Granulation Machine Operator at Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited

Job Summary

• The Granulation Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining granulation equipment used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.
• The operator ensures that granulation processes are carried out in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and approved Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs) to produce high-quality products that meet regulatory and company standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate high-shear granulators, fluid bed granulators, rapid mixer granulators (RMG), or other granulation equipment according to approved procedures.
• Review Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs) and ensure all materials and equipment are available before production.
• Weigh, load, and process raw materials according to approved formulations.
• Monitor critical process parameters such as mixing time, impeller speed, chopper speed, temperature, and moisture content.
• Perform wet or dry granulation processes as specified in manufacturing instructions.
• Conduct in-process checks and report any deviations or abnormalities immediately.
• Record production data accurately in batch records and equipment logbooks.
• Clean and sanitize granulation equipment and work areas according to cleaning SOPs.
• Perform line clearance before and after production activities.
• Assist in equipment setup, changeovers, and basic preventive maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and notify the maintenance department promptly.
• Minimize material loss and prevent cross-contamination during production.
• Participate in process validation, equipment qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and quality investigations when required.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and ensure a clean, organized production environment.
• Follow all company policies regarding safety, hygiene, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Compliance with GMP and SOP requirements.
• Production output achieved against planned targets.
• Batch right-first-time (RFT) performance.
• Accuracy and completeness of production documentation.
• Equipment uptime and operational efficiency.
• Reduction in material waste and product losses.
• Zero critical deviations attributable to operator error.
• Compliance with safety and housekeeping standards.
• Successful completion of training and competency assessments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related science discipline.
• Previous experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing is preferred.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical production processes and GMP requirements is an advantage.
• Ability to understand Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs), SOPs, and production documentation.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of granulation processes with pharmaceutical manufacturing experience
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot granulation equipment.
• Good documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production targets.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and hygiene practices.
• Computer literacy is an added advantage.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a controlled pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.
• May require shift work, weekends, or overtime based on production schedules.
• Standing for extended periods and handling production materials may be required.

Authority:
The Granulation Machine Operator has the authority to:

• Stop equipment if unsafe conditions or quality issues are identified.
• Report deviations, equipment faults, and non-conformances immediately.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

Core Competencies:

• Integrity and accountability
• Attention to detail
• Quality consciousness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Problem-solving skills
• Safety awareness
• Adaptability and willingness to learn.