Head of Quality

Waymade PLC; Basildon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the pharmaceuticals industry is seeking a Head of Quality to lead their Quality Assurance and Operational functions. This senior leadership role requires deep experience in pharmaceutical QA, strong regulatory understanding, and the ability to foster a culture of quality. Responsibilities include strategic oversight, compliance assurance, and team development. Opportunities for substantial impact and career progression exist within a supportive and collaborative culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career progression

Supportive, collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Strong experience in senior QA/QC leadership within GxP-regulated environment.
• Deep understanding of UK/EU GMDP requirements.
• Experience in audit hosting and QMS development.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across all Quality departments.
• Oversee batch release and vendor management.
• Drive continuous improvement across the PQS and eQMS systems.

Skills

Leadership

Risk Management

Regulatory Compliance

Excellent Communication

Education

Degree in Life Sciences (Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology)

Job description

We're Hiring: Head of Quality | Full-Time | Onsite at Basildon, Essex, UK

Department: Quality & Compliance

Reports to: Quality Director

Seniority Level: Senior Leadership

Industry: Pharmaceuticals / Life Sciences

We're seeking an experienced and strategically minded Head of Quality to lead our Quality Assurance and Quality Operational functions. In this pivotal role, you’ll shape and implement our quality strategy, ensure GMDP compliance, and lead a high-performing team focused on continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.

This is a senior leadership opportunity ideal for someone with deep pharmaceutical QA experience, a strong regulatory mindset, and the capability to foster a culture of quality throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across all Quality departments).
• Oversee batch release, vendor management, validation, and inspection readiness.
• Act as the lead during MHRA and client audits, ensuring timely closure of CAPAs.
• Drive continuous improvement across the PQS and eQMS systems.
• Mentor, coach, and develop a skilled quality team.
• Own the site’s Quality Risk Register and Data Integrity governance.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Life Sciences (Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology or related).
• Strong experience in a senior QA/QC leadership role within a GxP-regulated pharmaceutical environment.
• Deep understanding of UK/EU GMDP requirements.
• Excellent communication, risk management, and leadership skills.
• Experience in audit hosting, deviation/CAPA oversight, and QMS development.

Nice to Have:

• IRCA Lead Auditor certification
• Eligible as a Qualified Person (QP) under Directive 2001/83/EC
• Postgraduate qualifications and/or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Why Join Us?

• Leadership role with real impact and visibility
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Supportive, collaborative culture committed to excellence
• Opportunities for career progression and continuous development

Interested?

Apply directly on LinkedIn or send your CV and a brief cover note to [e-mail].

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