Microbiology and Contamination Control Manager

SRG; Falkirk; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SRG is seeking a Microbiology & Contamination Control Manager to lead QC Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring, shaping the CCS strategy across a GMP-biopharma manufacturing site in the UK. This high-impact role combines team leadership with strategic influence across manufacturing, quality, engineering and development.

You will embed contamination control into process design and day-to-day operations, drive data-led risk analysis, and partner with various functions to ensure regulatory

Qualifications

• GMP pharmaceutical or biologics experience required.
• Expertise in aseptic processing and environmental monitoring.
• Proven leadership of microbiology or QC teams.
• Strong knowledge of global GMP regulations including EU Annex 1.
• Degree in Microbiology or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead QC Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring teams.
• Own and drive site-wide Contamination Control Strategy.
• Ensure microbiological testing across materials, in-process, and finished products.
• Maintain GMP-compliant laboratories and inspections readiness.
• Embed contamination control into facility design, process flows, and operations.
• Lead data-led trending to reduce contamination risk and improve performance.
• Support deviations, investigations, CAPAs, changes, audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Provide cross-functional partnership with Manufacturing, MSAT, QA, and Engineering.
• Deliver training on contamination control and microbiology practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Degree in Microbiology

Job description

Microbiology & Contamination Control Manager

Permanent | Pharmaceutical / Biologics Manufacturing

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Microbiology leader to take ownership of both QC Microbiology operations and site-wide Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) within a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

This is a high-impact leadership role, combining team management with strategic influence across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and development functions.

The Opportunity

You will lead the QC Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring teams, while driving a robust, forward-thinking Contamination Control Strategy aligned with EU GMP Annex 1 and global regulatory expectations.

This is a highly visible role with responsibility for embedding contamination control into process design, facility development, and day-to-day operations, ensuring a proactive and compliant approach across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Laboratory Oversight

• Lead and develop QC Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring teams
• Ensure delivery of microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process and finished product
• Maintain laboratories in a state of continuous GMP compliance and inspection readiness
• Own and continuously improve the site-wide CCS in line with regulatory expectations
• Embed contamination control principles into facility design, material flows, and operational processes
• Drive CCS as a dynamic, data-led system informed by risk and trend analysis

Technical Expertise & SME Leadership

• Act as site Subject Matter Expert for microbiology, aseptic processing, and cleanroom operations
• Provide input into deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and change controls
• Support audits and regulatory inspections as the microbiology lead

Cross-Functional Influence

• Partner with Manufacturing, MSAT, QA, and Engineering to embed contamination control into:
• Aseptic behaviours and operator practices
• Cleaning and environmental monitoring programmes
• Process design, tech transfer, and validation activities

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Lead trending and analysis of microbiology and environmental monitoring data
• Drive initiatives to reduce contamination risks and improve performance
• Support structured risk assessments and implementation of robust controls

Training & Culture

• Deliver site-wide training on contamination control and microbiology practices
• Champion a culture of proactive risk identification and continuous improvement

About You

We are looking for a strong technical leader with a passion for contamination control and operational excellence.

You will bring:

• Significant experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing environments
• Expertise in aseptic processing, environmental monitoring, and contamination control
• Proven experience leading and developing microbiology or laboratory teams
• Strong knowledge of global GMP regulations, including EU Annex 1
• Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to influence across a matrix organisation

A degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline is preferred.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to shape and lead a site-wide contamination control strategy
• Work in a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Play a key role in regulatory readiness and future site developments
• Visible leadership position with strong cross-functional influence

If you're a driven microbiology leader ready to step into a strategic and operational role, we’d love to hear from you.