Role Profile

Production Operator - Primary

Typical job description:

Production Operators can work in many areas of pharmaceutical production. Primary production involves the creation of the bulk ingredients using chemical reactions, mixing, filtering and blending in a type of chemical plant. Some pharmaceutical sites are dedicated to primary (bulk chemicals) or secondary manufacture (finished tableted / packed product), some do both.

Both primary and secondary production operators work in a strictly controlled environment and need to follow a number of standard procedures and regulations.

Primary production operators charge the reaction vessels with the raw materials and then during manufacture monitor the plant from a computer control room or carry out checks, sampling and other manual activities on the plant. They need to keep to a production schedule at all times.

Key Processes:

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:

  • Dispensing, lifting and weighing raw materials;
  • Operating reactor vessels, carrying out heating, cooling and filtration operations
  • Following and adhering to written procedures and strict controls.
  • Working with colleagues from other departments such as maintenance, quality and the laboratory.
  • Cleaning process plant between batches.

Entry Level:

5 GCSEs or 5 Standard Grades or 5 National Qualifications (Intermediate) or
BTEC First Certificate in Engineering (or a related area) or
Higher Diploma in Manufacturing & Product Design or Higher Diploma in Engineering.

Search for related degrees or courses:
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Pay and conditions:

Salaries usually start at 18000GBP, rising to 24000GBP after full training and around five years' experience.
Production operators work a variety of shift patterns. Their work is typically based in either a clean, high quality chemical plant or a clean and sterile factory area where they need to wear protective clothing such as safety hats, gloves and glasses, dusk masks, safety shoes and white coveralls or gowns.

Industry Standard:

Level 3 Diploma in Process Industry Operations
S/NVQ Level 3 Chemical, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical Operations; Packaging, Engineering or related area

Competencies:

  • IT literacy;
  • Ability to work as part of a team;
  • High degree of honesty and integrity;
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail;
  • Ability to follow strict rules and procedures to meet Good Manufacturing Process and Safety requirements.

Knowledge needed for the role:

  • Previous experience of the pharmaceutical industry is not usually needed as most employers will provide on-the-job training.

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