QC Operations Manager
Are you an experienced Quality Control professional looking to take the next step in your leadership career? We are seeking a QC Operations Manager to join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation, overseeing laboratory operations and ensuring the highest standards of GMP compliance, product quality, and operational excellence.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Quality Control, you will be responsible for the management and oversight of QC product testing, including bulk and finished products, incoming materials, stability programmes, and microbiological support activities.
You will play a critical role in ensuring all testing is completed to agreed specifications, procedures, and timelines while maintaining compliance with GMP regulations and industry standards. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regulated manufacturing environment where quality, continuous improvement, and patient safety are at the heart of everything.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee QC laboratory operations and testing activities.
- Approve QC testing results for bulk, stability, and finished products.
- Approve or reject incoming materials and packaging components in accordance with GMP requirements.
- Author, review, and approve technical documentation including SOPs, analytical methods, protocols, reports, and laboratory documentation.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and compliant.
- Lead investigations relating to OOS (Out of Specification) and OOT (Out of Trend) results, ensuring effective CAPA implementation.
- Manage, coach, and develop QC team members through regular performance management and training.
- Coordinate analytical testing activities with third-party laboratories and contract testing partners.
- Support change controls, method transfers, product quality reviews, audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the laboratory function.
- Ensure quality issues are escalated appropriately and resolved effectively.
What We're Looking For
- Significant experience within Quality Control in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of GMP, Quality Assurance, Quality Systems, and Regulatory Compliance.
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
- Experience managing laboratory investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and quality systems.
- Strong technical and scientific judgement with the ability to analyse complex data.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to build effective relationships across Quality, Production, Regulatory, and external partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Key Competencies
- Leadership and team development
- Decision making and problem solving
- Influencing and motivating teams
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Professionalism and self-awareness
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
QC Operations Manager employer: Blackfield Associates
At Blackfield Associates, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the role of Plant Quality Manager in Folkestone. Our commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture is complemented by robust employee growth opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong emphasis on quality and regulatory compliance, we offer a dynamic environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will directly impact our success.
