Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Operator
Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited
Full-time
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.