Director of External Quality Assurance

About the role

This senior leadership position is responsible for overseeing Quality Assurance across a large external manufacturing network for a global consumer healthcare business. You will lead a team of five direct reports, manage relationships with over 100 Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs), and shape the long‑term external manufacturing strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and day‑to‑day management of the QA External Manufacturing team.
• Oversee quality governance of 100+ CMOs, ensuring GMP, regulatory and internal compliance.
• Lead quality audits, supplier qualification and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain and Operations to drive quality excellence.
• Develop and execute a CMO rationalisation strategy to reduce the supplier base in a risk‑managed way.
• Identify, assess and mitigate quality risks, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across external manufacturing quality systems.
• Represent the QA function at senior leadership level, influencing business decisions.

Required profile

• Registered Pharmacist (essential).
• Extensive QA experience in pharmaceutical or consumer‑healthcare environments, focusing on external/contract manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading high‑performing QA teams.
• Deep understanding of GMP regulations and international regulatory frameworks.
• Experience managing complex CMO networks and third‑party quality relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking and change‑management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving business environment.

Required skills

• GMP compliance
• Quality audits
• Supplier qualification
• Risk management
• Continuous improvement methodologies