Job Title: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing SupervisorJob Description
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Supervisor oversees downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient production of bulk drug substance. This role leads a team working in cleanroom and aseptic environments, manages large-scale purification processes such as chromatography and filtration, and drives continuous improvement while maintaining strict adherence to cGMP standards and documentation requirements.
Responsibilities
Oversee and execute downstream manufacturing processes, including large-scale chromatography, viral inactivation, viral filtration, ultrafiltration, diafiltration, and aseptic filling of bulk drug substance.
Execute manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and standard operating procedures with minimal instruction, emphasizing proactive, right-first-time performance.
Assist with batch record reconciliation and ensure accurate, timely completion of all associated documentation.
Maintain manufacturing suites, supplies, equipment, logbooks, and data in accordance with site SOPs and policies.
Document all activities to meet cGMP requirements, including daily record review, completion of tasks, and maintenance of databases.
Forecast and resolve supply and raw material deficiencies to avoid production delays.
Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts with at least a one-week outlook to ensure smooth operations.
Identify deviations, support investigations and root cause analyses, and provide input on major or critical deviations.
Represent the manufacturing team at tier and cross-functional meetings, communicating status, issues, and needs.
Practice and promote safe work habits, adhering to all safety procedures and guidelines.
Apply manufacturing process knowledge and investigational skills to identify and resolve manufacturing issues and drive continuous improvement.
Provide feedback on document revisions and support document management, including batch production records and manufacturing procedures.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel and ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.
Coordinate and deliver training for team members, both in classroom settings and on the manufacturing floor, as needed.
Build and enhance cross-functional relationships and foster strong collaboration within the team.
Provide frequent feedback and coaching to team members to improve performance and support development.
Complete production plans by scheduling and assigning personnel, prioritizing tasks, supervising progress, revising schedules, resolving problems, and reporting results.
Lead shift exchanges and daily huddles, ensuring clear communication of priorities, issues, and expectations.
Act as a liaison with other groups within the manufacturing organization and serve as a subject matter expert on relevant techniques and processes.
Ensure compliance with cleanroom and aseptic techniques throughout all manufacturing activities.
Essential Skills
Prior supervisory experience managing direct reports, including handling HR-related processes, independent decision making, and performance management.
Large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing experience in downstream biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical production.
Experience working in a cGMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of cGMP practices and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Hands-on experience with downstream unit operations such as chromatography, viral inactivation, viral filtration, ultrafiltration, and diafiltration.
Proficiency in cleanroom operations and aseptic techniques.
Ability to work effectively in aseptic suites and follow strict gowning and contamination control procedures.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities for resolving manufacturing and process issues.
High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and execution of procedures.
Results-driven mindset with a focus on meeting production goals and quality standards.
Proficiency with MS Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.
Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds independently and stand for approximately 80% of the shift.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required.
Bachelor's degree in a STEM field preferred.
5-9 years of relevant work experience in biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing, depending on education level.
2+ years of supervisory and leadership experience preferred, ideally within the pharmaceutical industry.
Experience in biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical operating roles, including lead operator responsibilities.
Background in pharmaceutical production, purification, and downstream processing.
Familiarity with bioreactor operations and related bioprocessing equipment is beneficial.
Knowledge of basic chemistry or chemical concepts and strong math skills.
Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
Comfort working in highly regulated environments with strict documentation and quality requirements.
Work Environment
This role is based in a cleanroom and aseptic manufacturing environment that requires strict adherence to gowning and contamination control procedures. Team members work in controlled, sterile suites and must be willing and able to wear full gowning, including bodysuit, gloves, hair and beard nets, face covers, and safety glasses. The position requires compliance with cleanroom protocols, which prohibit items such as makeup, jewelry, nail polish, cologne or perfume, and scented lotions or hair care products while in the controlled areas. Personnel must meet cleanroom gowning requirements, including wearing Tyvek garments and Nitrile and/or Latex gloves. The role involves physical activity, including lifting at least 25 pounds independently and standing for approximately 80% of the shift. The schedule follows a 2nd shift (approximately 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) on a rotating 3-2-2-2-3-2 schedule, averaging 40 hours per week. Over a two-week rotation, team members work a combination of weekdays and weekend days, with designated days off that repeat on a regular cycle. The environment emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement, supporting large-scale biological and chemistry-based pharmaceutical operations that produce biologics, such as antibodies, for use in advanced pharmaceutical therapies.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $48.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
