Operator – Oral Powder (Number of positions: 04)

Announcement Number: DB/05/2025/PD016
Position Title: Operator – Oral Powder (Number of positions: 04)
Opening Period: 05/05/2025 – 05/12/2025
Series/Grade: L (2)
Salary: Competitive
Who May Apply: All Interested Applicants
Duration Appointment: Indefinite, subject to successful completion of probationary period
Supervisory Position: None

Job Summary:

The Oral Powder Operator is responsible for executing the manufacturing and packaging processes of oral powder formulations such as sachets, jars, or stick packs in accordance with approved Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The role includes weighing and blending raw materials, operating powder filling and sealing machines, conducting in-process checks for fill weight and seal integrity and maintaining cleanliness and compliance in the production area. The operator will assist in equipment setup, cleaning validation and changeover activities while ensuring traceability and adherence to safety and documentation protocols. The ideal candidate should possess hands-on experience with powder handling and packaging equipment, strong attention to detail and a clear understanding of GMP requirements in a regulated manufacturing environment

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operate machinery and equipment used in the preparation and packaging of oral powder formulations such as sachet fillers, auger filling machines and dry mixers.
2. Weigh and load raw materials into mixing or blending equipment as per the approved batch manufacturing records (BMRs).
3. Monitor and control blending and filling parameters to ensure product uniformity and weight accuracy.
4. Conduct in-process checks for powder flowability, blend uniformity, weight variation and sealing quality.
5. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of production equipment and work areas according to cGMP and SOP requirements.
6. Perform equipment changeover and assist in cleaning validation activities.
7. Document all production activities including batch logs, cleaning records and equipment usage logs.
8. Handle and segregate raw materials, intermediates and finished products appropriately to prevent cross-contamination.
9. Report any equipment malfunction, process deviation or safety incident to the supervisor promptly.
10. Comply with all safety, gowning and hygiene procedures during handling of powder materials.

Academic Qualifications:
Minimum of Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). A certificate or diploma in Industrial Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, or a related technical field will be an added advantage.

Experience and Competencies:

1. Minimum of 3–4 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or food-grade powder handling and packaging operations.
2. Familiarity with sachet/pouch filling equipment and powder mixing/blending processes.
3. Good understanding of cGMP, equipment hygiene and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
4. Ability to work with accuracy and maintain consistent performance in a regulated production environment.
5. Physically fit and willing to work in a fast-paced and controlled manufacturing environment.