Interim Head of Quality

Walker Cole International is supporting a leading consumer health organisation in the appointment of an Interim Head of Quality (UK) on an initial contract basis.

This opportunity will play a key leadership role in driving quality operations across the UK business during a period of organisational transformation. Reporting to the Global Director of Quality, you will lead the UK Quality function, oversee a team of 8–10 quality professionals, and support the modernisation of the organisation's quality management systems and processes.

The role is highly operational, requiring a collaborative and engaging leader with a strong background in GMP-regulated environments and experience leading quality teams through change. A key focus will be embedding quality best practices while supporting the transition from a paper-based quality system.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the UK Quality function, managing a team of 8–10 Quality professionals.
• Provide operational leadership across all quality activities, ensuring compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Drive the transformation and continuous improvement of the existing quality management system.
• Support the modernisation of paper-based quality processes and implement quality best practices.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across the business to strengthen quality culture and operational excellence.
• Coach, mentor and develop the Quality team, fostering engagement and high performance.
• Ensure quality systems, procedures and documentation remain inspection-ready and compliant.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and support change management initiatives across the organisation.
• Report directly to the Global Director of Quality, providing updates on quality performance, risks and improvement activities.

Required experience and skills:

• Demonstrated experience leading Quality functions within GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, consumer health or life sciences environments.
• Proven track record in quality operations and leading teams through organisational change.
• Strong GMP knowledge with experience maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Previous experience working with paper-based quality management systems.
• Exceptional people leadership skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to balance strategic priorities and day-to-day quality activities.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Working pattern:
Full-time | 4–5 days onsite

Employment type:
Interim Contract

Location:
South East, UK

Duration:
Initial 3 months (with potential extension)

Industry:
Consumer Health

Keywords:
Head of Quality | Interim Quality Director | Quality Operations | GMP | Consumer Health | Quality Leadership | Quality Management System | QMS | Change Management | Quality Assurance | Pharmaceutical | Life Sciences

ID: 111895