Job Ref: GeneralAssistant_OSDMAR26

Positions Available: 3
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Industry: Pharmaceutical & Medical / Healthcare
Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 16 March 2026

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GENERAL ASSISTANT (x3) – ASPEN PHARMA GROUP, GQEBERHA

Aspen Pharma Group, a global leader in specialty and branded pharmaceuticals, invites applications for three General Assistant positions at the Gqeberha manufacturing site. Aspen is one of Africa’s most established pharmaceutical manufacturers, supplying life‑saving medicines across the globe. As part of Aspen’s Production Division, the General Assistant plays a critical role in supporting high‑quality, safe, and compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

If you are reliable, hardworking, and safety‑focused — and want to build a career with a world‑class pharmaceutical company — this role is an excellent opportunity.

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Purpose of the Role

The General Assistant ensures that Aspen’s production environment remains:

• Clean
• Safe
• Contamination‑free
• Efficient
• Fully compliant with pharmaceutical standards

This position supports Production Teams by preparing work areas, handling raw materials, assisting with inspections, helping prevent contamination, supporting documentation control, and performing routine operational duties.

The General Assistant is essential to maintaining Aspen’s globally recognised quality standards.

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Key Responsibilities 

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the duties aligned with pharmaceutical quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Aspen’s compliance standards.

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1. Operational Support

• Execute production support tasks strictly according to Aspen policies, procedures, SOPs, GMP, and safety guidelines.
• Optimize work processes to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Identify gaps in existing processes and proactively highlight improvement opportunities.
• Support Production Team Leader with daily routine and ad‑hoc manufacturing requirements.

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2. Inspections & Verifications

• Perform visual inspections of the production environment before and after operations.
• Conduct pre‑production checks as required, including:
  • Environmental checks
  • Equipment readiness checks
  • Scale accuracy verification
• Verify the functionality and calibration status of measuring equipment.
• Report deviations, irregularities, or equipment failures immediately.

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3. Material Handling

• Dispense, weigh, transfer, and collect raw materials accurately and safely.
• Stage raw materials for processing according to batch documentation requirements.
• Handle all materials according to SOPs and contamination‑prevention standards.
• Assist Material Handlers, Production Operators, and Supervisors when required.

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4. Production Preparation

• Prepare production rooms according to SOPs and batch documentation.
• Handle IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) efficiently and safely.
• Prepare and mix solutions for production activities accurately and in compliance with SOPs.
• Ensure that all preparation tasks are documented correctly.

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5. Routine Cleaning & Contamination Control

• Clean and sanitize work areas, surfaces, equipment, and tools before and after production.
• Conduct routine cleaning checks using cleaning checklists and SOPs.
• Sample production areas and equipment for contamination verification.
• Flush drains and pipes as part of contamination control procedures.
• Assist with sorting defective products and ensuring waste is minimized.

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6. Routine Equipment Support

• Transfer equipment between rooms and departments safely.
• Conduct routine equipment checks.
• Report malfunctioning machinery or equipment concerns immediately.

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7. Documentation, Reporting & Record Keeping

• Complete batch record labels accurately.
• Fill out Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) sheets.
• Perform and record half‑hourly inspections of production areas.
• Attend shift meetings and contribute to process communication.
• Consolidate standard documentation for audits and compliance.
• Maintain updated records for traceability and compliance.

Accurate documentation is essential for pharmaceutical regulatory compliance.

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Minimum Requirements

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✔ Qualifications

• National Certification (N3) OR
• Senior Certificate (Matric / NSC / NQF 4)

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✔ Experience

• 0–2 years experience in a related field
• Manufacturing experience in a pharmaceutical or FMCG environment is an advantage

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✔ Technical Skills

• Basic technical knowledge of pharmaceutical production systems and processes
• Basic understanding of GMP, SOPs, and compliance standards
• Awareness of safety, quality, and contamination control protocols

Competencies & Personal Attributes

✔ Core Competencies

• Finalizing outputs accurately
• Following procedures
• Taking initiative and action
• Information gathering
• Strong attention to detail

✔ Personal Attributes

• Reliable
• Responsible
• Team player
• Safety‑conscious
• Quality‑focused
• Able to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Able to handle stress and adapt to shift schedules

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About Aspen Pharma Group

Aspen is a globally trusted pharmaceutical manufacturer that supplies high‑quality medicines to more than 150 countries. The company is committed to:

• Ethical manufacturing
• Operational excellence
• Regulatory compliance
• Product innovation
• Employee development

Aspen’s Gqeberha site is strategically important to its global supply chain. Joining Aspen means being part of a mission that improves healthcare access worldwide.

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Why This Role Is Important

The General Assistant supports critical pharmaceutical operations by ensuring:

• Production areas are contamination‑free
• Raw materials are handled safely
• Documentation meets regulatory standards
• Production runs smoothly and efficiently

This role directly contributes to Aspen’s global quality reputation and regulatory compliance.

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Closing Date

16 March 2026

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Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• A detailed CV
• Copies of qualifications
• Any relevant supporting documents

Preference will be given to Employment Equity candidates in line with Aspen’s Transformation Agenda.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.