Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited's parent company is a Sagar Overseas Limited which was in incorporated in 2023 and its registered with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN). Sagar Overseas Limited primary function as a leading importer and supplier of Pharmaceutical raw materials (Active Pharmaceutical Igridient-AP1 Excipients and Intermediaries) to many pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.
Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited was formerly known as Strides Vital Nigeria Limited . The entity was a strategic partnership between Vital Pharmaceutical Limited Nigeria and Strides Arcolods Limited (as NSE listed company from India. However, in 2017 the Management of Sagar Overseas Limited Acquired 100% shares in Strides Vital Nigeria Limited and following the acquisition the was re-named SAGAR VITACEUTICALS NIGERIA LIMITED. Since its renaming Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited has established itself as a leading name in the Pharmaceutical and Health industry in Nigeria
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator
Location: Makun City, Ogun
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Production
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Reports To: Production Supervisor / Production Pharmacist
Job Summary
- The Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and cleaning automatic capsule-filling machines used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- The role ensures that capsules are filled accurately, efficiently, and consistently in accordance with approved batch manufacturing records, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and established quality standards.
- The successful candidate must have practical experience operating automatic capsule-filling machines in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of in-process quality checks, production documentation, machine troubleshooting, and contamination prevention.
Key Duties and Responsiblites
Machine Operation:
- Operate automatic capsule-filling machines for the production of pharmaceutical hard-shell capsules.
- Set up and adjust machine parameters according to approved batch instructions and product specifications.
- Ensure correct installation of machine parts, change parts, dosing systems, and capsule-handling components.
- Verify that the correct capsule size, formulation, and batch details are used before commencing production.
- Monitor capsule feeding, capsule separation, powder or granule filling, capsule closing, and ejection throughout the production process.
- Adjust machine settings within authorised limits to maintain consistent capsule weight, filling accuracy, and production output.
- Monitor machine speed and performance to achieve approved production targets.
- Identify and report machine malfunctions, unusual noise, blockages, and operational abnormalities promptly.
- Ensure proper line clearance before starting production and during product or batch changeovers.
In-Process Quality Control:
- Perform routine in-process checks according to approved procedures and sampling frequencies.
- Monitor capsule fill weight and weight variation to ensure compliance with approved specifications.
- Inspect capsules for defects, including improper locking, denting, cracking, leakage, deformation, and incomplete filling.
- Check capsule separation, closing, and ejection to minimise defective products.
- Monitor powder or granule flow and report issues that may affect filling consistency.
- Segregate rejected capsules and ensure they are identified and handled according to approved procedures.
- Immediately report out-of-specification results, process deviations, and other quality concerns to the Production Supervisor and Quality Assurance (QA) Department.
- Ensure that production continues only when required quality and process conditions are met.
GMP and Production Documentation:
- Comply strictly with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), approved SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Complete Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs), machine logbooks, equipment usage records, and other required production documents accurately and promptly.
- Record machine settings, batch numbers, production quantities, rejected units, capsule weight checks, and downtime as required.
- Ensure that all entries comply with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Verify that equipment cleaning and status labels are completed and current before use.
- Report deviations, discrepancies, and documentation errors in accordance with company procedures.
- Maintain complete traceability of production activities and materials used.
Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance:
- Clean the capsule-filling machine, hoppers, dosing components, tooling, and associated parts according to approved cleaning SOPs.
- Ensure that equipment is properly cleaned between batches and product changeovers to prevent cross-contamination.
- Carry out pre-start checks and routine operator-level maintenance as authorised.
- Inspect machine components for wear, damage, or abnormal operation.
- Ensure equipment is properly assembled after cleaning and maintenance.
- Coordinate with the Engineering and Maintenance Department for repairs and scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Never perform unauthorised machine adjustments, repairs, or maintenance activities.
Materials and Production Control:
- Confirm the identity and status of capsule shells and approved powder or granule formulations before use.
- Ensure that only materials released for production are used.
- Handle materials in accordance with approved dispensing, storage, and handling procedures.
- Monitor material consumption, production yield, and rejected quantities.
- Report material shortages, spillage, wastage, and reconciliation discrepancies.
- Ensure proper segregation and identification of materials and products throughout production.
Safety and Housekeeping:
- Wear approved protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Follow pharmaceutical hygiene, gowning, and safety procedures.
- Ensure machine guards and safety devices remain functional and in place.
- Follow approved procedures for equipment shutdown and isolation before cleaning or maintenance.
- Maintain cleanliness and orderliness in the production area.
- Report accidents, unsafe conditions, and potential hazards immediately.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The operator's performance will be evaluated based on:
- Achievement of daily capsule production targets.
- Compliance with approved capsule fill-weight specifications.
- Reduction in capsule defects and rejection rates.
- Machine uptime and reduction of avoidable downtime.
- Compliance with GMP, SOPs, and safety procedures.
- Accuracy and completeness of batch production records.
- Timely completion of machine cleaning and changeover activities.
- Reduction in material wastage and improvement in production yield.
- Prompt reporting of machine faults and process deviations.
- Maintenance of a clean and organised production area.
General Responsibilities:
- Perform other reasonable duties assigned by management that are consistent with the position, the employee's competence, approved procedures, and applicable pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
Requirements and Experiences
- Minimum of SSCE,OND or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, Science Laboratory Technology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience operating automatic capsule-filling machines in a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.
- Demonstrable knowledge of hard-shell capsule-filling operations and machine setup.
- Practical experience in capsule weight monitoring, in-process checks, cleaning, and batch documentation.
- Good knowledge of GMP, SOPs, GDP, and pharmaceutical hygiene requirements.
- Experience with capsule-filling machine changeovers and basic troubleshooting is an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Strong technical knowledge of automatic capsule-filling machines.
- Good understanding of capsule filling, dosing, locking, and ejection processes.
- Attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
- Ability to identify machine faults and report problems promptly.
- Accurate documentation and record-keeping skills.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work under production pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong commitment to GMP compliance, safety, and discipline.
Reporting Relationship:
- Reports to: Production Supervisor / Production Pharmacist.
- Works closely with: Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering and Maintenance, Warehouse, and other Production Personnel.
Salary
N250,000 - N280,000 monthly.