Manufacturing Assistant

About the organisation

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust delivers skilled, compassionate healthcare to the local community. The trust is recognised for research and is committed to building education and training into everyday work across the organisation. Its main site, Queen Alexandra Hospital, is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast and employs more than 8,700 staff.

The trust values people from all backgrounds and believes a diverse workforce strengthens patient care, teamwork, and service to the community.

Role overview

This full-time Manufacturing Assistant position sits within the Pharmacy Manufacturing Department and supports the steady, efficient production of medicines for patients. The work involves helping with day-to-day operations in the Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit and contributing to the delivery of a modern pharmacy service.

Working under supervision, you will be involved in assembling, preparing, checking, labelling, and printing aseptic and non-sterile products for the trust and external customers. The role requires strong attention to detail, curiosity about manufacturing work, and the ability to work well in a team.

Full training will be provided, with support from the training lead and the wider team until you reach the required level of competence. The role is hands-on and active, involving walking, lifting, and handling equipment rather than desk-based work.

Working pattern and location

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Base: Railway Triangle, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 1TH

Band 2 salary: £25,272

What the job involves

• Support the daily production activities of the Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit.
• Prepare, assemble, check, label, and print aseptic and non-sterile products under supervision.
• Help maintain the efficient delivery of medicines to patients and customers.
• Work closely with colleagues as part of a manufacturing team.
• Follow established procedures and local work instructions carefully.
• Handle equipment and materials safely while maintaining focus over long periods.
• Contribute to a safe, organised, and reliable working environment.

Training and development

On-the-job training is provided from day one, with guidance from the training lead and support from the wider team until competence is achieved. The role offers opportunities to learn manufacturing processes and develop practical pharmacy production skills.

Additional information

The trust places strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and offers a range of staff benefits, including an on-site nursery, free access to a beach hut during the summer, an on-site wellness centre with a gym and swimming pool, staff networks such as LGBTQ, Race Equality, and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise staff achievements.

The organisation welcomes applications from people with varied education, opinions, cultures, ethnicities, races, sexes, gender identities and expressions, national origins, ages, languages, veteran status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

For more information, the trust refers to its People and OD Strategy 2026.

Contact for informal enquiries

Tanya Staite is available for further information or an informal conversation on 02392389078 or tanya.staite@nhs.net.

Qualifications and experience

You should have a Level 1 qualification, GCSE higher pass or above including maths and English, or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, relevant work experience that shows similar capability in a comparable setting will be considered.

Experience in a similar environment is helpful, particularly in a clean room or pharmaceutical setting, but is not essential.

Skills and knowledge

• Ability to work to defined procedures and written instructions.
• Clear handwriting and numeracy skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence working effectively within a team.
• Ability to maintain concentration for extended periods.
• Awareness of health, safety, and security requirements.
• Logical problem-solving ability.
• Safe handling of hazardous materials in line with local instructions.
• Positive attitude toward ongoing training and assessment.