At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team ensuring high-quality medicines and vaccines are produced safely.
- Company: Join GSK, a global biopharma leader committed to health innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field and experience in operational quality required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
The Quality function promotes quality and compliance through the product life‑cycle within the wider manufacturing and production operations at GSK Irvine Manufacturing Site. The Quality function at GSK plays a critical role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and compliance. As part of this team you will uphold our commitment to delivering high‑quality medicines and vaccines, and healthcare products to patients and consumers around the world.
As Operational Quality (OQ) Manager you will manage Operational quality assurance activities across the site. You will coach and manage a team of Operational Quality Advisors and Quality oversight specialists to ensure products are manufactured and released to GSK and regulatory standards. You will partner with manufacturing, engineering and site leadership to keep processes and equipment within regulatory expectations. We seek a practical, curious manager who improves systems, develops people and helps the site deliver safe, high‑quality product.
Direct Reports
As team‑manager you will have approximately 10 direct reports.
Responsibilities
- Leading and developing the Operational Quality Assurance team (including succession planning and coaching).
- Overseeing material release process to ensure effective and compliant review of batch documentation, Laboratory results and all other documentation associated with certification and/or release of materials.
- Ensuring quality investigations and incidents are managed appropriately and effectively.
- Managing periodic reviews (including Periodic Product Reviews PPRs), and tracking schedules and trends.
- Acting as primary interface between Quality and site functions (to support investigations, CAPAs and change control).
- Providing quality oversight during operations, partnering with Quality oversight specialists to maintain compliant release and quiet hour activities.
- Driving continuous improvement to reduce defects and waste, supporting a culture focused on compliance and patient safety.
About You
As this role is multi‑faceted and includes liaising with a wide variety of on‑site production and operations teams, you will be a self‑motivated person who has strong experience of working in an operational quality role at a complex highly‑regulated manufacturing site. You should have people‑management experience. You will be resilient and calm under pressure, with strong people skills and a proven ability to influence people to achieve objectives and drive performance. You will have a strong continuous improvement mindset. Effective written and verbal communication and excellent interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to organise and prioritise workload are considered essential skills.
Basic Qualification
- Degree in a relevant scientific, technical or engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing quality, including operational QA.
- Solid working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and regulatory expectations for manufacturing sites.
- Practical experience with process, equipment and/or computer system validation.
- Demonstrable people leadership experience, including coaching and team development.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Qualification
If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:
- A fully qualified QP (Qualified Person).
CLOSING DATE for applications: Friday 29th of May 2026 (COB).
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
OQ Manager (Operational Quality) in Irvine employer: WISE Campaign
GSK is an exceptional employer located in North Ayrshire, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our mission to improve global health. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide extensive growth opportunities and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, ensuring that our team members thrive while making a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Join us in our purpose-driven journey to unite science, technology, and talent, and be part of a company that values your contributions and supports your professional aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OQ Manager (Operational Quality) in Irvine
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at GSK or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching GSK's values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality medicines.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you've demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills relevant to operational quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in the interviewer's mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace OQ Manager (Operational Quality) in Irvine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational quality and people management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of OQ Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, use clear and concise language in your application. We’re looking for someone who can influence and engage with various teams, so let your writing reflect that ability.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Mindset:We love a candidate who’s all about driving improvements! Share examples of how you’ve implemented changes or optimised processes in your previous roles. This will show us you’re the right fit for fostering a culture focused on compliance and patient safety.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find more info about our company culture and benefits there, which can help you tailor your application even further.
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and the specific regulatory expectations for manufacturing sites. Being able to discuss these standards confidently will show that you understand the critical role quality plays in the pharmaceutical industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in operational quality roles. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you've developed team members to meet objectives, as this is crucial for the OQ Manager position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle quality investigations or manage compliance issues. Think through potential scenarios and prepare structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high-quality standards under pressure.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves liaising with various teams, showcasing your strong communication and interpersonal skills during the interview will be key to demonstrating your fit for the position.
