Job Introduction
We are looking for:
Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 23 sites across the UK, US and China, and we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make—just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers.
We are now seeking a highly experienced and forward‑thinking Head of Analytical Quality Control to lead our Analytical QC operations at our Cramlington site. This is a key leadership position driving scientific excellence, operational performance, regulatory compliance and team development within our Analytical QC organisation.
At Pharmaron we offer:
- A vibrant, fast‑growing business working at the forefront of the life sciences sector
- Excellent opportunities for professional development within a rapidly expanding global organisation
- A collaborative, supportive team environment where high standards and scientific excellence are celebrated
- The chance to make a direct impact on high‑value CMC programmes and global client partnerships
Key roles and responsibilities:
- Lead multiple analytical teams and enable delivery of complex, multi‑disciplinary projects
- Ensure Analytical QC operations comply with GMP, regulatory requirements and Pharmaron procedures
- Manage resources, forecast capacity and address constraints to meet project timelines
- Oversee laboratory investigations, ensuring thorough, timely and compliant execution
- Maintain governance of QMS documentation including deviations, CAPAs and change controls, ensuring on‑time closure
- Develop and review departmental metrics, monitor trends and implement CAPAs where required
- Act as point of escalation for complex technical or operational issues
- Provide regular updates to senior management on technical matters, resource status and departmental performance
- Shape scientific strategy, drive innovation and introduce new analytical technologies
- Independently author or oversee high‑quality technical reports, publications and presentations
- Lead Analytical QC support during client audits and regulatory inspections (e.g. MHRA, FDA)
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to harmonise processes and support business activities including proposals and client visits
- Manage forecasting, procurement, installation, qualification and maintenance of analytical instrumentation
- Provide leadership, coaching, performance management and development for the Analytical QC team
Requirements:
- 10+ years (PhD) or 15+ years (MSc/BSc) of relevant industry experience
- Extensive leadership experience within Analytical Chemistry or Quality Control in a GMP environment
- Strong background in analytical sciences applied to API development, with deep understanding of core and advanced analytical techniques
- Proven experience managing multi‑disciplinary scientific teams, including coaching, performance management and capability development
- Demonstrated ability to operate strategically, manage complex projects and make sound scientific and operational decisions
- Strong understanding of GMP, GLP and ICH guidelines with experience supporting audits and regulatory inspections
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to influence across functions and at senior levels
- Highly organised, able to prioritise effectively and drive delivery in a fast‑paced environment
- Proactive, resilient and solution‑focused leader with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative mindset and ability to build a positive team culture
- High level of integrity, professionalism and respect for confidentiality
Our Company: “We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges”.
We believe in our ability to relentlessly push forward the boundaries of scientific excellence, delivering solutions for our clients, always operating ethically and with integrity. We take pride in our professionalism and commitment to always deliver our very best work.
Our Cramlington site, just north of Newcastle, has an established history of cGMP manufacturing services for an array of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), ranging from pilot scale to commercial metric ton scale. The Cramlington Site has more than 100 cubic meters reactor commercial capacity and has been inspected and approved by the MHRA, FDA and other regulatory authorities. The site operates from small scale in the laboratory through to large manufacturing scale. It also offers chemistry and analytical development service.
Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal, and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 25,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.