What We’re Looking For
The Production Automation Manager is responsible for the daily leadership and operational success of automated filling lines. This role ensures production targets are met through high efficiency, superior quality, and peak equipment performance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is mechanically inclined and capable of troubleshooting, maintaining, and performing repairs on automated systems, including Aesus filling lines, while ensuring strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
What You Will Do
Production Management & KPIs
- Manage filling operations to ensure products are filled on time, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Monitor, analyze, and report key performance indicators (KPIs), including line efficiency, throughput, yield, scrap, downtime, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Identify, prioritize, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce scrap, minimize downtime, and optimize line performance.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for production, safety, quality, equipment, and personnel issues.
- Coordinate and communicate filling schedules, production performance, issues, and improvement initiatives across departments.
- Own day‑to‑day operation and performance of all automated and semi‑automated filling equipment, including Aesus filling line systems.
- Oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, and upgrades of automated systems to ensure reliability, compliance, and scalability.
- Perform hands‑on troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and basic control system issues.
- Execute routine maintenance and basic repairs; coordinate with Maintenance, OEMs, and third‑party contractors for complex issues.
- Partner with IT, Quality, and Production teams to integrate automation into existing workflows and systems.
- Support equipment qualification, validation, and new product introductions related to filling operations.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment performance, maintenance activities, deviations, and repairs.
Team Leadership & Employee Development
- Provide daily leadership, direction, and hands‑on support to all filling operations personnel.
Manage staffing levels, shift coverage, scheduling, training, qualification, and ongoing development of front‑line operators.
- Conduct performance reviews and provide continuous coaching, feedback, and corrective guidance as needed.
- Assess training needs and develop training plans with a focus on equipment operation, troubleshooting, safety, and GMP compliance.
- Foster a positive, engaged, and team‑oriented work environment that promotes accountability and continuous improvement.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all safety procedures related to filling operations and automated equipment are defined, communicated, and followed, including lockout/tagout and machine safety practices.
- Participate in deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) related to filling operations.
- Ensure full compliance with internal SOPs, GMP requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Quality, R&D, Planning, Warehouse, Maintenance, and other support teams to ensure product quality, schedule attainment, and operational excellence.
- Communicate equipment, quality, or production issues promptly to minimize schedule impact and prevent recurrence.
Who You Are
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field with at least one (1) year of leadership experience in a manufacturing or packaging operation; OR
- Four (4) or more years of experience in a supervisory role within a manufacturing, filling, or packaging environment.
Technical Expertise
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve automated filling equipment performance.
- Direct experience with Aesus filling equipment, or similar automated liquid/powder filling systems, is highly preferred.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of pneumatic, electrical, and basic control systems.
Operational Knowledge
- Deep understanding of production line operations and efficiency principles (OEE, throughput, yield) applicable to both low- and high-speed environments.
- Experience working within a regulated environment (GMP/SOP) is preferred.
Leadership & Communication
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop front-line production personnel.
- Strong team-building, time management, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization.
Systems & Technology
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Experience using ERP systems for production tracking and inventory management.
Who We Are
PCCA helps pharmacists and prescribers create personalized medicine that makes a difference in patients’ lives. As a complete resource for independent compounding pharmacists, PCCA provides high-quality products, education and support to more than 3,000 pharmacy members throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world. Incorporated in 1981 by a network of pharmacists, PCCA has supported pharmacy compounding for more than 40 years. Learn more at www.pccarx.com.
