Associate Director, Quality Control in London

Catalent is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Associate Director, Quality Control to provide strategic leadership and oversight across QC operations at our Swindon site. This key role is responsible for leading both Microbiology and Chemistry QC functions, ensuring compliant testing of finished products and the timely release of incoming materials. You will also act as deputy to the Quality Director when required.

The Role

• Lead the Microbiology and Chemistry QC teams to achieve performance, compliance, and financial targets aligned with business priorities.
• Shape, communicate, and deliver a clear Quality strategy that enhances focus, engagement, and competitive advantage.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, embedding best practices and delivering measurable operational gains.
• Ensure full compliance with cGMP, corporate Quality Policies, and site SOPs.
• Maintain robust product quality and quality systems, proactively identifying and mitigating potential quality or regulatory risks.
• Oversee QC systems—including testing, training, and analytical equipment—to ensure alignment with corporate, site, and industry standards.
• Support EH&S compliance within QC in accordance with local legislation and Catalent policies.
• Act as a QC subject matter expert and trusted partner to cross‑functional teams.
• Build strong relationships with commercial clients, regulatory authorities, and industry partners, leveraging regulatory intelligence to drive process improvements.
• Present QC metrics and insights to site leadership and customers; contribute to Quality Management Reviews.
• Lead and support investigations and root cause analyses across laboratory and business operations.
• Provide data‑driven recommendations to inform commercial operations priorities.
• Develop, mentor, and empower QC staff while ensuring consistent application of HR policies.
• Communicate site Quality Objectives clearly and effectively across the QC function.
• Oversee QC training programs and ensure ongoing cGMP compliance.
• Host and participate in regulatory inspections and customer audits.

The Candidate

• BSc (minimum) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, or related discipline, with extensive experience in pharmaceutical operations.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing innovative, action‑oriented quality programs.
• Experience with IMPs is advantageous but not essential.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, sourcing, materials management, 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 above preferred.
• People management experience including managing large teams or departments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflecting experience and skills.
• Annual performance bonus and pension scheme matching up to 8% of salary.
• Life assurance, BUPA private medical insurance, generous holiday entitlement that increases with tenure, and option to purchase additional leave.
• Access to Reward Gateway discounts at national retailers.
• Career development opportunities through training, mentoring, and cross‑functional projects, including LinkedIn Learning subscription.
• Health & wellbeing support including employee assistance programme, on‑site canteen, safety culture, Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Vehicle scheme, and participation in charitable activities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by local law.