Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance at top hospitals.
- Company: Join Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, a leader in patient care and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient safety and pharmaceutical excellence in a vibrant team.
- Qualifications: BSc in Life Sciences or Pharmaceutical Science with extensive QA experience required.
- Other info: Open to flexible work arrangements; be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic Deputy Head of QA to join our Pharmacy team at Hammersmith and Charing Cross Hospitals. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.
In this role, you will oversee the QA and Quality Control teams, ensuring all drug manufacturing processes meet MHRA regulations, EU GMP guidelines and national standards. You will be the go-to expert for pharmaceutical QA, managing external contracts, advising on policy and ensuring compliance at every level. Your leadership will inspire a culture of excellence, training staff and driving continuous improvement in the production of high-quality medicines.
We are looking for a highly motivated professional with a BSc in Life Sciences or Pharmaceutical Science and extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or Quality Management Systems. You must have expert knowledge of GMP, regulatory compliance and quality assurance within a hospital or industry setting. Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
If you are ready to take on a high impact role where you can make a real difference to patient safety and pharmaceutical excellence, we want to hear from you. Apply today and be part of something exceptional!
Main duties of the job
- This role has the overall responsibility for the management of the pharmaceutical aspects of the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in drug manufacturing for the pharmacy department. This includes provision of specialist Pharmaceutical QA services to the Trust to fulfil the requirements of the Medicines Act, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the guidelines of the Guide to Good Manufacturing Practice of Medicinal Products (EU GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and other national and international guidelines as may be applicable.
- Provision of specialist pharmaceutical advice to the pharmacy on resources, (including facilities, equipment and staff), policies and procedures required for the provision of an appropriate level of pharmaceutical service, conforming to all appropriate legal requirements and professional guidelines.
- To lead the QA and Quality Control team.
- To deliver and/or oversee the training of all relevant pharmacy staff in aspects of Quality Assurance and Pharmaceutical practice.
- To manage the external contracts and income of the Quality Assurance Service.
About us
At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care.
Become part of a vibrant team living our values – expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You’ll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.
Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.
Date posted
03 March 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8b
Salary
£70,387 to £80,465 a year pa inclusive
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
290-WCCS-1932
Job locations
Charing Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RF
Job Description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications Essential
- BSc degree in Life Sciences subject or Pharmaceutical Science
- Extensive post-graduate studies and or experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and or Quality Management Systems
Desirable
- Other postgraduate qualification relevant to pharmaceutical science e.g. PTQA
- Masters degree or doctorate in Life Sciences Subject
Experience /Skills/Knowledge/ Essential
- Extensive knowledge of GMP
- Excellent Quality Management Systems knowledge
- Excellent IT skills
- Good knowledge of clean rooms
- Effective time management
- Expected to deal with health care workers in a professional manner
- Relevant pharmaceutical manufacturing experience in hospital or industry
Desirable
- Knowledge of GCP
- People and departmental management
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Employer details
Employer name: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Address: Charing Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RF
Employer’s website:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Head of QA employer: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of QA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest MHRA regulations and EU GMP guidelines. Understanding these standards will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmaceutical QA field, especially those who work within NHS Trusts. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in quality assurance. Highlighting your leadership experience will be crucial, as this role requires inspiring a culture of excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest advancements in pharmaceutical technologies and practices. Showing that you are proactive about continuous improvement will align well with the values of Imperial College Healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of QA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Head of QA position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and Quality Management Systems. Be specific about your previous roles and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires strong leadership abilities, provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight any training or mentoring experiences that demonstrate your capability to inspire and develop others.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that addresses the specific requirements of the job. Mention your knowledge of GMP, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance, and explain how these skills will contribute to the success of the pharmacy department.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Pharmaceutical QA
Be prepared to discuss your extensive knowledge of GMP and Quality Management Systems. Highlight specific examples from your past experience where you ensured compliance with regulations and improved quality standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of QA, you'll be leading teams. Share instances where you've successfully managed teams or projects, focusing on how you inspired excellence and drove continuous improvement in pharmaceutical practices.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to MHRA regulations, EU GMP guidelines, and other relevant standards. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Emphasize Communication and Problem-Solving Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information to healthcare workers and resolved issues in a professional manner.
