At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a QA team to ensure quality and compliance in manufacturing.
- Company: Join ADM, a global leader in nutrition and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a diverse work environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while driving continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality standards in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific field and 4+ years in QA/QC.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a driven QA Operations Manager to lead quality on the shop floor at our Lopen site. This is a high-impact role with full oversight of QA across manufacturing—ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical GMP and food/feed standards while championing a right-first-time culture.
You’ll lead a hands-on QA team, own batch release, and act as a key technical authority—driving quality excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across operations.
- Lead & Inspire
- Manage, coach, and develop the QA operations team
- Build a strong, accountable quality culture
- Ensure proactive QA presence and real-time decision-making
- Own Quality & Compliance
- Act as the go-to expert for GMP and quality systems
- Ensure adherence to EU/UK GMP and food/feed safety standards
- Support audits and regulatory inspections
- Batch Release & Quality Oversight
- Lead batch certification and release activities
- Review manufacturing and packaging records
- Make critical release/reject decisions
- Drive Improvement
- Lead deviations, root cause analysis, and CAPA delivery
- Deliver APQRs and identify performance trends
- Use KPIs and data to drive continuous improvement
- Collaborate & Influence
- Partner with Production, Technical, Supply Chain, and Regulatory teams
- Support new products, validations, and process changes
- Develop Capability
- Identify skill gaps and deliver GMP training
- Build team capability and support succession planning
- Strong knowledge of EU/UK GMP
- Proven leadership experience in a regulated manufacturing environment
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, operational setting
- Degree in a scientific discipline
- 4+ years in QA/QC within pharmaceutical manufacturing
- 2+ years in a leadership role
- Desirable HACCP and food/feed safety experience
- In-depth knowledge of EU/UK GMP regulations and guidelines.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Proven track record of maintaining high-quality standards in a GMP environment.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in quality assurance or quality control in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, with 2 years’ experience in a management role
- Experience of HACCP preferred
About You
Qualifications
Skills & Abilities:
Education & Experience:
QA Operations Manager employer: ADM
As a leading player in the food and beverage industry, we offer the Head of Commercialisation an exceptional opportunity to drive innovation and growth across the UK and EMEA. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional development and leadership. With competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in our vibrant locations in Stafford, Walden, or Wapping.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Operations Manager
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like ADM. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like ADM.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like ADM. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what ADM is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace QA Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at ADM!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show ADM that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at ADM!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At ADM, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at ADM
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at ADM that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with ADM’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
