Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead

TN United Kingdom; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead to oversee key operational processes and vendor relationships. This permanent, full-time role offers a flexible hybrid working model, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to innovative health solutions. You will collaborate with senior leaders and ensure compliance and operational excellence in a dynamic environment. If you have a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry and a passion for continuous improvement, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in Drug Safety.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage key business processes ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Develop outsourcing strategies and analyze vendor budgets for cost efficiencies.

Skills

Pharmaceutical Industry Experience

Project Management

Budgeting and Forecasting

Quality Assurance

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Job Title: Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead, United Kingdom

About Astellas

At Astellas, we are a progressive health partner dedicated to delivering value and outcomes. We focus on innovative science, prioritizing areas of greatest potential and developing solutions for high-need patient populations, including rare and under-served diseases, and life-threatening conditions. We collaborate directly with patients, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies to ensure patient-centric development and access to therapies.

The Opportunity

This role involves leading and managing key business and operational processes within the Functional Unit, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. You will partner with senior leaders for strategic planning, oversee vendor relationships, and maintain inspection readiness. The position requires a proactive, detail-oriented leader capable of balancing operational excellence with strategic objectives.

Hybrid Working

We offer a flexible hybrid working model, allowing work from home or in-office presence, with an expectation of approximately one day per quarter in our London office.

Key Activities

1. Develop and execute outsourcing strategies aligned with portfolio needs, vendor performance, and strategic direction, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
2. Analyze vendor budgets, identify cost efficiencies, and serve as a subject matter expert on resources, processes, systems, and quality.
3. Coordinate outsourcing activities across the full lifecycle, implement KPIs, and drive operational excellence.
4. Lead inspection readiness efforts, manage CAPAs, TMF oversight, LMS coordination, and training compliance.
5. Support strategic planning, budgeting, technology deployment, and communication within the Functional Unit.

Essential Knowledge & Experience

• Significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry, especially within Drug Safety (DS) areas.
• Experience in portfolio planning, forecasting, budgeting, and quality assurance.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Additional Information

This is a permanent, full-time position based in London, UK, following a hybrid work model. Candidates must be within a reasonable commuting distance of the office.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.