Blistering Machine Operator

Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited (SVNL) is a pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in Ikeja, Lagos. Originally established as a joint venture, it is now owned by Sagar Overseas Ltd. SVNL operates a modern facility with high-capacity production lines for tablets, capsules, ointments, and more, adhering to GMP standards.

The company is NAFDAC-approved and partners with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health to support local drug production. Its product portfolio includes vitamins, antibiotics, and over-the-counter supplements.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Blistering Machine Operator

Location: Makun City, Ogun
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Production / Packaging
Reports To: Packaging Supervisor / Production Manager

Job Summary

• The operator ensures product integrity, minimizes downtime, and maintains accurate production documentation.
• The Blistering Machine Operator is responsible for operating, setting up, monitoring, and maintaining blister packaging machines to ensure pharmaceutical products are packaged accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and company quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure products are packaged according to approved specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Report equipment malfunctions, deviations, or quality issues promptly to supervisors and maintenance personnel.
• Perform line clearance before and after production to prevent product mix-ups and cross-contamination.
• Monitor machine performance and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal operating efficiency.
• Assist during internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and minor preventive maintenance of blistering equipment.
• Record production data, equipment parameters, downtime, rejects, and material usage accurately.
• Participate in validation activities, equipment qualification, and process improvement initiatives when required.
• Set up, operate, and adjust blister packaging machines according to production schedules and batch manufacturing records.
• Verify packaging materials, including PVC, aluminum foil, cartons, leaflets, and labels, before production.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment following 5S principles.
• Minimize material waste while maximizing production efficiency.
• Conduct machine start-up, in-process checks, and shutdown procedures in accordance with SOPs.
• Inspect blister packs for defects such as missing tablets, damaged blisters, incorrect sealing, printing errors, and coding issues.
• Follow GMP, safety regulations, hygiene requirements, and company policies at all times.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Machine uptime and operating efficiency
• Accuracy and completeness of production documentation
• Packaging quality and defect rate
• Compliance with GMP and SOP requirements
• Safety and housekeeping compliance.
• Production output achieved versus target
• Downtime reduction
• Material waste percentage

Qualifications

• Good numerical and documentation skills.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• High school diploma, technical certificate, or equivalent qualification; diploma in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field is an advantage.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime when required.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical packaging processes and GMP requirements.
• Ability to read and understand batch records, SOPs, and packaging specifications.
• Previous experience operating blister packaging machines in a pharmaceutical, food, or FMCG manufacturing environment is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Problem-solving
• GMP and GDP compliance
• Equipment troubleshooting
• Teamwork and communication
• Blister machine setup and operation
• Quality inspection
• Attention to detail
• Safety awareness
• Documentation accuracy
• Time management

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment while wearing appropriate PPE.
• Normal or corrected vision sufficient to detect packaging defects.
• Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to lift materials in accordance with company safety guidelines.

Working Conditions:

• May involve lifting packaging materials within approved safety limits.
• Work is performed in controlled cleanroom or packaging areas with strict hygiene requirements.
• Manufacturing and pharmaceutical packaging environment.
• Requires standing for extended periods.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.