Blistering Machine Operator

Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited (SVNL) – 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

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Reports To: Production Supervisor / Packaging Manager

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Blistering Machine Operator with hands-on pharmaceutical manufacturing experience to operate, set up, monitor, and clean blister packaging equipment used for pharmaceutical products. The successful candidate will ensure that blistering operations are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), approved SOPs, batch packaging records, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor automatic and semi-automatic blister packaging machines for pharmaceutical products.

• Set up blistering machines according to approved batch packaging instructions and SOPs.

• Perform machine changeovers, product changeovers, and format adjustments.

• Ensure correct feeding and handling of tablets/capsules during the blistering process.

• Set and monitor machine parameters including forming temperature, sealing temperature, machine speed, pressure, and other applicable process parameters. Conduct routine in-process checks for:

• Blister seal integrity

• Correct tablet/capsule count

• Product appearance

• Batch number and expiry-date printing

• Foil and PVC/PVDC alignment

• Correct cutting and blister formation

• Leak/seal quality where applicable

• Perform and document line clearance before commencing each batch.

• Verify that the correct product, packaging materials, batch number, artwork, and printed components are available before production.

• Monitor the machine continuously and make approved adjustments to maintain product quality and production efficiency.

• Identify and report machine faults, abnormal operation, product defects, and packaging deviations promptly.

• Perform basic troubleshooting and coordinate with Engineering/Maintenance for technical faults beyond the operator's scope.

• Carry out equipment cleaning, dismantling, assembly, and sanitation according to approved procedures.

• Maintain accurate production records, equipment logbooks, checklists, and batch packaging documentation.

• Ensure proper reconciliation and accountability of packaging materials, including printed and controlled materials.

• Minimize product damage, packaging defects, machine downtime, and material wastage.

• Maintain proper segregation and identification of products and materials to prevent mix-ups and cross-contamination.

• Comply strictly with GMP, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), safety procedures, and company policies.

• Immediately report deviations, non-conformances, damaged materials, or suspected quality issues to the Production Supervisor and/or Quality Assurance.

• Maintain cleanliness and good housekeeping around the machine and packaging area.

• Work closely with Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Engineering, Warehouse, and other Production personnel.

• Assist during machine qualification, validation, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting activities when required.

• Participate in investigations related to packaging defects, machine failures, deviations, and customer complaints where applicable.

• Perform other duties assigned by the Production Supervisor or Packaging Manager.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of planned packaging output.

• Machine efficiency and uptime.

• Reduction in blister rejects and material wastage.

• Accuracy of batch coding and packaging information.

• Compliance with GMP and approved SOPs.

• Accuracy and completeness of batch documentation.

• Effective and timely machine changeovers.

• Compliance with line-clearance procedures.

• Number of packaging deviations attributable to operator error.

• Proper reconciliation and control of packaging materials.

• Qualifications & Experience

• 2–5 years of relevant experience operating blister packaging machines in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Minimum qualification of SSCE/OND, with OND/HND in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, or a related field being an advantage.

• Previous hands-on experience with pharmaceutical blistering/packing machines is essential.

• Experience with tablets and/or capsules is highly desirable.

• Good knowledge of GMP, SOPs, batch packaging records, line clearance, and in-process controls.

• Experience with machine changeovers, format adjustments, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.

• Experience with machines from manufacturers such as ACG, IMA, Marchesini, Romaco, Uhlmann, or similar equipment is an advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Blister packing machine operation and setup.
• Machine format changeover and adjustment.
• PVC/PVDC and aluminium foil handling.
• Tablet/capsule feeding systems.
• Heat sealing and blister forming processes.
• Batch coding and printing systems.
• In-process quality inspection.
• Basic machine troubleshooting.
• Equipment cleaning and line clearance.
• Good Documentation Practices.
• GMP and pharmaceutical packaging procedures.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to product quality and patient safety.
• Good me