What is Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Why is it Important?

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is the name given to the production of medicinal products on an industrial scale. Pharmaceutical/Biotech companies manufacture products for patients all around the world.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has seen rapid expansion leading to numerous career opportunities. For those interested in contributing to the development and production of life-saving medicinal products, pharmaceutical manufacturing is a rewarding career path.

In this article, we will be exploring the pharmaceutical industry in more detail. We’ll cover the various processes involved and some of the career choices associated with the industry. You’ll learn how to get started in this vital field and how to boost your employability. Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking for a career change, this article will help you understand how to get into pharmaceutical manufacturing.

What is Pharmaceutical Manufacturing?

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is part of the pharma industry, responsible for manufacturing medicinal drugs in both small and large quantities. A key part of this also sees a focus on the stringent safety and quality regulatory standards for manufacturing and marketing medicinal products

Medicinal products are developed to treat many medical conditions/ailments. These range from ailments like the common cold to more complex diseases like autoimmune disorders.

It all begins with drug development, followed by clinical trials which confirm the efficacy, quality and safety of introducing new medicinal products to the market. Medicinal products are then approved or rejected by regulatory bodies like the EMA (Europe) or FDA (US). After approval of the medicinal product, commercial manufacture can take place.

During the production stage, pharmaceutical companies must ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of the product ensuring regulatory compliance and that the product is manufactured in line with cGMP.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing medications involves several key stages which we’ll break down below:

Research and development (R&D): Scientists develop new drugs, conduct tests, and perform initial trials on the efficacy of proposed drugs.
Formulation: The drug’s active ingredients are combined with other raw materials to produce a stable, effective product.
Production: The drug is manufactured in bulk, following specific documented procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
Quality control: Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to verify its quality, efficacy and safety.
Packaging and distribution: The final product is packaged into the relevant dosage form and distributed to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers in various markets.

Career Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry offers a variety of career paths and welcomes individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds. At Innopharma, we focus on nurturing talent and equipping our learners with the knowledge needed to excel in this field. Our courses, designed by industry experts, provide the essential skills to prepare you for a successful and long-lasting career in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Let’s take a deeper look at the kind of careers available starting with entry-level positions through to more specialised roles as people build up their experience and skill set.

Entry-Level Positions

For those starting out in the pharmaceutical industry, several types of pharmaceutical manufacturing roles provide excellent opportunities for gaining experience and building a career:

Production operators: Responsible for overseeing the production process, ensuring that machines run smoothly and that the production meets regulatory standards.
Quality assurance (QA) technicians: These job roles help to maintain the quality of the product by conducting inspections and audits throughout the manufacturing process.
Laboratory analyst: Supporting scientists and researchers in the R&D stage, laboratory assistants help with testing, data collection, and sample analysis.

Entry-level positions generally require a background in science, technology, engineering, or maths (STEM) fields, and on-the-job training is mandatory as per the regulations

Mid-Level & Senior Roles

As professionals gain more experience and expertise in the pharmaceutical industry, they can move into more specialised and leadership roles:

Pharmacologists: Experts in drug action who study how drugs interact with biological systems.
Process engineers: These job roles design and optimise the processes used in drug manufacturing to improve efficiency and ensure product quality.
Regulatory affairs specialists: In this role, you’ll work to ensure the company’s products meet all regulatory requirements and help with the approval process.
Manufacturing managers: Overseeing production teams, manufacturing managers make sure production goals are met while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

These roles are more advanced and may require applicants to have more advanced degrees and certifications. It’s also likely you’ll need a number of years of experience in the industry.

Skills & Qualifications Needed

A career in pharmaceutical manufacturing requires a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and attention to detail. Hiring managers will be looking for the best candidates with a mix of the following experiences:

Educational background: Degrees in chemistry, biology, pharmacy, engineering, or related fields are common in the industry.
Technical skills: Experience with manufacturing equipment, quality control processes, and laboratory techniques is often required.
Regulatory knowledge: Understanding the regulations governing pharmaceutical production is a key requirement for many roles.
Soft skills: Problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are highly valued in this collaborative industry.

Additionally, certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) can make a prospective applicant more appealing as it shows a deeper dedication and understanding of the industry.

Pharmaceutical vs. Medical Device Manufacturing: Career Differences

While pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing both focus on producing products to improve health outcomes, these are two different industries so there are important distinctions to be aware of.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing centres on the production of drugs and medications, requiring knowledge of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.

Medical device manufacturing, conversely, involves the design and production of devices used in healthcare, such as surgical instruments, diagnostic machines, and implants. This field often requires expertise in engineering and materials science.

Each industry is an exciting and rewarding career choice, but which one you choose may depend on what you’re more interested in. If you’re motivated by understanding chemical formulations then pharmaceuticals will be the better choice. However, if you’re more interested in developing machinery, medical devices will be a better fit.

How to Get Started in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The pharmaceutical industry is an attractive industry known for being well-paid and deeply interesting. You’ll need the right educational background and with the proper training and resources you’ll be able to build a successful career in this growing field.

Education & Training

The backbone of the pharmaceutical industry is a solid educational foundation. Typically, degrees in science or engineering are most sought after by employers. Think about a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering to make yourself particularly appealing to employers.

You may also wish to upskill further by undertaking a master’s degree to help you specialise in your area of interest. Alongside this, there are many institutions like Innopharma which offer specialised courses in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, and other related fields.

Networking & Industry Events

It’s important to get involved in networking and industry events and conferences. These are an excellent way to meet professionals in the field and learn about potential job opportunities. Joining professional organisations, such as the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), the Parenteral Drugs Association (PDA) or Biochem Ireland can also provide networking opportunities and access to job boards and resources.

Internships & Entry-Level Job Search Tips

Internships and entry-level positions can often be the first step to getting your foot in the door in a pharmaceutical company. Many companies offer internship or graduate programmes for students and recent graduates, which can serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment. When searching for jobs, look for companies that provide clear training and growth opportunities.

Invest in Your Career in the Pharmaceutical Industry with Innopharma Education

At Innopharma, we focus on providing practical, skills-driven education that prepares you for real-world success. Our programmes are designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, helping students gain the high-value skills they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in the pharmaceutical industry or just starting, our specialised training programs equip you with the expertise needed to thrive in this rapidly changing field.

With courses designed to keep pace with the latest industry trends, you’ll always be up to date. Whether you’re looking to upskill or transition into the pharmaceutical industry, our programmes offer the perfect opportunity. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you start or advance your career in the pharmaceutical industry.