Head of Quality

Darwin Recruitment; Basildon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Essex is seeking a Head of Quality to oversee Quality Assurance and Compliance functions, ensuring industry standards and driving operational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in quality leadership within regulated environments and a strong commitment to continuous improvement and team development. This role offers a significant opportunity to shape quality standards in a dynamic, collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior QA/QC leadership role in pharmaceuticals or a regulated environment.
• In-depth knowledge of GMDP and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage QA systems and teams.
• Drive the site’s quality strategy and manage inspections.
• Champion staff development and promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Assurance

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

Continuous Improvement

Education

Degree in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy)

Tools

IRCA Lead Auditor Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Job description

Lead Quality Excellence – Head of Quality Opportunity in Pharma!

Title: Head of Quality

Reporting To: Quality Director

Industry: Life Sciences – Pharmaceuticals

Location: Essex, UK

Company Overview

My client is a well-established and rapidly evolving pharmaceutical organisation with a strong commitment to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. Operating within a highly regulated and fast-paced environment, the company focuses on developing and delivering high-quality products to global markets. With a collaborative culture and strong leadership team, they are dedicated to excellence in everything they do.

Role Overview

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced Quality professional to join a progressive pharmaceutical business as Head of Quality. In this role, you will lead the Quality and Compliance function, overseeing Quality Assurance systems and ensuring ongoing GMDP compliance across the site. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to align quality strategy with wider business goals, while also driving operational performance and team development. This is a highly visible role that requires both strategic leadership and hands-on operational oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Quality Assurance Systems, Quality Operations, Technical, and Quality Control teams.
• Drive the site’s quality strategy and lead the Quality Management Review process.
• Ensure inspection readiness for regulatory bodies and customer audits.
• Act as a senior quality representative during audits and ensure timely closure of any findings.
• Support Qualified Person (QP) certification activities in line with UK legislation.
• Champion staff development through mentoring and on-the-job training.
• Oversee deviation investigations, complaints, CAPAs, and root cause analysis.
• Own and maintain the Quality Risk Register, ensuring appropriate risk management.
• Ensure compliance with post-marketing commitments and data integrity standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Regulatory, Product Development, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.
• Ensure effective documentation, SOP management, and ongoing procedural improvements.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and quality excellence across the organisation.

Skills / Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior QA/QC leadership role within the pharmaceutical industry or a similar regulated environment (e.g., FMCG, medical devices, aviation).
• In-depth knowledge of GMDP and regulatory compliance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Track record of managing inspections and driving continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• A degree in a Life Science discipline (Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, etc.).
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Desirable:

• Eligibility for nomination as a Qualified Person (QP).
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant scientific field.
• IRCA Lead Auditor certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent quality improvement certification

Please apply or email [e-mail] for more information.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

James Allen