At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise the Quality Management System in a dynamic biotech environment.
- Company: Join Lonza, a global leader in life sciences with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Agile career opportunities, competitive compensation, and diverse benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse perspectives and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality standards in medicine manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific field and strong GMP knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Slough
Relocation support and visa sponsorship are available for the successful candidate.
The role:
The Associate Director - QMS Manager will lead the maintenance, development, optimisation, and potential upgrade of the Quality Management System (QMS) and the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) training programme at Lonza’s Slough site. This role ensures full alignment with Lonza corporate standards and all applicable regulatory requirements, including US FDA and European guidelines, within a multi‑product GMP biotech contract manufacturing environment. You will provide strategic leadership and direction to the department, supporting both short‑ and long‑term planning, while working closely with site leadership and contributing to global Quality Assurance (QA) GMP systems initiatives across Lonza’s network.
Qualified Person (QP) status, or active progression toward certification, is highly desirable. This is a fully site‑based role. Working together in person supports close, real‑time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.
What you will get:
- An agile career and dynamic working culture
- An inclusive and ethical workplace
- Compensation programs that recognize high performance
- A variety of benefits dependant on role and location
The full list of our global benefits can be also found on Lonza Careers Benefits.
What you will do:
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of the QMS
- Ensure compliance with GMP regulations and global quality standards
- Monitor QMS performance metrics and drive data-led improvements
- Oversee GMP training programmes and ensure ongoing compliance
- Partner with site leadership to align quality, training and business objectives
- Lead internal audits and support customer and regulatory inspections
- Act as a subject matter expert for quality systems across the site and global network
- Perform the duties of a Qualified Person (QP), when appropriately qualified and required, in accordance with Directive 2001/83/EC, Directive (EU) 2017/1569, and Regulation (EU) No 536/2014.
- Oversee QP responsibilities specifically related to the confirmation of drug substances and drug substance intermediates, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
What we are looking for:
- Degree in a scientific or quality-related discipline
- Strong knowledge of GMP regulations (including FDA, EU, MHRA or PIC/S)
- Experience with quality systems such as Veeva, TrackWise or similar platforms
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences
- Experience working collaboratively across teams and functions
- A continuous improvement mindset within a regulated environment
- Proven leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring and developing others
About Lonza:
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.
Associate Director - QMS Manager in Slough employer: Lonza
At Lonza, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic working culture and a commitment to employee growth. Our Slough site fosters close collaboration, ensuring that our teams work together to uphold the highest quality standards in biotech manufacturing. With comprehensive benefits, relocation support, and a focus on inclusivity, we empower our employees to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - QMS Manager in Slough
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Lonza. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Lonza.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Lonza. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Lonza is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - QMS Manager in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Lonza!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Lonza that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Lonza!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Lonza, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lonza
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Lonza that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Lonza’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
