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- Tasks: Lead quality operations in a dynamic pharmaceutical environment, ensuring compliance and product excellence.
- Company: A successful UK pharma company experiencing exciting growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and potential relocation assistance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient safety and the delivery of life-saving medicines.
- Qualifications: GPhC registered pharmacist with 7+ years in QA or manufacturing, strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 85000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting for a GPhC registered Pharmacist with UK manufacturing and/or production experience to take ownership of operational quality and formulation strategy in a regulated pharmaceutical environment. We welcome applications from candidates with relevant expertise from the pharma industry, regulatory bodies and the NHS. To be considered for the role you must currently be based in the UK and hold the right to work. Our client is unable to offer sponsorship or visa support for this job. Our client is a UK success with a compelling story to share. They are in a growth phase in the UK and overseas and this is a new opportunity created by that growth. This is a senior leadership role, not a bench or research position. Your CV should show evidence of your people management experience and leadership expertise. You’ll oversee product release, compliance, and continuous improvement, ensuring life-saving medicines meet the highest standards.
Why This Role Matters
You’ll be the quality authority for aseptic and MHRA specials manufacturing operations, where precision and compliance are non-negotiable. Your decisions will directly impact patient safety and the speed at which vital medicines reach those who need them most. You’ll shape formulation strategy, oversee product lifecycle, and lead a team committed to excellence.
What you’ll need
- GPhC registration
- 7+ years in UK pharmaceutical QA, manufacturing, or formulation
- Aseptics / MHRA Specials
- In-depth knowledge of GMP, GDP, and MHRA Specials guidance
- Regulatory audits and inspections (both as auditor and auditee), writing best-practice, audit plans, audit strategy
- Proven leadership and process improvement skills
What you won’t be doing
Lab research or bench chemistry: this is about operational leadership and quality governance.
Salary c£85,000 + 10% contractual bonus + good package. Some flex around on-site days in the Newcastle area. Possible relocation assistance (UK only).
Head of Quality - Pharma in Backworth employer: North Star Consulting
Contact Detail:
North Star Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality - Pharma in Backworth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharma industry, especially those who have experience with GPhC and MHRA. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership stories. We want to hear how you've managed teams and improved processes in your previous roles. Be ready to showcase your people management skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends and regulations. Knowing the latest in GMP and GDP will not only impress interviewers but also show that you're passionate about quality governance in the pharma sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality - Pharma in Backworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in UK pharmaceutical QA, manufacturing, or formulation. We want to see your people management skills and leadership expertise shine through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved processes or led teams to success.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points about compliance, quality governance, and operational leadership are easy to spot.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Star Consulting
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of GMP, GDP, and MHRA Specials guidance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these regulations and how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples that highlight your people management and leadership skills. Think about times when you led a team through challenges or implemented process improvements. This is a senior role, so demonstrating your ability to lead and inspire others is crucial.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company’s growth story and their impact in the pharmaceutical industry. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering life-saving medicines. Showing that you’re aligned with their goals will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Expect questions around compliance, product release, and quality governance. Think about how you’ve handled regulatory audits and inspections in the past. Being able to articulate your approach to maintaining high standards will demonstrate your suitability for this critical role.
