Quality Assurance Officer

Quality Assurance OfficerCONTRACT: Full-time REPORTS TO: QA ManagerSALARY: £35,000 - £40,000LOCATION: near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire. Role is primarily office-based.Industry ContextMedical cannabis has been legal in the UK since 2018, with over 50,000 patients currently prescribed medical cannabis through private clinics. These numbers are consistently growing. Currently, over 99% of prescribed medical cannabis products in the UK are imported by distributors from EU & Canada and sold to private clinics for patient prescriptions. However, our client is one of the first British medical cannabis cultivation companies, dedicated to producing high-quality Pharmaceutical medical cannabis specifically for the UK market.Company OverviewOur client is a leading UK-based Medical Cannabis cultivation company focused on producing high-quality medical cannabis products. Committed to innovation and excellence, our client ensures compliance with stringent pharmaceutical-grade standards while advancing research and development in the sector. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and cutting-edge cultivation techniques, our client provides reliable, safe, and effective medicinal cannabis solutions.They have launched medical cannabis product/medicine into the UK market, making them one of the first British Medical Cannabis cultivation companies to successfully bring domestically grown medical cannabis to patients. As they continue their journey to becoming the UK’s leading medical cannabis supplier, they are now looking for a QA Officer to support their growth and ensure the highest quality standards.Founded in 2019, the company has grown to a team of 12 full-time employees and is looking for individuals who enjoy a startup environment. They are seeking passionate professionals excited by the opportunity to help build something impactful, contributing to a company that aims to make a meaningful difference in society.Main purpose of the role: To maintain the GMP compliance of the facility by maintaining the Company QualityManagement System (QMS). To lead in the qualification and validation activities of the site. Tosupport in the audit of internal systems and of external service providers. Be a source of GMPknowledge in a pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory framework, and then to be able toapply that knowledge and thought process to challenges presented in a new and evolving sector.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESTo assist in maintaining the Company’s Quality Management system – including drafting of new procedures to enhance the company's QMS.Support with the assessment of deviation event investigations.Support closure to plan of Change Controls and CAPA actions.Issue, review and approval of GMP batch manufacturing records to support certification and release.Assist in the performance of internal self-inspection audits.To develop and execute validation protocols, perform qualification and testing (IQ, OQ, PQ), generate reports and associated documentation.To support the Company’s Quality MeetingsTo assist in maintaining the Company’s quality certifications, e.g. GMP, GDP, HO approvals, etcTo assist in preparation for inspections from MHRA and other Competent AuthoritiesTo provide quality review and input to manufacturing and business activitiesTo ensure compliance with the Company’s Quality StandardsTo engage with the wider team and sector to gain wider knowledge of the industry, changes in legislation and working procedures affecting the environment of the Company.Provide support to other functions within the Company as requested.EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONSMinimum RequiredBSc in a relevant life-science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Pharmacy)2+ years of hands-on Quality Assurance experience is desirableHands on experience at a site holding GMP certification and licensing.Experience in the quality sector in manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and/or APIs.A good understanding of validation and qualification activities and requirements.BeneficialAnalytical experience in HPLC/GC methodologiesExperience in writing and performing Process and cleaning validations.Experience in performing equipment qualifications for use in an EU GMP environment.SKILLS/PERSON SPECIFICATIONExcellent organisational skills, interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) are essential.Strong analytical abilities.Self-motivated and able to work on own; proactive, including both defining and executing tasks.Special FactorsAbility to attend domestic and international technical conferences/exhibits, as required.Background and criminal record checks are a requirement for the role.Flexibility would be required for working in an emerging industry.In order to fulfil the role within Quality Assurance, the job-holder must develop an up-to-date knowledge of developing Quality Systems and their implementation/maintenance within the UK and EUCompensation & Benefits£35,000 – £40,000 depending on experience and seniority level (the client is open to candidates at varying levels)Share options schemeAll Legal UK Benefits, pension, sick pay etcOngoing Professional development, training, learning and developmentWork EquipmentIf this role sounds interesting and you would like more information, please apply through this site or email me at ellen.jardim@luminorecruit.com. If you know anyone who would be relevant, we also offer referral fees.You must be based in the UK, and have the right to work. The employer is unable to provide visa sponsorship.