Senior Director - Quality Control

Senior Director, Quality Control

Location: Billingham, UK 

Ready to shape QC strategy, culture, and performance at site and network level? This is a high-impact, senior leadership role for an experienced QC leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, elevating compliance and efficiency, and partnering across a complex, fast-paced CDMO environment.

If you are ready for your next step or seeking broader scope and influence, this role offers the platform to lead, innovate and deliver—while directly influencing site strategy and customer success.

The opportunity

• Own the strategic direction and operational excellence of the Billingham QC organisation (c.100 colleagues via a senior leadership team).

• Lead a phase-appropriate QC and stability testing programme across clinical and commercial portfolios—keeping the site inspection-ready at all times.

• Drive a risk-based, data-led continuous improvement culture that simplifies processes, reduces waste, and improves business performance.

• Act as a key member of the Quality Leadership team—shaping long-term strategy and cascading it through the function.

• Harmonise QC best practice across the FDB network—share, adopt and embed learnings to prevent repeat observations and raise the bar.

• Lead the Analytical Services Group profit centre to deliver on financial targets while strengthening customer service and scientific capability.

• Be a visible quality ambassador with regulators and customers; represent Quality in S&OP and site/global councils.

• Set the tone on People, EHS and Quality—building capability, engagement, succession, and a strong “right-first-time” culture.

What you’ll do

• Ensure QC systems and labs meet all applicable GxP and regulatory requirements for clinical and commercial supply.

• Proactively prepare for, host, and respond to regulatory, customer, and internal audits; embed learnings effectively.

• Identify and deliver improvement initiatives that enhance compliance, flow, cost, and customer experience.

• Sponsor/lead global QC and PQMS change projects; provide expert input to management review and compliance councils.

• Lead budget planning and cost management for QC; ensure deliverables are achievable safely and compliantly.

• Build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with QA, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and R&D.

What you’ll bring

• Degree in a scientific discipline (PhD preferred).

• Experience in GMP environments with 10+ years in management; senior leadership experience strongly preferred.

• Deep understanding of QC within a flexible, high-change CDMO/pharma setting; biopharmaceutical experience desirable.

• Proven track record in inspection readiness, phase-appropriate testing, and stability programmes.

• Strong command of change and risk management methodologies; experience with human performance processes is a plus.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder influence skills—confident with senior leaders, regulators, and customers.

• Decisive, calm under pressure, and committed to EHS and Quality excellence; a coaching-led people developer.

Why join Fujifilm Biotechnologies 

• Strategic scope and visible impact: Shape the QC function and influence site and network standards.

• Leadership platform: Lead a sizeable, multi-disciplinary QC organisation and a profit centre.

• Growth and recognition: Opportunity to deputise for the VP and build your enterprise leadership profile.

• Competitive salary, with 35 days holiday (Not including Public Holidays), annual incentive plan and competitive pension: you contribute 4–9%+ and we contribute 7–12% (up to 21% total), with flexible investment/retirement options.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. If you require reasonable adjustments during the process, please let us know.