Posted 23 July, 2026
Job Id: 628876
Digital Manufacturing Operations Specialist
Job Description
Digital Manufacturing Operations Specialist
Summary / Objective
The Digital Manufacturing Operations Specialist is an experienced, hands-on subject matter expert (SME) responsible for supporting, optimizing, and continuously improving shop floor execution processes. This role serves as a key super user and bridge between Operations, Engineering, and IT, ensuring digital applications deliver reliable, compliant, and efficient production and packaging execution.
This position acts as the site expert for shop-floor systems, providing user support, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and operational readiness, while maintaining GMP compliance and data integrity. The role also supports cross-functional collaboration, real-time issue resolution, and adoption of standardized business processes across the manufacturing site.
Key Responsibilities
-
Subject Matter Expertise
Serve as the site SME for system functionality, process execution, and continuous improvement initiatives. -
End User Support
Act as the primary point of contact for operators, resolving issues or escalating to IT/Engineering as needed. -
System Support & Troubleshooting
Provide hands-on support for manufacturing systems (MES, ERP, serialization), including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and real-time issue resolution. -
Process Execution
Ensure consistent and compliant execution of production and packaging processes aligned with established standards. -
Data & Analytics
Support real-time data flow, system visibility, and analytics to drive improvements in production, quality, and release processes. -
Operations Technology (OT) Coordination
Assist with issues related to equipment integration and interfaces, including PLC and SCADA systems. -
Training & Mentorship
Deliver local training using a train-the-trainer model and provide technical guidance to users and junior team members. -
Change Management
Support system updates through user acceptance testing (UAT), rollout, and implementation. -
Continuous Improvement
Capture user feedback and contribute to process and system enhancements. -
Compliance & Data Integrity
Ensure adherence to GMP standards and maintain data integrity across systems.
Governance & Interfaces
- Business Process Owners (BPO/BPE): Define global processes and train key users
- Key User (This Role): Local trainer, first-line support, and feedback provider
- IT (Central): Own and maintain enterprise systems
- Engineering / Automation: Support equipment and operational technologies
Core Competencies
- Knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain enterprise systems
- Strong shop floor process expertise (batch and/or discrete manufacturing)
- Hands-on, problem-solving mindset
- Effective communication and training skills
- Ability to bridge Operations, IT, and Engineering teams
- Influencing skills with the ability to drive cross-functional alignment
- Structured, detail-oriented, and compliance-focused
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field
- 7-10 years of hands-on experience supporting manufacturing applications in a production environment
- Strong knowledge of GMP regulations, including 21 CFR Part 11 and Computer System Validation (CSV)
- Demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or packaging environments preferred
- Experience working with MES and/or ERP systems as an end user
- Understanding of operational technology, including PLCs, SCADA, and equipment interfaces
Key Success Factors
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong engagement with shop floor teams to understand real-time execution challenges
- High user adoption and correct system utilization
- Effective collaboration across business process, IT, and engineering teams
- Commitment to compliance, quality, and data integrity
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.
Fraud Alert
Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet Pharma domain (@planet-pharma.com, @planet-pharma.co.uk, and @ppgadvisorypartners.com) and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.