QA Operations Manager

Walker Cole International is supporting a unique manufacturing site in the UK in the appointment of a QA Operations Manager on an initial 6-month contract basis, with a structured handover period.

This opportunity will play a key role in leading shopfloor Quality Assurance operations within a resource-constrained environment, supporting both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical production lines.

The role is based full-time onsite in the Southwest of the UK (5 days per week), and candidates must have their own transport. This is a highly shopfloor-focused position with responsibility for QA team leadership across shift operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day QA operations across a team of approximately 10 QA professionals operating in shift patterns (6–2, 2–10, 10–6).
• Provide oversight and support across shifts, with flexibility to cover early mornings or late evenings as needed.
• Manage non-conformances, deviations, and quality issues across both GMP and non-GMP product lines.
• Oversee and support batch release activities.
• Drive KPI delivery and continuous improvement within QA operations.
• Lead team meetings and ensure clear communication across QA and production teams.
• Support a risk-based approach to quality within a less standardised regulatory environment.

Required experience and skills:

• Strong experience in Quality Assurance within pharmaceutical or highly regulated industries.
• Demonstrated experience in QA operations leadership or team management.
• Hands-on, shopfloor-focused mindset with the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing deviations, CAPAs, and batch release activities.
• Ability to work within non-standard regulatory frameworks using a risk-based approach.
• Experience in food, supplements, or adjacent regulated industries is advantageous.
• HACCP certification is desirable but not essential.

Working pattern:
Full-time onsite (only Day shift hours) (5 days per week)

Employment type:
Contract

Location:
Southwest, United Kingdom

Duration:
6 months (with handover)

Rate:
Daily - Inside IR35 (depending on experience)

Keywords:
QA Operations Manager | Quality Assurance | GMP | GDP | MHRA | Batch Release | Deviations | CAPA | Shopfloor QA | Pharmaceuticals | Food Supplements | HACCP | Life Sciences

ID: 104632