Head of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Top-tier medical aid

Provident fund

Life assurance

Executive leadership training

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Head of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance to lead the company’s quality systems, ensuring GMP/GDP compliance from raw materials to finished product release. This executive role drives continuous quality improvement across operations.

The position requires 10–15 years in pharmaceutical QA/QC, with at least 5 years in leadership, and advanced degrees in life sciences. Proven ability to lead regulatory inspections and complex audits is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Quality Control, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• GMP, GDP, and regulatory guidelines (FDA, EMA, SAHPRA) knowledge and practical application.
• Experience managing regulatory inspections and successful audits.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's overall Quality Assurance strategy and systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including GMP, GDP, and local health authority regulations.
• Oversee all quality-related activities, including batch record review, release, deviation management, CAPA, change control, and internal/external audits.
• Lead and mentor the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and implement strategies to achieve quality objectives.
• Manage regulatory inspections and customer audits, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Develop and deliver quality training programs for all relevant personnel.
• Oversee qualification and validation of equipment, processes, and analytical methods.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Supply Chain to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Quality systems

GMP/GDP

Regulatory compliance

Audits

Strategic thinking

Communication

Risk management

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmacy/ Chemistry/ Biotechnology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking an accomplished and strategic Head of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance to lead their comprehensive quality systems in Pretoria . This executive position is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the highest standards of quality across all aspects of pharmaceutical production, from raw material sourcing to finished product release. You will ensure compliance with national and international regulatory requirements, including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and drive a culture of continuous quality improvement throughout the organization. This is a critical leadership role that requires extensive experience in pharmaceutical quality management and a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes. The successful candidate will play a vital role in safeguarding product integrity and patient safety, contributing to the company's reputation for excellence. This opportunity is based in Pretoria, Gauteng , a key administrative and economic center.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage the company's overall Quality Assurance strategy and systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including GMP, GDP, and local health authority regulations.
• Oversee all quality-related activities, including batch record review, release, deviation management, CAPA, change control, and internal/external audits.
• Lead and mentor the Quality Assurance team, fostering a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and monitor key quality performance indicators (KPIs) and implement strategies to achieve quality objectives.
• Manage and host regulatory inspections and customer audits, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Develop and deliver quality training programs for all relevant personnel.
• Oversee the qualification and validation of equipment, processes, and analytical methods.
• Collaborate with R&D, Production, and Supply Chain departments to ensure quality is embedded throughout the product lifecycle.
• Stay abreast of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices in pharmaceutical quality assurance.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Quality Control, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge and practical application of GMP, GDP, and other relevant quality systems and regulatory guidelines (e.g., FDA, EMA, SAHPRA).
• Proven experience in managing regulatory inspections and successful audit outcomes.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing quality management systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to quality management and risk mitigation.
• Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a significant annual bonus and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive benefits include top-tier medical aid, a generous provident fund, and life assurance.
• Extensive opportunities for professional development, including executive leadership training, conference participation, and industry certifications, are provided.
• The company fosters a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation, supporting a sustainable work-life balance.
• Generous leave provisions and potential relocation assistance are available for qualified candidates.
• This is a key leadership opportunity within a respected pharmaceutical organization in Pretoria .