At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality transformation initiatives in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
- Company: Join a leading consulting firm in Life Sciences with a focus on quality and compliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for community involvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in pharmaceuticals with strong GxP QMS experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Life Sciences teams work with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare organisations to strengthen quality, compliance and operational excellence across the product lifecycle — from early research through to commercial supply.
Hybrid working - our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. However, the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment, including up to 5 days per week on a client site. This role can be based in our London Victoria or Melbourn offices.
We are seeking an experienced Pharma Quality Specialist Consultant to join our Life Sciences consulting team, specialising in GxP Quality Management System (QMS) design, transformation and implementation. In this role, you will advise clients across pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related life sciences environments, supporting compliance with GMP, GDP, GCP and GLP requirements. You will lead and deliver quality transformation initiatives, combining strong hands‑on expertise with a pragmatic, client‑focused consulting approach.
What you’ll do:
- QMS design and process transformation: Leading the design and implementation of GxP‑compliant QMS across R&D, manufacturing, clinical and distribution environments. Conducting process mapping and gap assessments, and supporting the rollout of new or enhanced systems aligned to global regulatory standards (including GMP, GDP, GCP, GLP, FDA 21 CFR 210/211, EU GMP/EudraLex, ICH Q7/Q10). Authoring, reviewing and maintaining quality policies, standards, SOPs, forms and controlled documentation, enabling sustainable compliance and operational excellence. Supporting effective change management, embedding best practices through close collaboration with quality, technical and business teams.
- Computer system validation and data integrity: Leading and advising on computer system validation (CSV) activities within GxP environments. Supporting the development of validation strategies, protocols, test scripts and data integrity controls in line with global regulatory expectations.
- Supplier quality and audit support: Applying hands‑on experience in supplier qualification, evaluation and audit activities (internal and external). Interpreting audit findings and supporting CAPA development, supplier improvement initiatives and ongoing risk mitigation activities.
- Regulatory systems implementation: Leading the implementation and optimisation of Regulatory Information Management (RIM) systems to improve submission tracking, data integrity and global regulatory oversight. Supporting Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system implementations to enable end‑to‑end control of product data, changes and documentation across development phases. Working closely with client IT, regulatory and quality teams to tailor solutions that are practical, scalable and compliant.
- Regulatory and Qualified Person (QP) support: Acting as a subject matter expert on GxP regulations and inspection readiness. Acting as, or supporting, a Qualified Person (QP) for product certification and release, where appropriate.
- Client and stakeholder engagement: Building trusted relationships with clients, quality leaders, business stakeholders and regulators. Translating complex regulatory expectations into clear, practical process improvements. Leading and facilitating cross‑functional collaboration to deliver successful QMS and regulatory initiatives.
Qualifications:
We’re looking for a quality professional with strong consulting instincts and the confidence to operate in complex, regulated environments. You’ll ideally bring:
- Management Consultancy experience highly desirable
- A scientific or technical background (life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, quality or a related discipline).
- Typically 8+ years’ experience within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or life sciences, with a strong track record in GxP QMS transformation and implementation.
- Extensive experience drafting and managing quality documentation, including SOPs, standards, policies, forms and templates.
- Strong knowledge of global GxP regulatory frameworks, including FDA, EU GMP/EudraLex, MHRA, EMA and ICH guidance.
- Hands‑on experience with supplier qualification, audits, CAPA and compliance management.
- Experience of RIM and PLM system implementation in regulated environments (highly desirable).
- Knowledge of computer system validation and data integrity principles.
- Excellent problem‑solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- QP status is highly desirable but not essential.
- Experience with ISO 13485 and combination product environments would be advantageous but is not required.
Benefits:
- Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
- 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
- Generous company pension scheme
- Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
- Annual performance‑based bonus
- PA share ownership
- Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)
Equal Opportunity Statement:
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Security Clearance and Eligibility:
Please be aware that some of our UK roles at PA Consulting require a UK security clearance. All PA people are required to undergo background checks and to achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard; some UK roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must have at least 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. We therefore ask that you only apply if you meet the residency requirements (i.e., you are a British citizen or have been resident in the UK for the past 5 years), as this is the prerequisite for a security clearance. If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to review the UK Government’s guidance on security vetting before applying.
Accommodations:
Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on recruitmentenquiries@paconsulting.com.
Pharma Quality Specialist Consultant in City of Westminster employer: Astro Studios, Inc.
At PA Consulting, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Life Sciences sector. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring meaningful engagement with clients, and our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, private healthcare, and opportunities for community involvement. Join us in London Victoria or Melbourn, where your expertise will contribute to impactful quality transformation initiatives in a supportive and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pharma Quality Specialist Consultant in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharma and life sciences sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects, especially in GxP compliance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects related to QMS design and implementation. This can really set you apart during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s get you that Pharma Quality Specialist Consultant role!
We think you need these skills to ace Pharma Quality Specialist Consultant in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pharma Quality Specialist Consultant role. Highlight your experience with GxP QMS design and implementation, as well as any relevant consulting experience. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality in life sciences and how your skills can help us strengthen compliance and operational excellence. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in quality management systems and regulatory compliance. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astro Studios, Inc.
✨Know Your GxP Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GxP regulations, including GMP, GDP, GCP, and GLP. Be prepared to discuss how these frameworks apply to quality management systems and share examples from your experience where you've successfully implemented or transformed QMS in line with these standards.
✨Showcase Your Consulting Skills
This role requires strong consulting instincts, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to engage with clients and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've built trusted relationships and translated complex regulatory expectations into practical solutions in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Hands-On Experience
Since the job involves leading computer system validation and supplier audits, come equipped with specific examples of your hands-on experience in these areas. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as well as the impact of your work on compliance and operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making in regulated environments. Think about past situations where you had to navigate complex issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.