Associate Director, Quality Assurance – Laboratory QMS

About the role

We are seeking an inspiring leader to shape and champion the laboratory Quality Management System across our international sites. The Associate Director will work closely with laboratory managers and technical teams to harmonise procedures, simplify documentation and foster a collaborative compliance culture.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the multi‑site laboratory QMS, ensuring alignment with ISO 17025, corporate quality expectations and consistent implementation across sites in Newport (UK), Dublin (IE) and Lawrence (USA).
• Partner with laboratory managers to define, harmonise and maintain quality procedures, documentation practices and compliance controls.
• Serve as primary liaison with global accreditation bodies and third‑party auditors, managing audit readiness, corrective actions and accreditation cycles.
• Maintain and improve documentation control, change management and internal audit programmes.
• Monitor quality performance, analyse trends and provide KPI reporting to senior leadership.
• Apply risk‑based quality principles to identify vulnerabilities, prioritise actions and strengthen processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure standardised adoption across labs.
• Provide functional leadership, coaching and training to site Quality Representatives.
• Support integration of new technologies, methods and digital tools into the quality framework.

Required profile

• 5+ years of quality experience within an accredited environment, preferably a scientific testing laboratory.
• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline; advanced degree or quality certification (e.g., ASQ, Lead Auditor) preferred.
• Strong expertise with ISO 17025, ISO 9001 or comparable lab‑quality frameworks.
• Proven experience managing external audits, accreditation activities, CAPA programmes and continuous improvement.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience generating and interpreting quality metrics and operational data.
• Demonstrated ability to train teams, influence without direct authority and support a global or multi‑site structure.
• Willingness to travel internationally 15‑20%.

Required skills

• ISO 17025
• ISO 9001
• Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Audit Management
• CAPA programmes
• Risk‑based quality
• Documentation control
• Change management
• KPI reporting
• Continuous improvement