Associate Manager, Pharmaceutical Development

Spherical Search; Cwmbran; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Spherical Search seeks an Associate Manager in Pharmaceutical Development for an on-site role near Cwmbran, Wales. You will lead Senior Scientists and Analysts, providing scientific leadership to projects for pharmaceutical, biologics, and device clients on a global scale.

Responsibilities include people management, data-driven reporting, and maintaining GMP/QMS compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams and external clients.

Qualifications

• Experience in inhalation or respiratory product development or research is required.
• Strong understanding of GMP, ICH, and COSHH requirements.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, data-driven, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Senior Scientists and Pharmaceutical Analysts.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to project teams and clients.
• Act as a recognised internal point of contact for problem solving within area of technical expertise.
• Deliver data analysis, interpretation and reporting with high quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and quality systems; manage documentation and records.

Skills

Inhalation product development

GMP/ICH/COSHH knowledge

People leadership

Scientific/technical leadership

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Data-driven & organised

Education

Degree in science/pharmacy or related (2:1+ preferred)

Job description

Spherical Search has recently partnered with a well-established Analytical Testing and CRO services organisation specialising in inhalation and nasal drug delivery. The company works with a broad range of pharmaceutical, biologics, and device organisations on a global scale.

We are currently seeking an Associate Manager to join the team in an on-site role, based within a commutable distance of Cwmbran, Wales.

Associate Manager, Pharmaceutical Development

• Job Title: Associate Manager, Pharmaceutical Development
• Business Unit: Pharmaceutical Development
• Team: Pharmaceutical Development
• Line Manager: Manager, Pharmaceutical Development
• Functional Report: General Manager

Role Overview

• Lead and manage a team of Senior Scientists and Pharmaceutical Analysts.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to project teams and clients.
• Act as a recognised internal point of contact for problem solving within area of technical expertise.

Values & Behaviours

Act as a role model for exemplary performance aligned with the Company’s values:

• Respect and trust people
• Value each individual’s contribution
• Take initiative and develop full potential
• Promote teamwork and collaboration
• Act with openness, honesty, and integrity
• Behave ethically and responsibly, holding accountability to all stakeholders

Job Responsibilities

Job descriptions outline approximately 85% of responsibilities. Additional reasonable duties may be required.

Core Responsibilities

• Promote the Company’s best interests through professional and effective performance.
• Complete timesheets, expenses, training records, and appraisals in a timely manner.
• Maintain compliance with SOPs, QMS requirements, and data integrity standards (ALCOA+).
• Ensure confidentiality of company information.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous, and compliant records.

People Management

• Lead, manage, and inspire Senior Scientists and Pharmaceutical Analysts.
• Plan and allocate resources to meet project and customer requirements.
• Ensure team members are appropriately trained and competent.
• Conduct performance reviews, objective setting, and development planning.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives.
• Manage absence, wellbeing, and return-to-work plans with care and consistency.
• Support and deputise for the Head of Department as required.
• Foster a positive working environment that supports retention and engagement.

Science & Technical Leadership

• Provide scientific and technical leadership to internal teams and external clients.
• Deliver specialist training internally or externally as required.
• Act as a technical expert in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Maintain comprehensive experimental records and author/review formal reports.
• Contribute to publications, including peer-reviewed journals.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and recommend adoption where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador within the wider scientific and industrial community.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure work conducted under GMP meets all regulatory and quality standards.
• Maintain audit-ready training records for self and team members.
• Ensure timely completion of Change Controls, Deviations, and CAPAs.
• Promote a strong culture of compliance and data integrity.
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and address inefficiencies in processes and workflows.
• Deliver improvement projects on time and in full.

Customer & Project Support

• Support project teams as a technical subject matter expert.
• Maintain and enhance client relationships throughout project delivery.
• Communicate project issues promptly and transparently.
• Ensure high-quality data presentation and reporting standards.
• Present technical results clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Act as a role model for health, safety, and environmental best practice.
• Ensure risk assessments, COSHH compliance, and safe working practices.
• Ensure incidents are logged, investigated, and corrective actions implemented.
• Promote continuous improvement in safety standards.

Systems, Processes & Facilities

• Implement and maintain quality systems and technical procedures.
• Author and review SOPs within area of expertise.
• Ensure effective use of IT systems and prompt issue escalation.
• Support laboratory, equipment, and facility management activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on resource planning, training, safety, and facilities.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding project progress and issue resolution.

Scope

• Direct Reports: Senior Scientists and Pharmaceutical Analysts
• Facilities: Laboratory ownership and oversight (shared)
• Equipment: Formulation and product processing assets

Working Arrangements

• Location: Office and laboratory based (laboratory presence encouraged)
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday (09:00-17:00 core hours)
• Travel: Up to 10% for training, inter-site support, or customer engagement
• Flexibility: Occasional evening or weekend work by prior agreement

Education, Experience & Skills

Education

• Degree in science, pharmacy, or a related discipline (2:1 or above preferred)

Experience & Skills

• Experience in inhalation or respiratory product development or research - Desired not a must
• Strong understanding of GMP, ICH, and COSHH requirements
• Proven people leadership and team management experience
• Strong technical expertise within a specialist scientific field
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Highly organised, data-driven, and adaptable in fast-paced environments