Pharmaceutical Plant Manager

About the role

Wadi Al-Rafidain Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company is seeking an experienced Pharmaceutical Plant Manager to lead its integrated manufacturing facility in Baghdad. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational oversight across all core functions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction aligned with corporate objectives and ensure plant performance meets productivity, quality, safety and cost targets.
• Lead department heads (Production, QA, QC, R&D, Planning, Engineering & Maintenance, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, etc.) and drive continuous improvement and capacity utilization.
• Establish and monitor KPIs covering OEE, cost, delivery, safety and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee GMP compliance, pharmacovigilance systems, CAPA, deviations, change control, risk management, validation, data integrity and inspection readiness.
• Manage major initiatives such as technology transfer, scale‑up, new product introductions and capital projects.
• Develop talent through succession planning, leadership development and effective resource allocation.
• Control the operational budget and provide senior management with performance analysis, risk assessments and recommendations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or a related pharmaceutical field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including proven experience as a Plant Manager.
• Deep understanding of all core pharmaceutical functions (Production, QA, QC, R&D, Planning, Engineering, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of GMP, pharmaceutical quality systems and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, cost optimisation and operational transformation.

Required skills

• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• Pharmacovigilance
• Pharmaceutical Quality Systems
• CAPA management
• Deviation handling
• Change control
• Risk management
• Validation
• Data integrity
• PQR/APR reporting
• Product recall procedures