Quality Assurance Specialist III /Deputy Responsible Person (Deputy RP) Quality–Global Product Distribution & Affiliates (UK)

This job is with Gilead Sciences Inc., an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer - working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

The Quality Assurance Specialist III/Deputy RP will support management and maintenance of the local Quality Management System in-country, carry out RP duties for both Gilead and Kite products and will work with internal & external stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are met for Gilead and Kite products, throughout the distribution network, and within the market, all the way to patients.

• Support management of local Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure that the implemented quality management system is always up to date.
• Support the Responsible Person for import (Rpi). Perform (RPi) activities to ensure compliance of products imported into UK from an approved country on import list as per MHRA guidance for finished medicinal products.
• Manage local Affiliate Change Controls, Deviations & CAPAs relating to GDP.
• Support management of local recall activities and execution/participation in periodic mock product recall challenges.
• Support or manage quality defects, falsified or counterfeit products and stock out as required.
• Manage/Coordinate local complaints & falsified product investigations.
• Manage product returns as required.
• Support supplier management and supplier audits including those of distribution partners in UK.
• Support the drafting and renewing of quality agreements with internal manufacturers and/or external partners.
• Support drafting of Quality Management Reviews.
• Assess Annual Periodic Product Reviews (APQRs) in accordance with the UK marketing authorisation.
• Support the verification of the authorizations of new customers/ existing customers.
• Support inspections by the local Health Authority as well as corporate GDP audits.
• Write and/or implement changes to controlled documents (e.g. SOPs and Quality Manual) as needed.
• Work with 3PL/4PL, provide guidance on supply related issues.
• Work with Product Supplier in relation to GDP activities.
• Support global QA with QA tasks as required.

• Supports RP with the maintenance of the WDA(H), Manufacturers Specials Licence and GMP and MIA (iIMP) import license in the UK, as required.
• Act as a delegate contact for RP for the MHRA in the UK on quality issues.
• Perform Responsible Person for import (RPi) activities to ensure compliance of products imported into UK from an approved country on import list as per MHRA guidance.
• Ensure that the requirements of all relevant national and international guidelines and internal specifications are met with regard to storage and distribution of products and that a compliant Quality System is in place at the Affiliate.
• Support Customer Services with enquiries of a GDP nature such as delivery issues, transportation conditions, temperature excursions etc.
• Implement and maintain the SOP/guidance documentation system for UK and review all SOPs depending on the subject matter as a reviewer of content and/or format.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all nationally applicable pharmaceutical legislation and disseminate this, explain and train employees where necessary.
• Ensure that initial and continuous GDP training programmes are implemented and maintained, train and educate all personnel as regards applicable pharmaceutical legislation and its practical consequences for the company at a national and international level.
• Decide on the final disposition of returned, rejected, recalled or falsified products, and approve any returns to saleable stock.
• Ensure that suppliers and customers are approved and adequate records established and maintained.
• Approves and maintains an oversight of all subcontractors' activities which may impact on GMP/GDP.
• Ensure that self-inspections are performed at appropriate regular intervals following a prearranged programme and necessary corrective measures are put in place.
• Act as responsible contact person for internal GDP audits.
• Ensure Quality Risk Management and conduct Quality Management Reviews.
• Keep appropriate records of any delegated duties.
• Ensure review of Annual Product Quality Reports of all products.
• Ensure that product receipt, storage and delivery to customers are carried out in compliance with GMP & GDP and in line with the company policies and procedures.
• Ensure that suppliers and local service providers are audited on a regular basis.
• Ensure up to date organization charts, job descriptions, Curriculum Vitae and training records are available for personnel in the Affiliate involved in GDP activities.
• Ensure that the filing and archiving of returned goods documentation and recalls is done according to the Gilead records retention policy and national requirements, whichever is longer/ more stringent.
• Ensure that complaints are handled according to both the local legislation and applicable company procedures.
• Define initial and ongoing training requirements for Affiliate and third party subcontracted personnel on GDP and on respective document management.
• Provide customer support for GDP-related enquiries and complaints.
• Maintain, approve and sign Quality Agreements with EU Batch release (technical batch release) sites, local GDP service providers as well as ex-vivo cell therapy product apheresis and treatment centres in her/his function as RP.
• Communicate changes in quality information to project teams and senior management.
• Initiating or contributing to local and/or global process improvements which have a significant impact on the business.

• University degree in pharmacy, chemistry, medicine, biology or a related natural science.
• Extensive experience in QA/RA with a BSc, MSc or equivalent, experience in the UK market.
• Must reside in the UK and be fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Must be a member of a professional body with a published code of conduct.
• Experience in the quality assurance, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry or as deputy responsible person.
• Proficiency in Quality system processes (Deviation, CAPA, Change Control, Complaints, Supplier Management etc).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly WORD, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Familiarity with technology platforms such as Veeva Vault, SAP, etc.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
• High quality awareness, accurate, independent and reliable approach to work.
• Ability to work in a team, work under pressure, flexibility and good communication skills.
• Good organizational skills with well-structured ways of working.
• Must be capable of leading small project teams.
• Must have the ability to work and negotiate with a Health Authority.
• Ability to work on a number of projects with tight timelines.