Operations Team Manager

Our Swindon facility houses our Zydis® fast dissolving tablet development and manufacturing operation as well as a CMC pharmaceutical analytical lab services unit that offers ASAP stability.

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for an Operations Team Manager to join our team leading the daily dispensing and mixing production operations. You will ensure safe, compliant, and efficient performance while maintaining product quality and achieving production targets. The role promotes a strong Health & Safety and GMP culture, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. You will also lead, coach, and develop team members to enhance performance and engagement.

Shift: 2 day shift, 2 night shift, 4 days off
Location: Swindon, UK
100% Onsite

The Role

• Lead and coordinate the daily dispensing and mixing operations team to ensure production schedules are met safely and efficiently.
• Manage staffing levels and ensure adequate coverage across critical manufacturing processes.
• Promote and enforce a strong Health & Safety culture, investigating incidents and completing risk assessments as required.
• Ensure Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance by overseeing adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality standards, and batch record completion.
• Conduct deviation investigations, root cause analysis (RCA), Tripartite reviews, and implement preventative actions.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members through regular performance reviews, meetings, and on-the-job mentoring.
• Manage employee relations activities including attendance, return-to-work interviews, performance management, and disciplinary matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving efficiency, minimizing downtime, and increasing operational performance.

The Candidate

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience leading and developing operational or production teams.
• Strong people management skills, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Experience managing employee relations matters, attendance, and disciplinary processes.
• Strong knowledge of Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and change control processes – desirable.
• Experience working in a regulated pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to Health & Safety and quality compliance.
• Experience investigating deviations, conducting root cause analysis (RCA), and driving corrective actions.
• Ability to lead continuous improvement, waste reduction, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

Preferred Skills & Background

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and make informed decisions.
• Ability to influence, challenge, and collaborate effectively with contractors and stakeholders at all levels.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and coordinating activities in a busy operational environment.
• Well-organised, with a structured approach to planning, follow-up, and task completion.
• Effective communicator with the confidence to escalate issues and build strong working relationships.
• Professional and credible when representing the company with contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Proactive in identifying improvements and maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

Why You Should Join Catalent

• Our Swindon facility houses our Zydis® fast dissolving tablet development and manufacturing operation as well as a CMC pharmaceutical analytical lab services unit that offers ASAP stability.
• Competitive Salary – Reflecting your experience and skills.
• Bonus & Benefits – Includes a site performance bonus, a pension scheme matching up to 8% and life assurance. Enjoy a generous holiday entitlement that increases with tenure, with the option to purchase additional leave. Plus, gain access to Reward Gateway, offering discounts at many national retailers.
• Career Development – Access high-quality training, mentoring, and cross-functional opportunities within Catalent’s global network. Benefit from a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, providing access to 10,000+ online courses.
• Health & Wellbeing – Includes an employee assistance programme, on-site canteen facilities, and an active safety and “Patient First” culture. Take advantage of a Cycle to Work Scheme and an Electric Vehicle car scheme.
• Excellent Location – Just a two-minute drive from J16 of the M4, with free on-site parking.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career!  Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference. 

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by local law.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to [email protected]. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.