Manager, Production oversees aseptic manufacturing operations across lyophilization (LYO) lines, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of daily production activities. This role directly manages first-shift production supervisors and provides leadership continuity across second and third shifts to maintain consistent operational performance.

Acting as the deputy to the Director of Production, Packaging, and MTS, the Manager serves as a key escalation point and operational leader in the Director's absence. The role ensures alignment across shifts, drives right-first-time batch execution, supports timely batch record review, and leads continuous improvement initiatives within a GMP-regulated environment

Responsibilities:

Production Leadership & Oversight

• Provide direct leadership to 1st shift Production Supervisor and associated manufacturing teams.
• Oversee operations across lyophilization lines, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards.
• Provide cross-shift support, as needed, to ensure continuity, issue resolution, and consistent execution.
• Serve as primary point of contact for production operations during off-hours or in absence of the Director.
• Monitor production metrics and ensure achievement of schedule, yield, and right-first-time targets

Operational Execution & Compliance

• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with GMP, aseptic processing requirements, and site procedures.
• Monitor batch execution to ensure adherence to process parameters, documentation standards, and timelines.
• Support and perform batch record review for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Partner with Quality to support deviations, investigations, and CAPAs.

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Lead and participate in daily production meetings, shift handovers, and cross-functional alignment forums.
• Coordinate with:
• Quality Assurance
• Engineering / Maintenance
• MS&T (Manufacturing Science & Technology)
• Supply Chain / Planning
• Ensure clear communication of priorities, risks, and operational status across shifts and departments.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and drive process improvements related to:
• Throughput and cycle time
• Right-first-time batch execution
• Deviation reduction
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze production data and trends to identify opportunities for optimization.

Leadership & People Management

• Coach and develop Production Supervisor - 1st shift and frontline staff.
• Ensure proper training, qualification, and adherence to aseptic behaviors.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
• Support performance management, staffing, and workforce planning.

Deputy Responsibilities

• Act on behalf of the Director of Production, Packaging, and MTS for production only when required.
• Provide decision-making support for:
• Production prioritization
• Escalations and risk mitigation
• Resource allocation across shifts
• Ensure continuity of leadership and operational stability.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Life Sciences, or related field required
• 7 + years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including:
• At least 5 years in aseptic/sterile operations
• At least 3 years of direct supervisory or people-management experience
• Experience leading supervisors and supporting multiple shifts
• Lyophilization experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of:
  • GMP and aseptic processing
  • Batch record review and documentation practices
  • Deviation and CAPA management
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Operational decision-making in a regulated environment
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments and remain on the production floor for extended periods, including walking, standing, and moving through operational areas.
• Ability to enter aseptic cleanroom areas and comply with established gowning, hygiene, personal protective equipment, and safety requirements.
• Ability to perform routine physical activities such as reaching, bending, stooping, crouching, and climbing stairs, as required to observe operations and access manufacturing areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around manufacturing equipment and tolerate conditions typical of a pharmaceutical production environment, including moderate noise and required PPE.
• Ability to provide flexible on-site support outside normal business hours, including occasional second- or third-shift, weekend, or emergency coverage, based on operational needs.

Our Compensation and Benefits

At Ferring, base salary is one part of our competitive total compensation and benefits package and is determined using a salary range. The base salary range for this role is $121,299 to $225,269, which is the reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount paid may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education and primary work location. Additional compensation for this role will be provided based on competitive annual incentive compensation targets in the form of an annual bonus - payouts are based on individual and company performance.

Benefits for this role include comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, and vision) with a premium differential, inverse to base salary, to be paid by employees, a 401k plan and company match, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellness benefits, reimbursement for certain tuition expenses, sick time of 1 hour per 30 hours worked, vacation time for full time employees to accrue up to 120 hours in the first four (4) years of employment, and 160 hours in the fifth (5th) year of employment as well as 15 paid holidays per year. We are proud to offer paid parental leave subject to a minimum period of employment at Ferring.

Location:
Parsippany, New Jersey