Quality Control Lead

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a Quality Control Lead to manage the operational aspects of the Quality Control (QC) Laboratory. This role requires responsible leadership of the QC team, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and Good Laboratory Practices. Ideal candidates will have a chemistry background with management experience in a laboratory setting. The position offers a critical role in maintaining quality standards in medication production.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in analytical chemistry.
• Significant experience in managing a laboratory.
• Experience of supporting / leading quality and service improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational management of the Quality Control Laboratory.
• Lead the QC team and liaise with stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure all QC activities are in accordance with the principles of cGxPs.

Skills

Analytical skills to identify themes and trends in data

Computer literacy including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Outlook and Teams

Ability to problem solve, work to deadlines and manage complex requests

Able to use own initiative, prioritize workload and pay meticulous attention to detail

Able to train others in processes, policies and procedures

Education

Chemistry degree (or related discipline) or equivalent level of education

Masters degree or equivalent level of highly developed specialist knowledge in Pharmaceutical Quality Control

Specific training in GLP

Specific training in GMP

Training in leadership

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Overview

Go back Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Quality Control Lead

The closing date is 09 November 2025.

Job responsibilities

The purpose of the role is to provide operational management of the Quality Control (QC) Laboratory to support the Division in the chemical and microbiological analysis and control of components, raw materials, finished products, and in other testing requirements.

This entails being responsible for the QC facilities and equipment at Huddersfield Pharmacy Specials (HPS).

The role will require leading the QC team, liaising with stakeholders and regulatory authorities as required.

The role also requires the promotion of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP - QC) to ensure safe, compliant, accurate and efficient activities are embedded within the department.

Projects

Support projects within HPS as Subject Matter Expert as required.

Lead and deliver minor projects (including the purchase of new equipment) specifically related to QC and associated activities.

Quality and Compliance

Ensure all QC activities are carried out in accordance with the principles of cGxPs in order that the quality and compliance requirements are met.

Ensure all laboratory equipment is qualified, calibrated and maintained.

Operate within the Quality Management System including:

1. Change Control
2. OOS, Deviations and investigations
3. CAPAs

Owner of relevant SOPs and responsible for their accuracy, review, update and implementation, ensuring compliance with latest regulatory expectations.

Follow defined SOPs relating to all aspects of work.

Maintain accurate records aligned with ALCOA+ principles.

Participate in inspections and audits as Subject Matter Expert.

Ensures that the data integrity requirements for GxP are complied with during all aspects of work.

Ensure retention and archiving of QC records (including data back-up) are done in accordance with regulations and HPS policy.

Health, Safety and Environment

Ensures that Health and Safety and COSHH regulations relating to quality control activities are adhered to.

Manual Handling of equipment, parts and materials is done in accordance with good practice.

Identify and implement continuous improvement of systems, processes and equipment, taking into account advances in technology and best practice. Note continuous improvement could be related to quality, efficiency, customer satisfaction, culture or cost.

Clinical Duties

There are no clinical duties required in this post.

This role is deemed to provide a basic clinical technical service indirectly to patients in the manufacturing and delivery of medicines.

Professional Duties

Maintain a working competence in all areas of responsibility and to exercise the knowledge and skill that can be reasonably expected based on the role and any relevant qualifications.

Operate professionally and impartially.

Declare and avoid any potential conflicts of interest created by the post.

Managerial Duties

Direct line manager responsibilities for QC team including:

• Holiday approval and oversight
• Appraisals and Personal Development
• Absence and performance management
• Training and competency
• Direction and prioritisation of workload for the team.
• Recruitment of team members.
• Chair QC meetings
• Monitor and report relevant KPIs, ensuring targets are being achieved and implementing remedial actions where necessary.
• Manage budget costs relating to functional area and projects.
• Responsible for the installation, repair and maintenance of QC equipment and systems.

Managing Self

Participate in regular supervision.

Attend all mandatory training.

Participate in appraisal at least annually identifying, developing, and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal.

Comply with all Trust policies, procedures, and protocols.

Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy.

Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary.

Maintain professional conduct always including appearance.

Exhibit the values and behaviours expected by the Trust as part of One Culture of Care

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Chemistry degree (or related discipline) or equivalent level of education
• Masters degree or equivalent level of highly developed specialist knowledge in Pharmaceutical Quality Control
• Specific training in GLP
• Specific training in GMP
• Training in leadership

Experience

• Extensive experience in analytical chemistry
• Significant experience in managing a laboratory
• Experience of supporting / leading quality and service improvement projects
• Experience of working within a quality system (e.g. ISO9001) including document management and control
• Experience of developing and delivering training
• Experience of hosting audits from competent authorities
• Experience of performing internal audits
• Experience of performing external audits

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of pharmaceutical regulation and GxPs relating to QC

Skills

• Analytical skills to identify themes and trends in data
• Computer literacy including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Outlook and Teams.
• Ability to problem solve, work to deadlines and manage complex requests
• Able to use own initiative, prioritize workload and pay meticulous attention to detail
• Able to train others in processes, policies and procedures

Leadership

• Experience of leading a team
• Experience of general team management
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders both internally and externally, and at various levels of seniority
• Experience of recruitment

Communication

• Good persuasive and negotiation skills, able to manage conflicts

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust