Production Lead 1

Use Your Power for Purpose 

Our breakthroughs would not make it to the hands of patients without our pharmaceutical manufacturing team. We rely on a team of dedicated and agile members who understand the importance and impact of their role in Pfizer’s mission. You will help to ensure that patients and physicians have the medicines they need when they need them. 

The significance of your role cannot be overstated, as it directly influences the availability of essential medications. Your dedication and agility are crucial in maintaining the high standards of our manufacturing processes. By continuously striving for excellence, you contribute to the overall mission of delivering life-saving treatments to those in need. Your commitment to improving outcomes ensures that our breakthroughs reach the patients who depend on them. 

What You Will Achieve 

As a Production Lead I, you will provide leadership and direction to meet production demands across Drug Product Operations, including areas such as formulation, filling, freeze dry, packaging, inspection, aseptic services, biological operations, and other manufacturing units. You serve as a key liaison between shop floor operators, unit leadership, and cross‑functional partners to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations. 

You will be a role model for GMP behaviors, ownership, and teamwork, ensuring production activities meet regulatory, safety, quality, and business requirements. Through continuous improvement, technical expertise, and effective communication, you directly support Pfizer’s mission to deliver high‑quality medicines to patients 

In this role, you will: 

• Lead day‑to‑day manufacturing operations to meet production schedules while ensuring full compliance with SOPs, GMPs, OSHA, and Pfizer standards.  

• Act as a liaison between operations, maintenance, technical support, logistics, planning, and management to resolve production issues and adjust plans as needed.  

• Monitor, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes and equipment using IMEx, Right First Time (RFT), Method 1, 5S, Lean, and Continuous Improvement principles.  

• Serve as a technical expert and role model on the shop floor, supporting troubleshooting, investigations (M1s, QARs, deviations), and root cause analysis.  

• Support training compliance by ensuring team members are properly trained and qualified for their roles; mentor and develop colleagues while providing feedback to leadership.  

• Represent the operations area in audits, capital projects, new product introductions, equipment qualification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ, FAT/SAT), and continuous improvement initiatives.  

• Partner with planning to allocate manpower and resources to meet production commitments and respond to changing business priorities.  

• Maintain accurate documentation, generate work orders and reports, and ensure audit readiness at all times.  

• Communicate effectively with production teams and leadership and model Pfizer values and leadership behaviors every day. 

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements) 

• High School Diploma or GED 

• 4+ years of experience   

• Proficiency in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and related systems. 

• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Capability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks. 

• Ability to communicate effectively across departments and follow written and verbal instructions. 

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements) 

• Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or a related field. 

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards (cGMP). 

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles 

• Familiarity with Pfizer's Learning Solution and Quality Tracking System. 

• Ability to train and mentor less-experienced colleagues. 

• Familiarity and basic understanding of common AI tools and a curiosity for learning how they can be used to enhance productivity. 

Work Environment & Operational Conditions 

• On‑site role supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations; shift assignment may vary and may include nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and non‑standard schedules based on business needs.  

• Physical requirements include lifting and lowering up to 55 pounds, standing, walking, sitting, climbing, reaching, stooping, and working at elevated heights.  

• Potential exposure to noise, moving equipment, solvents, pharmaceutical ingredients, and electromagnetic fields.  

• Requires flexibility, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively to changing operational conditions while maintaining strict compliance and safety standards. 

Non-Standard Requirements 

• Work is performed in manufacturing, cleanroom (Grade A/B/C/D), and office environments with required gowning and PPE (e.g., hard hat, body harness, face shield, hearing and eye protection).  

Other Job Details:

• Production Lead I (2nd Shift) This role is a 2nd Shift position working 2:30 PM – 11:30 PM. Candidates must be available to complete an initial training period on 1st Shift (6:30 AM – 3:30 PM) for several months before moving to the regular 2nd Shift schedule.
• Deadline to apply: October 21st

The salary for this position ranges from $25.66 to $42.76 per hour. In addition, this position offers eligibility for overtime, weekend, holiday and other pay premiums depending on the work schedule and the Company’s policies. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support each of life’s moments. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. Learn more at Pfizer Candidate Site – U.S. Benefits | (uscandidates.mypfizerbenefits.com). Pfizer compensation structures and benefit packages are aligned based on the location of hire. The United States salary range provided applies only to the United States - Michigan - Kalamazoo location.

Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.

U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.

To learn more about acceptable and prohibited uses of AI during the recruitment process, please review our candidate AI-use guidelines available on Pfizer Careers.

Manufacturing