QA Manager

Job Specification: Senior Manager, Quality Control Laboratory Overview: A leading global manufacturer is seeking a Senior Manager, QC Lab to drive quality, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role ensures regulatory adherence, optimizes laboratory operations, and advances global and local quality strategies. Location: Petersfield, Hampshire, UK Key Responsibilities: Management of QC Lab Testing * Lead daily QC lab operations to ensure raw materials, mass, and finished goods meet specifications. * Manage lab workflow, sample analysis, retention, standards, raw material qualification, TPM testing, outsourced testing, inventory, and documentation. * Review execution and KPIs related to data integrity checks. * Provide QC expertise for plant hygiene, environmental monitoring, and risk assessments. * Liaise with suppliers, R&D, SAS, and other departments regarding test procedures and specification discrepancies. * Update SOPs and work instructions based on lab trends and CAPAs. Testing Data Review & Release * Review and approve routine test data, including sample preparation records, chromatograms, logbooks, calculations, and data sheets. * Enter test results into SAP/LIMS and oversee the release of raw materials, non-OTC mass, and cosmetic finished goods. * Review non-routine test data, including microbiological testing for water systems and validation testing. Equipment Program Management * Lead QC lab equipment budget, purchases, installations, and change control. * Review and approve lab equipment qualification protocols and reports. * Oversee QC lab equipment administration, including calibration, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting. Compliance & Continuous Improvement * Ensure lab processes adhere to regulatory GMPs, company policies, and procedures. * Participate in internal audits to maintain regulatory readiness. * Collaborate with Planning, GBSC, QA Labs, Manufacturing, Validation, and Operations to drive continuous improvement. * Monitor and analyze lab KPIs, implementing improvement strategies. * Investigate customer complaints, implement corrective actions, and ensure timely resolutions. * Support plant and global compliance programs, focusing on GMP, Data Integrity, and GDPR. Personnel Management & Training Align QC Lab Managers’ objectives with company and QA strategy goals. Partner with Quality leadership for succession planning and fostering a high-performance culture. Provide coaching, mentorship, and training for QC lab staff. Develop and implement a quality training curriculum for laboratory personnel. Candidate Profile: Qualifications Minimum of eight years’ experience in managerial roles, preferably within microbiology, analytical chemistry, or product evaluation laboratories in Quality Control for a global consumer goods or pharmaceutical company. Experience and Knowledge * Proven ability to manage multiple laboratories in a cGMP environment. * Experience in developing and overseeing laboratory SOPs and revisions according to regulatory guidelines. * Experience handling microbiological and analytical chemistry data integrity requirements necessary in an HC/FDA/global government agency inquiry and/or audit. * Proficiency in statistical data assessment for quality control and decision-making. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Electronic QMS, and SAP systems is preferred. Skills and Competencies * Communication & Coaching: Ability to clearly and concisely convey quality control requirements, issues, and program implementation to team members. Skilled in guiding cross-functional stakeholders and suppliers through quality control processes and corrective actions. * Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively manage teams, foster collaboration, and drive quality initiatives. * Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical skills to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement corrective and preventative actions. * Data Analysis & Statistical Assessment: Expertise in evaluating data trends and applying statistical methods to enhance quality control and decision-making. Additional Information: This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to make an impact within a global manufacturing environment. If you are passionate about quality control and innovation, we encourage you to apply