Careers at Pillar5 Pharma

Pillar5 Career Positions

Founded in 2009, Pillar5 Pharma is an industry-leading Canadian contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), based in the Ottawa Valley. We are a full-service provider of sterile ophthalmic solutions and solid dose manufacturing, and the market leader in multi-dose preservative-free technology.

We make great products that people use each and every day. We make eye drops, ear drops, allergy medication, and other off-the-shelf pharmaceuticals. We manufacture products for some of the largest pharma companies on the planet. And we do it all from the small community of Arnprior.

Facility Mechanic

Be better. Live better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. Pillar5 Pharma Inc. is seeking a skilled and experienced Facility Mechanic to join our Maintenance Department. As a Facility Mechanic, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform routine maintenance tasks, including inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment and systems.
  • Maintaining and optimizing machinery and equipment, component fabrication, welding, start-up and testing, basic electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, plumbing, and mechanical troubleshooting.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
  • Collaborate with other team members to identify and resolve facility-related issues.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations, GMP, and company policies.
  • Assist in the installation and modification of equipment and systems.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Training, education, or certification in Industrial Maintenance required. Millwright designation or other suitable Red Seal Certification is an asset.
  • Proven experience as a Facility Mechanic in a pharmaceutical or similar manufacturing environment is an asset.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, including HVAC, boilers, compressors, purified water systems, and electrical.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and blueprints.
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Attention to detail and ability to work with precision.
  • Good communication and teamwork abilities
  • Ability to work shifts and be on call as required.
Apply

Manufacturing Mechanic

Be better. Live better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Head, APA, the Production Mechanic will be responsible for setting up, modifying, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing several different types of machinery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assemble, troubleshoot, and operate a variety of filling, packaging, and compression machines on a day-to-day basis.
  • Diagnose malfunctions and determine the need for adjustment or repair.
  • Perform and follow written set-up and maintenance on machines and equipment as per preventative maintenance schedule.
  • Perform size-change on packaging lines and prepare them for a variety of product formats.
  • Train operators on proper handling of equipment.
  • Work with outside contractors to ensure completion of maintenance tasks and with other groups and trades personnel.
  • Make recommendation and implement continuous improvement to equipment and processes.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and proven mechanical training and experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) controllers i.e., troubleshooting
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Grade 12 diploma, post-secondary education with millwright certification is preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years progressive experience in a production environment preferably in an aseptic environment.
  • Excellent teamwork, organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Understanding of GMP’s and SOP’s
  • Understanding of Lean and Six Sigma concepts is an asset.
  • Ability to work all shifts.
SCHEDULE:
  • Monday – Thursday rotating shift (Days: 6:00am – 4:30pm & Afternoons: 4:00pm –2:30am) or
  • Friday – Sunday Weekend Shift (6am – 6pm)
Apply

Aseptic Processing Operator

Be better. Live better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. Pillar5 Pharma Inc. is seeking to build its talent pool by hiring ambitious people to operate in our aseptic processing equipment lines. As an Aseptic Processing Operator, you will learn to produce ophthalmic pharmaceutical products in a manner that will ensure product safety for our customers.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
  • Perform sterile gowning to allow for working in the aseptic cleanrooms.
  • Set up and operate bottle filling machines in a slow and deliberate manner.
  • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Monitor production processes and adjust as necessary to maintain product quality and efficiency.
  • Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines to maintain a safe and clean work environment.
  • Document production activities and maintain accurate records of materials used and products produced.
  • Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production targets and deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment is an asset.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and mathematical skills.
  • Proven ability to complete accurate documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and team-oriented environment.
  • Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues.
  • High school diploma or equivalent. Any courses taken in biology/microbiology is an asset.
  • Capable of working all shifts and meeting the physical demands of this position.
SCHEDULE:
  • Days/Afternoon Rotating Shifts: Monday – Thursday (Days: 6:00am – 4:30pm & Afternoons: 4:00pm – 2:30am).
Apply

