsible for executing the production plan, managing all on-site manufacturing activities, ensuring strict GMP compliance, and overseeing the maintenance and reliability of production equipment and utilities. Close collaboration with Production Planning, QA, QC, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams is essential to ensure uninterrupted production and high-quality output.
Key Responsibilities
1. Execution of the Production Plan
- Execute daily and weekly production plans prepared by the Production Planner.
- Ensure all required resources (personnel, equipment, non-BOM materials) are available to support production.
- Flag unrealistic or conflicting plans and collaborate to adjust timelines, batch sizes, and priorities.
- Hold regular alignment meetings to synchronize priorities and update plans based on operational realities.
- Communicate execution progress throughout the day; escalate constraints or delays immediately.
- Collaborate with QA, QC, Supply Chain, and Warehouse to maintain uninterrupted production flow.
- Identify deviations (equipment issues, manpower shortages, material delays, quality events, etc.) and communicate them in real time.
- Monitor key production parameters and alert management when control limits are approached or exceeded.
- Maintain adequate contingency plans to ensure continuity.
- Submit timely production reports and analyse data to drive continuous improvement.
2. Production Management & GMP Compliance
- Lead and supervise all manufacturing activities according to BMRs, SOPs, and EU-GMP requirements.
- Provide daily direction and supervision to the Production team.
- Ensure full implementation of ERP systems across all production processes, with accurate transaction recording.
- Ensure documentation accuracy, including yields, in-process controls, and reconciliations.
- Review completed batch documentation prior to QA submission.
- Enforce cleanroom behavior, gowning, hygiene standards, and proper handling of cannabis materials.
- Ensure secure and fully compliant narcotics handling, reconciliation, storage, and access control.
- Immediately investigate and escalate any issues posing quality risks; collaborate with QA on CAPAs.
- Drive process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency and workflow robustness.
- Lead cost-reduction projects while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Plan and execute process validation activities, including scale-up, scale-down, and technology transfer batches.
3. Plant Engineering Responsibilities
- Own the maintenance, reliability, and qualification of all manufacturing equipment, utilities, and critical systems.
- Ensure preventive maintenance schedules are planned, executed, and documented on time.
- Manage calibrations for instruments and critical equipment.
- Coordinate engineering contractors, service providers, and technical suppliers.
- Manage relationships and regulatory reporting with governing bodies (e.g., ERA, Indis, CPD).
- Lead breakdown management and coordinate timely repairs.
- Propose and implement engineering improvements to increase uptime and operational efficiency.
- Ensure HVAC, purified utilities, extraction systems, and cleanroom equipment remain in a validated state.
4. Training & Team Development
- Train production employees on equipment operation, GMP requirements, cleaning, and safety.
- Ensure team members are fully competent prior to task assignment.
- Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and development planning.
5. Health, Safety & Environment
- Ensure safe operation of equipment and safe handling of solvents, extracts, and hazardous materials.
- Lead incident investigations and implement preventive actions.
- Support environmental controls and proper waste management processes.
6. Cross-Functional Coordination
- Production Planning & Supply Chain: resource availability, scheduling feasibility, timelines.
- QA: deviations, CAPAs, change control, audits, batch release.
- QC: sampling coordination, testing priorities, OOS/OOT support.
- Warehouse: material flow and inventory management aligned with the production plan.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (MQF Level 6).
Experience & Technical Skills
- 2–5 years’ experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- EU-GMP production management experience preferred.
- Strong mechanical/technical background, including:
- Preventive maintenance
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Calibration
- Utilities (HVAC, purified water, compressed air, extraction systems)
- Experience using ERP systems in manufacturing.
- Experience supervising teams and managing performance.
- Experience handling controlled substances is an advantage.
Competencies
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- High accountability, integrity, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to operational challenges.
- Excellent problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent English (spoken and written); Italian is an asset.
What We Offer
- Ownership of production and engineering activities within a growing pharmaceutical company.
- A dynamic and hands-on environment where your impact is visible.
- Competitive compensation package.
- Professional growth in a fast-expanding regulated industry.
If the above positions are not for you but know someone who might be interested, refer a friend to StreetHR and receive up to €300 upon successful placement. Terms and Conditions apply. Speak to us for more information on careers@streethr.com.mt