Production Operator

Job Description Build Your Career in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Production Operator What if your hands-on manufacturing experience could take you into a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment, where your work directly supports the safe and reliable supply of medicines? This is an opportunity to join an established pharmaceutical manufacturing operation in Carlow, working as part of an integrated production team responsible for the manufacture and reliable supply of pharmaceutical products. You'll operate and monitor specialist manufacturing equipment, work within GMP-controlled environments and contribute to production, equipment reliability, troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities. Whether you're already working in pharmaceutical manufacturing or you're an experienced production or manufacturing operator looking to move into a regulated environment, this role offers the opportunity to build valuable technical experience and develop your career within pharmaceutical operations. What you'll achieve (and why it matters) Bring your manufacturing and technical experience into an environment where quality, safety, compliance and reliable production are at the centre of everything you do. Operate and monitor pharmaceutical production equipment, including autoclaves, vial washers, depyrogenation tunnels, debaggers, filling machines and CIP/SIP systems. Use manufacturing systems such as MES, DCS and PLC-based controls to monitor equipment performance, production processes and output. Support cleanroom production activities, including cleaning, housekeeping and materials management in accordance with GMP requirements. Manage the movement, status, labelling and availability of clean and sterile production equipment. Monitor equipment hold times, inventory and sterile equipment status using automated systems and Kanban processes. Carry out preventative maintenance and qualified equipment troubleshooting to support equipment reliability and production uptime. Follow approved SOPs and operational procedures, ensuring production activities are completed safely, consistently and in accordance with GMP requirements. Support the development, revision and implementation of operational procedures and training materials. Participate in investigations and root-cause analysis to identify and resolve production or equipment issues. Support change controls, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing process. Contribute to Lean and Kaizen activities, helping identify opportunities to improve processes, equipment performance and operational efficiency. Maintain accurate production and GMP documentation, ensuring activities are fully traceable and compliant. Work collaboratively as part of an integrated production team to achieve production targets while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and compliance. Maintain a strong focus on patient safety, product quality and reliable pharmaceutical supply. Your edge (desired, not required) Previous experience in a manufacturing, production or technical operations environment. Experience operating production machinery, manufacturing equipment or process systems. Previous experience working within a GMP, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or other highly regulated manufacturing environment would be highly advantageous. Experience working in cleanrooms or controlled manufacturing environments. Experience with sterile or aseptic manufacturing processes would be beneficial. Exposure to pharmaceutical filling equipment, autoclaves, vial washers, CIP/SIP systems or similar manufacturing equipment. Experience using MES, DCS or PLC-based systems would be advantageous. Experience with equipment troubleshooting, preventative maintenance or technical problem-solving. Exposure to manufacturing investigations, deviations, change controls or corrective actions. Experience with Lean manufacturing, Kaizen or other continuous improvement methodologies. Knowledge of root-cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone or FMEA would be beneficial. A technical apprenticeship, certificate or diploma in manufacturing, engineering or another relevant discipline would be advantageous. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately within controlled procedures. Good communication and teamwork skills, with a proactive and reliable approach to work. Why this role matters Pharmaceutical manufacturing is about more than simply meeting production targets. Every piece of equipment operated, every process followed and every record completed contributes to the quality, safety and reliable supply of medicines that patients depend on. In this role, you'll gain hands-on experience across pharmaceutical production, GMP compliance, specialist manufacturing equipment, cleanroom operations, troubleshooting and continuous improvement. You'll have the opportunity to develop your technical skills within a highly regulated manufacturing environment while working alongside experienced production and technical professionals. For someone looking to build a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production or GMP operations, this role offers valuable experience that can open the door to future opportunities across the life sciences sector. The next step for you If you're an experienced Production Operator, Manufacturing Operator, Production Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Process Operator or Biopharmaceutical Operator looking for your next opportunity in Carlow, Ireland, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV to [email protected] or reach out to discuss the role further. All applications are treated in the strictest confidence. Next Generation Recruitment specializes in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Technical, Scientific, Manufacturing, and Operations recruitment across permanent, contract, and temporary positions.