QC Microbiology Manager in Skipton, Yorkshire

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we are delighted you want to learn more about Dechra. Dechra are a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide. Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 2000 colleagues globally.

The QC Microbiology Manager has the responsibility of assuring that microbiological quality control systems and activities, associated training, and environmental monitoring within the Dechra Skipton facility are meeting cGMP regulation and guidelines. In this role you are responsible for providing effective leadership within the microbiological laboratory. You are responsible for the proper functioning of the team and for an efficient and smooth flow of the analyses.

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Stay abreast of developments in the field through training, reading of literature, documentation and the like.
• Provide technical expertise to identify and facilitate the update of methodologies and best practices.
• Ensure microbiological best practices are adhered to for all site projects and in particular those which implement new equipment, technology, analytical methods, processes or materials.
• Stimulating safe working and continuous improvement of the quality culture.
• Support continuous improvement program throughout the company.
• Cross functional collaboration to ensure the day-to-day management of the departmental process, to ensure that common goals are met, plans are established and implemented, to meet product delivery requirements.
• Support the generation of resource plans.
• Leading, coaching, training and motivating Microbiologists as well as conducting PDR, development interviews, etc.
• Participate in operational work meetings and internal quality meetings.
• Perform out-of-specification investigations, environmental excursion investigations and deviations per company procedures.
• Develop and validate testing methods used in routine analysis of incoming raw materials and finished products.
• Assist in writing validation protocols, project reports, updating laboratory documentation, SOPs, and test methods.
• Provide strategic influence to the site to help ensure good practices are implemented and maintained in the manufacturing areas.
• Provide microbiological expertise during the planning and introduction of new procedures, new products and process improvements.
• Perform quality assessments on the microbiological performance related to utilities, HVAC, bioburden and environmental monitoring in support of batch release by the QP.
• Lead the investigations on microbiology related excursions, and provide support to production, quality control and quality assurance groups during investigations.
• Other special projects (i.e. Disinfectant Efficacy study).
• Approve of monthly microbiology and environmental monitoring trend reports of production areas and utilities.
• Liaise with the QC microbiologists on the microbiological trending programme and corrective actions.

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We are particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• BSc Hons in a Science subject eg. Microbiology or equivalent in scientific field or relevant experience.
• Strong knowledge of USP, EU, and ISO regulations is a must.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical GMP quality control laboratory.
• Knowledge of Microbiological testing such as LAL, Membrane Filtration, bioburden, environmental monitoring, Dispersion, Use of a Microscope, Gram staining, Incubation of samples.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment to be used.
• Coaching and mentoring.
• Computer literate including word and excel.
• Excellent concise technical writing skills with attention to detail including formatting for clarity.
• Knowledge of environmental, health and safety, and regulatory standards.
• Prior experience with writing protocols, data review, authoring SOPS, Change Controls, out-of-specification investigations, and report writing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Make sound judgment from data.
• Strong communicator.
• Works independently.

What Dechra can offer you:

• Due to the nature of our business, all successful candidates will be required to complete a basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) before employment can commence, and at regular intervals during employment. This check will be paid for by Dechra.
• Average 36-hour working week (with a day off every other Friday).
• Plenty of training and development opportunities.
• 22.5 days annual leave.
• Bank holidays.
• Option to buy a week’s holiday each year.
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution.
• Free access to the Headspace App.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free on-site parking.

All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we are looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don’t be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which may be suitable and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site.