APA Fill Supervisor

Be better. Live Better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Manager, APA Filling, the Supervisor, APA Fill directs the activities of team members to hit scheduled deliveries. The Supervisor, APA Fill, is responsible for coaching, resolving issues, and serving as a link between subordinates and upper management. The Supervisor will provide a range of hands-on tasks in the planning and operations of the Aseptic Filling Department. The Supervisor will also work with leadership to develop an execution plan to ensure customer, quality, and safety commitments are met.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Daily verification of pre-operational activities in the department, distribute and prioritize work tasks, verify availability of staff, and ensure all necessary resources are available to meet daily schedule
  • Analyze schedule and plan performance of team activities in Aseptic Filling department/team. Makes decisions to address issues to deliver versus weekly/monthly plans
  • Ensure staff acquire all necessary training to properly perform designated role(s)
  • Communicate with other leaders and stakeholders within Pillar5 to ensure supporting departments deliver on all necessary tasks. Escalate to department leadership to acquire necessary resources or assistance
  • Manage and develop employees to achieve established goals of safety, performance, volume of work, and quality
  • Ensures all required documentation related to product release is completed to required quality levels to ensure compliance with SOPs
  • Monitors department activities and ensures all employees and processes support compliance with safety, regulatory and quality goals of the department and Pillar5
  • Responsible for the overall engagement level of aseptic filling team members by providing regular direction and feedback on performance, team results, and company results
  • Provides direction and recommendations on all employee actions including hiring, firing, disciplinary action, scheduling, and salary
  • Develop and/or implement departmental reporting as required by senior management
  • Participates in all relevant company/department meetings to provide updates and actions to other leaders
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Leadership experience leading a team in a manufacturing environment is an asset
  • Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in a GMP environment, preferably in aseptic manufacturing or packaging
  • Computer literate with Microsoft Office programs and exposure to SAP
  • Demonstrated people management, coaching and leadership skills
  • Ability to work rotational shifts
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Apply

APA Cleaner

Be better. Live Better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Manager, APA, the APA Cleaner’s main role is performing cleaning in sterile area machines including respective rooms and associated rooms.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Dismantle, clean, disinfect and reassemble filling and ancillary equipment
  • Complete bubble point and pressure hold tests on Sterile filters
  • Transfer components into the aseptic area
  • Load, operate and unload an autoclave, according to specific SOPs
  • Take microbial samples of cleaning solutions, disinfectants, and water, and deliver to the lab for testing as required
  • Operates various sterile filling equipment as required including basic trouble shooting skills
  • Operates other ancillary equipment as required
  • Able to conduct viable and non-viable EM sampling
  • Able to perform disinfection of the area as per SOPs
  • Able to perform other activities required to fill product aseptically (transfer of components, solution preparation, etc.)
  • Completes relevant documentation completely and accurately including microbiology documentation
  • Strictly adheres to Good Aseptic Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, safety guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practices during all aspects of this role
  • Conducts other duties as required, including alternate packaging duties within Manufacturing Operations
  • Good Aseptic Practices
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Grade 12 diploma
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and mathematical skills
  • Able to multi-task and adapt to change
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Excellent organization, interpersonal, and communication skills
  • Proven ability to follow written procedures and complete accurate documentation
  • Strong working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and a proven commitment to excellent product quality
  • Working knowledge of aseptic principles and experience working in a clean room or aseptic area is considered an asset
  • The ability to complete gowning qualification for duties in grade A, B, and C areas
  • Capable of working all shifts and meeting the physical demands of this position, including extended periods of standing, reaching and lifting
SCHEDULE:
  • Weekend Shift: 3:00 PM until 1:30 AM (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
  • Weekday Shift: 9:30 PM until 6:00 AM (starting Monday evening until Friday morning)
Apply

Director, Supply Chain

Be better. Live better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. We are looking for a Director, Supply Chain to join our executive team. You will have ownership of Customer Service, Production Planning, Purchasing, and Warehousing operations.

  RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Sales and Operation Planning: oversee the Sales & Operations Planning process. Ensure that customer demands, and supply concerns are addressed in the best interest of Pillar5.
  • Strategic Planning: set goals and define key performance indicators (KPIs); align supply chain strategies with overall business objectives.
  • Supplier Management: Evaluate suppliers based on delivery timeliness, product quality, etc. Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favorable pricing while maintaining quality standards.
  • Inventory Optimization: Develop strategies for inventory management, including demand forecasting, safety stock planning, and inventory control measures to minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and obsolescence.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Working closely with regulatory affairs teams to ensure that supply chain processes and practices comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements (ex: FDA).
  • Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization to identify and implement opportunities for improvement across the supply chain, from procurement to distribution.
  • Warehouse Process and team Management: Ensure accurate reception, timely replenishment of materials to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations and customer deliveries to meet company expectations.
  • Leadership team responsibilities: Provide insights and recommendations to the executive team on supply chain strategies and initiatives to support business growth and profitability.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree/diploma in Supply, Operations, Business or related discipline
  • Min 10 years’ experience in Supply in a regulated manufacturing environment. Pharmaceutical industry experience is an asset.
  • Strong knowledge of SAP or related ERP is essential.
  • Good understanding of manufacturing processes, and supply markets for pharma products, ingredients, packaging components, CAPEX, and associated commodities.
  • Experience in all aspects of contract manufacturing, including ideation, product development, supplier identification, supplier development, product launch, and business planning.
  • Proven experience in warehouse management, demonstrating a track record leading warehousing teams, managing inventory and optimizing warehouse operations.
  • Good understanding of quality management principles (such as Good Manufacturing Principles), continuous improvement methodologies (such as Lean & Six Sigma), regulatory requirements (such as FDA, Health Canada), and industry best practices.
  • Proven leadership abilities with experience in managing and developing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance excellence in a cross-functional environment.
Apply

Training Coordinator

Be better. Live Better. That’s our vision at Pillar5 Pharma. We are a pharmaceutical manufacturing company that makes products people use in their everyday lives. Reporting to the Head of the Aseptic Processing Area (APA), your main objective is to develop APA operators, so they are confident in every aspect of their role. You will be an integral part of driving the right culture for the team by ensuring they have the training tools necessary for their work and advocating for the perfect balance between operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and teamwork.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Ensure full understanding of aseptic processing requirements, in alignment with the Sterility Assurance manager.
  • Ensure full understanding of existing department procedures and documentation requirements.
  • Develop & coordinate a training program for APA operators. This will include orientation, all the way through full certification on the aseptic filling machines.
  • Create training standards, ensuring to monitor progress against those standards.
  • Effectively deliver/coordinate the APA training program for new staff.
  • Demonstrate proper equipment operations & troubleshooting methodologies following proper aseptic technique.
  • Deliver routine and/or refresher training sessions for existing staff.
  • Develop a proper documentation system for training requirements in the APA.
  • Using a continuous improvement mindset, you will challenge the status quo to improve compliance & efficiency.
  • Participate in root causes analysis and CAPA completion for the APA.
  • Must demonstrate a positive “can do” attitude.
  • Be an active participant in meetings with Operations, Quality Assurance and Human Resources to resolve issues as they pertain to training.
  • Ensure you are staying current with APA job requirements.
  • Orientation, “first days”, account/computer setups, login requests (PMS. BMS, email groups, teams groups etc.)
  • Continuous development and monitoring of training integration program (work into 3rd bullet)
  • Coordinating and ability to work closely with Sterility Assurance to achieve common goals. (maybe work into 1st bullet point)
  • Aligning/creating projected plan to align with managements expectations/plans (maybe adding to end of bullet 5)
  • Maintain secure files & provide records as required.
  • GMP Orientation Training for new staff.
  • Ability to be Gown Certified
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 5+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
  • Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree (Microbiology or related field is preferred).
  • Must be a team player who is dedicated to motivating a team.
  • Excellent communication at all levels within the organization is required.
  • Mechanical troubleshooting skills would be an asset.
  • High level of computer literacy (proficient with Microsoft Office, report writing, formatting documentation)
  • Able to multi-task and adapt to change.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Strong working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices and a proven commitment to excellent product quality.
Apply

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