At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QC teams in delivering performance and compliance while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Catalent, a global leader in drug development and delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, and health benefits including private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career development and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry and help save lives.
- Qualifications: BSc in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology or related field with extensive QC experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Catalent is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Associate Director, Quality Control to provide strategic leadership and oversight of QC operations at our Swindon site. This is a key leadership role responsible for both Microbiology and Chemistry QC functions, ensuring compliant testing of finished products and timely release of incoming materials. You will also act as deputy to the Quality Director as required.
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
Why Join Catalent?
- 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 offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.
Associate Director, QC in Swindon employer: Catalent
Catalent is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swindon where employees are empowered to lead and innovate within the Quality Control sector. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and generous holiday entitlements, as well as robust career development opportunities through training and mentoring, Catalent fosters a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry while enjoying a supportive workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth.
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 letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Associate Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their quality control processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can lead their QC teams to success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your leadership style and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in past roles. This is your chance to shine, so make sure you can articulate your value and how you’ll contribute to their quality strategy.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining Catalent and making a difference in the pharmaceutical world.
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 reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director, QC role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant quality control achievements to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality control and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Catalent.
Showcase Your Continuous Improvement Mindset:We love candidates who are all about continuous improvement! Share specific examples of how you've driven change or implemented best practices in your previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity at Catalent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Catalent
✨Know Your Quality Control Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cGMP, quality policies, and the specific QC functions relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but also understand how they apply to the Associate Director position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in a QC environment. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing team members, as well as any continuous improvement initiatives you've implemented. This will demonstrate your capability to drive performance and operational excellence.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific QC challenges or compliance issues. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic mindset. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's quality strategy, team dynamics, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.