At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: A growing mid-sized pharmaceutical manufacturer with a strong UK presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to influence quality culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and compliance in a strategic leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven senior QA experience in GMP/GDP-regulated environments and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborate cross-functionally and represent QA at board-level discussions.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Your new company
A mid-sized pharmaceutical manufacturer with a strong UK footprint and ambitious growth plans. Known for its robust product portfolio and commitment to regulatory excellence, the company is investing in quality leadership to support expansion.
Your new role
As Head of QA, you will lead GMP and GDP compliance across manufacturing and distribution. You\’ll manage a small QA team, oversee the QMS, and act as the primary contact for MHRA inspections. This is a strategic and operational role, with scope to influence quality culture and drive continuous improvement across the site.
What you\’ll need to succeed
- Proven experience in a senior QA role within a GMP/GDP-regulated pharmaceutical environment.
- Strong working knowledge of MHRA expectations, inspection readiness, and post-inspection remediation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop QA teams, including performance management and mentoring.
- Hands-on experience with QMS oversight, batch release, deviation investigations, CAPA management, and change control.
- Familiarity with GDP compliance across warehousing and distribution operations.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with manufacturing, supply chain, regulatory affairs, and senior leadership.
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to represent QA in board-level discussions and external audits.
- A proactive mindset with a focus on risk mitigation, process improvement, and embedding quality into operations.
What you need to do now
If you\’re interested in this role, click \’apply now\’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn\’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Quality Assurance employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical industry, especially those who have experience with QA roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of MHRA regulations and recent changes in GMP/GDP compliance. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice articulating how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed QA teams and driven quality culture in previous roles. We love hearing about your hands-on experience with QMS and CAPA management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any tips or support.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality Assurance role. Highlight your experience in GMP/GDP environments and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve improved quality processes or led successful teams. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our company.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point—just like we do in our QA processes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just click 'apply now'!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your GMP and GDP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP). Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've ensured compliance and how you've handled inspections. This will show that you're not just familiar with the regulations, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of QA, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare to share stories about how you've developed and mentored QA teams in the past. Highlight any performance management strategies you've implemented and how they positively impacted your team's effectiveness.
✨Be Ready for Board-Level Discussions
Since you'll be representing QA in high-level discussions, practice articulating complex quality concepts in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you would present QA metrics or findings to senior leadership. This will help you convey confidence and competence during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company is looking for someone who can drive continuous improvement. Prepare examples of how you've identified areas for enhancement in previous roles, particularly in QMS oversight or CAPA management. Discuss the impact of these improvements on overall quality culture and operational efficiency.