Manufacturing Technician (Fixed-Term Project Role)

Location: Bard Manufacturing Facility
Department: Manufacturing Operations
Job Type: Fixed-Term (Project-Based, 2-Year Contract)
Reports to: Shift Manager

Join us and make a difference when it matters most!

At Bard, we are committed to delivering high-quality medicines safely, efficiently, and reliably to patients who depend on them. As part of our ongoing manufacturing expansion programme, we are investing in new capabilities while maintaining excellence within our existing operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a critical business initiative by ensuring continuity of supply during a period of operational transformation.

Role Summary

The Manufacturing Technician is a fixed-term, project-linked position established to support manufacturing operations within Bard's legacy production suites during the Manufacturing Expansion Training Workstream.

The role will ensure uninterrupted production while permanent manufacturing technicians undertake training and knowledge-transfer activities associated with the new ADHD bead manufacturing facility and related expansion assets. The post-holder will be responsible for delivering production, quality, safety, and operational performance targets within an assigned legacy manufacturing area, ensuring compliance with GMP requirements and Health & Safety standards.

This is a hands-on, physically demanding position operating within a manufacturing environment that requires flexibility for shift-based working. Full training will be provided to successful candidates.

This role is restricted to existing manufacturing operations and does not include training, qualification, authorization, or deployment on the new expansion facilities.

Role and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations

• Support Cell Leads in delivering daily production targets across assigned manufacturing areas.

• Ensure manufacturing activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures.

• Prepare equipment, materials, and production areas to ensure smooth shift handovers and operational readiness.

• Maintain production continuity through effective teamwork and support of operational priorities.

• Proactively identify and escalate issues that may affect production performance or product quality.

Production Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the achievement of key manufacturing performance indicators, including production output, equipment efficiency, changeover performance, and downtime reduction.

• Participate in root cause investigations and problem-solving activities to improve process understanding and operational performance.

• Support Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, yield improvement, and process optimization.

• Champion small-scale Kaizen projects and contribute to site improvement programmes.

• Participate in Autonomous Maintenance activities to support equipment reliability and performance.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all activities are performed in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and company procedures.

• Complete manufacturing documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

• Support validation activities, including protocol execution, sampling activities, and associated documentation.

• Maintain a strong understanding of quality requirements, production records, and compliance expectations.

• Raise Documentation Change Requests (DCRs) for batch records, procedures, and controlled documents as required.

• Support ongoing regulatory compliance through adherence to approved processes and procedures.

Equipment & Asset Management

• Operate manufacturing equipment safely and effectively within designated production areas.

• Maintain machinery and production equipment in a clean, safe, and operational condition.

• Support routine cleaning, inspection, and servicing activities.

• Work collaboratively with Engineering and Quality teams to investigate and resolve equipment or process-related issues.

• Assist with troubleshooting activities to minimize operational disruptions.

Workplace Management & Operational Support

• Take ownership of workplace organization and housekeeping standards through effective implementation of 5S principles.

• Maintain appropriate stock levels of materials, consumables, and production components.

• Support Shift Managers and Coordinators through accurate operational reporting, including downtime recording and system updates.

• Manage workload effectively while maintaining flexibility to support business priorities.

• Ensure work areas remain inspection-ready and compliant with GMP and Health & Safety requirements at all times.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all site Health & Safety, security, and environmental requirements.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure all manufacturing activities are conducted in accordance with company policies and regulatory expectations.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties required to support operational performance, product quality, and patient supply.

Qualifications

Education

Minimum Required

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs (Grade C / Level 4 or above), including Mathematics and English, or equivalent qualifications.

Preferred

• A-Level qualifications or above, or equivalent vocational qualification.

Experience

Minimum Required

• If you have experience working within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment, this would be desirable, but we will consider people who are looking for their first step in this environment that can demonstrate strong practical aptitude and the ability to work safely within operational environments.

• Experience operating, cleaning, or servicing production equipment is desirable.

• Candidates with the right attitude, reliability, practical aptitude, and willingness to learn will be considered, as full training will be provided.

Preferred

• Approximately 2 years of experience within a manufacturing, production, engineering, mechanical, or related operational environment.

• Experience within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

• Knowledge of process equipment maintenance activities.

• Experience supporting quality, compliance, or validation activities within a regulated environment.

• Practical or mechanical interests, such as vehicle maintenance, car mechanics, engineering hobbies, or similar hands-on activities.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of GMP, 5S, Workplace Management, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement principles.

• Understanding of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and equipment care practices.

• Strong focus on quality, compliance, and patient safety.

• Results-oriented with a proactive approach to achieving operational goals.

• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Good organizational and time-management abilities.

• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.

• Positive attitude with a commitment to teamwork and continuous learning.

• Sound understanding of regulatory and business compliance requirements.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to work across multiple functions and organizational levels.

• Strong team-working skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across shift teams and departments.

• Good listening skills with the ability to follow instructions accurately and consistently.

• Good level of basic mathematical ability.

• Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to hot and humid production suite conditions.

• Regular use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

• Exposure to approved cleaning chemicals and pharmaceutical active ingredients.

• Frequent manual handling and equipment changeover activities.

• Physical tasks involving equipment dismantling, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly.

• Hands-on, physically demanding work requiring a good level of physical fitness.

• Shift-based working arrangements as required by operational requirements.

• Noisy manufacturing environment with occasional exposure to hot working conditions.

• Requirement to wear PPE throughout the working day.

Fixed-Term Project Information

This role has been created specifically to support continuity of manufacturing operations during the Manufacturing Expansion Training Workstream.

Responsibilities are limited to legacy manufacturing areas and associated production activities required to maintain product supply during the transition period.

The successful candidate will not be trained, qualified, authorized, deployed, or scheduled to work on the new ADHD bead manufacturing unit or any new expansion assets.

This role is offered as a 2-year fixed-term contract, and successful candidates must be able to commit to the full contract period.

Employment in this position will conclude upon completion of the Manufacturing Expansion Training Workstream, in accordance with the terms of the fixed-term contract.

What You Get in Return

Diversity and Inclusion

At Bard, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. We value diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and believe they strengthen our ability to innovate and serve patients.

About Bard

Bard is dedicated to manufacturing high-quality medicines through operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our teams play a vital role in ensuring reliable supply, maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance, and supporting better outcomes for patients worldwide.