Quality Assurance Lead - Scientific Testing & Anti-Doping Laboratory

Lgc Assure; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lgc Assure in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Lead to shape, strengthen and continuously improve quality across scientific operations. This on-site role at the Fordham laboratory in Cambridgeshire requires regular presence with scientific and operational teams.

You will drive accreditation, manage audits and implement pragmatic improvements across diverse processes, balancing compliance with operational needs and using digital tools such as eQMS and SharePoint to

Qualifications

• Substantial experience managing or leading a Quality Management System within an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory environment.
• Experience leading audits, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, risk assessments and change control.
• Ability to assess quality risks, prioritise effectively and focus on improvements that deliver meaningful results.
• Experience improving quality systems, processes or ways of working, including digital quality tools.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with coordination across multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality across the business as a trusted partner to scientific and operational teams, providing guidance on accreditation, compliance, risk and continuous improvement.
• Own and strengthen the Quality Management System to remain effective, compliant and fit for purpose across different business areas.
• Drive accreditation and compliance by interpreting ISO/IEC 17025 requirements and supporting ongoing development of the quality framework.
• Lead audits and investigations, including root cause analysis, non-conformances, corrective actions and change control.
• Turn challenges into solutions by working with teams to balance compliance with operational needs and influence decisions at all levels.
• Improve systems and processes by leading improvement initiatives and developing electronic QMS solutions (eQMS, SharePoint).
• Coordinate projects with internal teams and external accreditation bodies to plan and deliver accreditation activities.
• Develop capability by coaching colleagues and embedding a positive quality culture across the organisation.

Skills

Quality management

Leadership

ISO 17025

Audits

Risk assessment

Change control

Quality improvement

SharePoint / eQMS

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific field

Tools

eQMS

SharePoint

Job description

Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Lead to help shape, strengthen and continuously improve quality across our scientific operations.

This is an on-site role based at our Fordham laboratory in Cambridgeshire. A regular on-site presence is essential to the role, working directly with our scientific and operational teams.

The opportunity

This is more than a traditional quality compliance role. You'll work across a diverse range of scientific and operational teams, each with different processes, priorities and accreditation requirements. You'll need to understand those differences, build strong relationships and find practical solutions that maintain compliance without creating unnecessary barriers.

We're looking for someone who can turn “we can't do that” into “how can we make that work?”

You’ll bring the technical credibility to challenge existing practices, the judgement to manage risk proportionately, and the people skills to bring others with you. Alongside maintaining a robust quality framework, you’ll have the opportunity to improve systems, simplify processes and make better use of technology.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, influencing change and helping teams find better ways of working, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What you'll be doing

• Lead quality across the business: Act as a trusted quality partner to scientific and operational teams, providing expert guidance on accreditation, compliance, risk and continuous improvement.
• Own and strengthen the QMS: Maintain and develop our Quality Management System, ensuring it remains effective, compliant and fit for purpose across different areas of the business.
• Drive accreditation and compliance: Interpret ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, support the ongoing development of our accredited quality framework and deputise for the ISO 17025 Quality Manager as required.
• Lead audits and investigations: Manage audit activity, root cause investigations, non-conformances, corrective actions, risk assessments and change control, ensuring actions address underlying issues and deliver lasting improvements.
• Turn challenges into solutions: Work collaboratively with teams to resolve quality issues, balance compliance requirements with operational needs and influence decisions at all levels.
• Improve systems and processes: Lead improvement initiatives, identify opportunities to simplify processes and support the development of our electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), including digital tools and SharePoint-based solutions.
• Coordinate projects and stakeholders: Work with internal teams and external accreditation bodies to plan and deliver accreditation activities, manage competing priorities and achieve successful outcomes.
• Develop capability: Coach and support colleagues, helping embed a positive quality culture and build confidence in quality practices across the organisation.

Qualifications

You’ll be an experienced quality professional with a strong understanding of laboratory accreditation and the confidence to operate independently in a varied, fast-moving environment.

You’ll have:

• Substantial experience managing or leading a Quality Management System within an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory environment.
• A strong understanding of accreditation requirements and how to translate them into effective, practical working processes.
• Experience leading audits, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, risk assessments and change control.
• The ability to assess quality risks, prioritise effectively and focus on improvements that deliver meaningful results.
• Experience improving quality systems, processes or ways of working, ideally including eQMS, SharePoint or other digital quality tools.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate activities across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, build credibility and bring people along with you.

You’ll be someone who:

Finds solutions, not just problems. You can challenge a decision while working collaboratively to find a compliant way forward.

Builds relationships and credibility. You understand different perspectives and adapt your approach to the people and teams you’re supporting.

Enjoys variety. You’re comfortable switching between different scientific disciplines, operational challenges and competing priorities.

Improves how things work. You question established practices, identify opportunities to simplify and turn ideas into practical improvements.

Brings structure to ambiguity. You’re proactive, comfortable working autonomously and able to create clarity where processes or responsibilities aren’t always clearly defined.

Makes quality meaningful. You help colleagues understand not just what is required, but why it matters and how to achieve it effectively.

Additional Information

Our Values

• Passion
• Curiosity
• Integrity
• Brilliance
• Respect

Equal opportunities

We are committed to ensuring that every job applicant and employee is valued for their individual talents. We strictly prohibit discrimination on the basis of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or parental status, religion, or belief. We proudly support an inclusive work environment where everyone can compete and succeed based on their merits.

For more information about us, please visit our website: https://www.lgcassure.com/