At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QC teams in microbiology and chemistry to achieve performance and compliance goals.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical company committed to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Access to training, mentoring, and a diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in quality control while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: BSc in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, or related field with extensive QC experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Location: Swindon
Summary: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week (onsite)
The Role:
- Leading Microbiology and Chemistry QC teams to deliver on performance, compliance, and financial targets
- Developing and executing a clear Quality strategy aligned with site and business objectives
- Driving a culture of continuous improvement, embedding best practices and delivering measurable results
- Ensuring full compliance with cGMP, corporate Quality policies, and site SOPs
- Maintaining robust quality systems, proactively identifying and mitigating risks
- Overseeing QC systems, including testing, training, and analytical equipment, ensuring alignment with regulatory and industry standards
- Supporting Environmental Health & Safety compliance within QC
- Acting as a QC subject matter expert and key partner to cross‑functional teams
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, regulatory bodies, and external partners
- Presenting QC performance metrics to site leadership and contributing to Quality Management Reviews
- Leading investigations and root cause analyses across QC and wider operations
- Providing data‑driven insights to support business and commercial decisions
- Leading, mentoring, and developing QC teams, ensuring consistent application of HR policies
- Communicating Quality objectives clearly across the function
- Overseeing QC training programmes and ensuring ongoing GMP compliance
- Hosting and supporting regulatory inspections and customer audits
The Candidate:
- BSc degree (minimum) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, or a related discipline
- Extensive experience within pharmaceutical operations
- Proven experience designing and implementing effective quality programmes
- Experience working with IMPs (desirable)
- Strong understanding of manufacturing, QA/QC, microbiology, and laboratory operations, ideally within solid dosage manufacturing
- Demonstrated continuous improvement expertise; Lean Lab experience and Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) preferred
- Strong leadership experience, including managing large teams or departments
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strategic mindset with the ability to drive performance and operational excellence
Benefits:
- Competitive Salary – Reflecting your experience and skills.
- Bonus & Benefits – Includes an annual performance bonus, a pension scheme matching up to 8% and life assurance. Enjoy BUPA private medical insurance, a generous holiday entitlement that increases with tenure, and the option to purchase additional leave. Plus, gain access to Reward Gateway, offering discounts at many national retailers.
- Career Development – Access high-quality training, mentoring, and cross‑functional opportunities within Catalent’s global network. Benefit from a subscription to LinkedIn Learning, providing access to 10,000+ online courses.
- Health & Wellbeing – Includes an employee assistance programme, on‑site canteen facilities, and an active safety and "Patient First" culture. Take advantage of a Cycle to Work Scheme and an Electric Vehicle car scheme. Join Employee Resource Groups that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Plus, participate in charitable activities.
Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by local law. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.
Associate Director, QC in Swindon employer: Catalent Pharma Solutions
Catalent is an exceptional employer located in Swindon, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and quality are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to extensive training opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning, and a culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. Enjoy competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a supportive atmosphere that fosters continuous improvement and collaboration across teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, QC in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in quality control and leadership. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the ideal candidate for the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, QC in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate Director, QC role. Highlight your experience in leading QC teams and any specific achievements in quality programmes that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for quality control and how your strategic mindset can drive performance and operational excellence at our company.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership experience shine through! Mention specific examples of how you've mentored teams or led projects that resulted in continuous improvement within QC.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catalent Pharma Solutions
✨Know Your Quality Control Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cGMP, quality policies, and SOPs. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the core principles of Quality Control and can lead teams effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing staff, as well as any continuous improvement initiatives you've implemented. This will demonstrate your capability to drive performance and operational excellence.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about microbiology, chemistry, and laboratory operations. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss specific experiences with testing, training, and analytical equipment. This will help you stand out as a subject matter expert.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing QC performance metrics or compliance issues. Strong communication skills are essential for building relationships with clients and regulatory bodies, so make sure you convey your ideas confidently.