QC Microbiology Manager

A unique and challenging role for a QC Microbiology Manager based in Yorkshire, working for a leading UK Pharmaceutical manufacturing business.

QC Microbiology Manager

Salary: £50,000 p/a

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Quality Control Microbiology Manager to join a leading pharmaceutical business based at their site near Skipton, offering a starting salary of circa £50,000 p/a + bonus and benefits. The role offers the chance to shape and elevate microbiological quality control systems, ensuring that all activities, training, and environmental monitoring meet the highest cGMP standards.

What you'll do:

As the QC Microbiology Manager, you’ll play an instrumental role in ensuring that all aspects of microbiological quality control are executed flawlessly. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve overseeing complex testing regimes for water quality, bioburden levels, environmental conditions, dispersion analysis via microscopy, as well as supporting process validation studies. You will coordinate sample logistics with external laboratories while maintaining rigorous standards for equipment upkeep and inventory management. By staying abreast of industry advancements through continual learning and technical reading, you will drive updates to methodologies that keep the laboratory at the cutting edge of best practice. Your leadership will be vital in nurturing a high-performing team and fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. You will also play a crucial part in regulatory compliance by preparing documentation for inspections and responding to queries from authorities. Success in this role means not only delivering accurate results on time but also championing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance both product quality and workplace safety.

• Oversee all microbiological testing activities including water testing (LAL & membrane filtration), bioburden assessments, environmental monitoring, dispersion analysis using microscopy, and validation studies for processes, products, cleaning protocols, and equipment.
• Coordinate the preparation and dispatch of samples to external laboratories for further analysis while managing third-party laboratory results efficiently.
• Ensure regular maintenance, calibration, cleanliness, and minor repairs of laboratory equipment and spaces are carried out to uphold operational standards.
• Manage inventory levels by ordering microbiological stock, consumables, and equipment parts as needed to ensure uninterrupted laboratory function.
• Stay current with developments in microbiology through ongoing training and literature review; provide technical expertise to update methodologies and implement best practices across the site.
• Champion adherence to microbiological best practices during the introduction of new equipment, technologies, analytical methods, or materials within site projects.
• Support cross-functional collaboration by participating in operational meetings and internal quality discussions to align departmental processes with organisational goals.
• Lead, coach, train, and motivate a team of Microbiologists; conduct performance reviews (PDRs), development interviews, and foster continuous professional growth within the team.
• Conduct investigations into out-of-specification results or environmental excursions according to company procedures; develop and validate new testing methods as required.
• Prepare regulatory documentation (CMC), respond to agency information requests, represent the company during inspections (including FDA/MHRA), and approve monthly trend reports on microbiology and environmental monitoring.

What you bring:

Your application will show proven experience from regulated pharmaceutical environments where you have managed complex laboratory operations under strict GMP requirements. Your background should include:

• Demonstrable expertise in USP or EU GMP guidelines, along with ISO regulations
• Experience working within a pharmaceutical GMP quality control laboratory environment
• Comprehensive understanding of microbiological testing techniques i.e. LAL assays, membrane filtration methods, bioburden determination, environmental monitoring protocols (active air sampling/settle plates/contact plates/swabs/rinses), dispersion analysis using microscopy techniques including Gram staining and incubation procedures
• Proficiency with laboratory equipment operation coupled with experience performing routine maintenance tasks
• Proven ability to coach and mentor junior staff members while fostering their professional development within a team setting
• Advanced computer literacy skills including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong technical writing abilities with meticulous attention to detail for producing clear documentation
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing positively within cross-functional teams
• A BSc Honours degree in Microbiology or equivalent scientific discipline is highly desirable

What's next:

This position provides an excellent platform for professional growth, ongoing learning, and meaningful contribution to a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Flexible working opportunities and a culture that values knowledge-sharing and teamwork make this an ideal next step for those passionate about quality and scientific advancement. You will be at the forefront of driving best practices within a supportive and collaborative laboratory environment, where your expertise will directly impact product quality and patient safety.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career by joining a supportive team where your expertise will make a difference, please apply today by clicking on the link provided below. Alternatively, contact Jon Armstrong at Robert Walters UK.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates