Deputy Quality Manager

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on. We are delighted to be partnering with our industry partner, MiAlgae, as they continue to scale their operations with the appointment of a Deputy Quality Manager at their Grangemouth facility.

Company Profile

Founded in 2016, MiAlgae uses biotechnology and circular manufacturing processes to address global food security and sustainability challenges. The company produces sustainable Omega 3-rich microalgae by repurposing by-products from the food and drink industry, reducing reliance on wild-caught fish while supporting a circular economy.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Quality Systems Manager, this role will support the leadership and day-to-day operation of the Quality Control function while contributing to wider Quality Assurance and Quality Systems activities across the business. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring experience within a regulated manufacturing or laboratory environment, with responsibility for ensuring QC activities are effectively planned, prioritised, and delivered to support manufacturing operations, product quality, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the QC team, including workload planning, training, coaching, and day-to-day supervision.
• Oversee QC laboratory activities, ensuring testing, sampling, reporting, and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
• Review QC data, records, and documentation to ensure compliance, traceability, and accuracy.
• Support raw material, in-process, finished product, environmental, microbiological, and analytical testing activities.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory organisation, calibration, maintenance, stock control, and health & safety.
• Provide practical laboratory support and undertake QC testing activities when required.
• Work closely with Production, QA, R&D, and Engineering teams to resolve operational and quality issues.
• Support investigations, CAPA activities, audits, audit readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the QMS, including SOPs, controlled documentation, training records, and compliance activities.

Skills and Experience

• Hands-on QC laboratory experience within a regulated or manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within controlled quality systems and following SOPs and documented procedures.
• Exposure to QA/QMS activities, including deviations, CAPA, audits, and document control.
• Ability to review QC data and documentation with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working cross-functionally with teams such as Production, QA, R&D, and Engineering.
• Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of laboratory health & safety, COSHH, PPE, and risk assessments.
• Experience within biotechnology, food/feed, pharmaceutical, chemical, or other regulated industries.
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, ISO, HACCP, FEMAS, or similar standards.
• Experience with microbiological, biochemical, analytical, or environmental testing.
• Experience using LIMS, QMS software, or electronic laboratory systems.
• Experience supporting audits, equipment management, SOP development, and continuous improvement activities.

The candidate:

The ideal candidate will be degree qualified or equivalent and an experienced quality professional with practical QC laboratory experience gained within a manufacturing, laboratory, or regulated operational environment (e.g. biotechnology, food/feed, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries). You will be confident leading people, managing priorities, and balancing operational delivery with continuous improvement initiatives. You will also understand how QC activities contribute to wider compliance, audit readiness, investigations, and quality system effectiveness.

The opportunity:

For the right individual, this is an excellent opportunity to join an exciting scaling biotech business where you will play a key role in supporting the quality function at its brand-new production facility in Grangemouth. In return, you can expect a competitive salary and benefits package alongside the opportunity to work with a team truly committed to developing scalable, sustainable solutions.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained partner, Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.

About Abercorn Sinclair

Abercorn Sinclair is a specialist advisory and search partner to the Engineering & Biotechnology sectors, supporting growth-stage and innovation-led organisations.