PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The primary function of this role is to assist a Compounder II or higher in executing blending and compounding operations in a regulated OTC pharmaceutical environment. Responsibilities include equipment staging, cleaning, material handling, and documentation — all performed in strict accordance with cGMP, FDA regulations, and internal SOPs to ensure consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Strictly adhere to all current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), FDA 21 CFR Part 211 requirements, company SOPs, and safety protocols to ensure a compliant, safe, and controlled production environment.
-
Perform and document all cleaning, sanitization, and preparation activities in accordance with approved Batch Records, SOPs, and GDP (Good Documentation Practices).
-
Immediately report any discrepancies, unclear instructions, or deviations to Compounding Supervision or Engineering for resolution.
-
Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready work area at all times to ensure contamination control and inspection readiness.
-
Participate in 5S programs and continuous improvement initiatives to support production efficiency, equipment readiness, and workflow standardization.
-
Provide day-to-day operational support to the Compounding and Production teams, ensuring timely execution of production goals.
-
Use NetSuite and RFSmart to:
-
Perform inventory transactions including transfers, consumptions, and completions.
-
Verify expiration and retest dates of raw materials before use.
-
Generate and apply appropriate identification labels for traceability and batch compliance.
-
Assist with setup and staging of equipment such as scales, homogenizers, blending tanks, pumps, and hoses according to batch record instructions.
-
Record all processing parameters (e.g., weights, volumes, temperatures) in batch documentation with precision and in compliance with GDP.
-
Perform material charging to blending vessels per batch record instructions, ensuring prevention of cross-contamination or material mix-ups.
-
Execute line clearance and cleaning procedures between batches (lot-to-lot or full clean), including breakdown and cleaning of all required equipment as per validated procedures.
-
Safely operate manual and electric pallet jacks to transport raw materials, equipment, stainless steel totes, and production containers within GMP areas.
-
Demonstrate and promote a Quality First Mindset:
-
Understand critical quality attributes and process parameters associated with compounding operations.
-
Identify and immediately escalate any quality issues to Supervision and Quality Assurance. Cease operations when product quality is at risk.
-
Support other production or compounding-related functions as needed, including:
-
Assisting on packaging lines during bottlenecks or downtime.
-
Cleaning and sanitizing auxiliary equipment, containers, and processing tools.
-
Operating floor scrubbers or other cleaning equipment to maintain facility hygiene.
QUALIFICATION:
Required:
-
Fluent in reading, writing, and verbal communication in English.
-
Demonstrated commitment to personal hygiene and cleanliness, in compliance with GMP and FDA OTC regulations.
-
Strong basic math skills, including weight and volume conversions, percentages, and accurate measurements.
-
Ability to follow detailed written procedures (Batch Records, SOPs) and verbal instructions without deviation.
-
Familiarity with calibrated measurement equipment (scales, beakers, graduated cylinders, etc.).
-
Understanding of and adherence to safety protocols, including handling of cleaning chemicals and operation of production equipment.
-
Exceptional attention to detail with a proactive approach to identifying discrepancies or non-conformances.
-
Physically capable of lifting 50–75 lbs and working in environments with exposure to hot water, steam, and chemical cleaning agents.
-
Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to assist with minor equipment setups or adjustments.
-
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a production team.
-
Ability to wear required PPE throughout the shift, including (but not limited to) eye protection, hearing protection, steel-toe shoes, face shields, aprons, and protective sleeves.
-
Must be able to wear a fitted full-face respirator or half respirator when required.
CRITICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
-
Operation of OTC pharmaceutical blending/mixing/filling equipment under cGMP.
-
Ability to assist with basic troubleshooting of compounding equipment.
-
Strong organizational and multitasking skills across concurrent tasks and priorities.
-
Clear communication with production, quality, and supervisory personnel.
-
Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and legible batch documentation and logs.
-
Commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in every task.
Education and/or Training
- High School diploma or equivalent