Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and passionate Chemistry Quality Control Manager to join the Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC)--a cutting-edge NHS pharmaceutical production facility based in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland. The MMC is in its final design stages, with facility construction planned through to September 2025. Initially, staff will be employed by Northumbria Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust, with employment transferring to the Medicines



Manufacturing Centre Legal Liability Partnership (LLP) upon its formation under TUPE regulations. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a pioneering NHS manufacturing facility, supporting a leadership team committed to quality, innovation, and patient care. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received.



The Medicines Manufacturing Centre (MMC) is a brand-new, purpose-built NHS pharmaceutical production facility located at the Northumbria Innovation and Manufacturing Hub in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland. This cutting-edge centre is part of the North East and North Cumbria Provider Collaborative and has been established to meet the growing need for high-quality, regionally manufactured Ready-to-Administer medicines and advanced aseptic products.



Lead the implementation of strategies to build a robust, fit-for-purpose QC workforce for chemistry and physical testing.



Line manage QC scientists, validation scientists, and physical testers.



Ensure the QC chemistry and physical testing equipment is implemented, qualified, serviced, and managed, including overseeing outsourced work.



Oversee new product introductions and production processes from a QC perspective.



Lead validation scientists on method development, analytical method validation (ICH Q2), technology/method transfer, and QC stability testing (ICH Q1).



Manage stability studies and ongoing stability testing, including national studies for NHSE/SPS.



Lead QC Reference standards and oversee the testing of raw materials, consumables, packaging, and finished products.



Manage QC testing in compliance with pharmacopoeia, environmental monitoring, temperature mapping, and cleaning validation for the MMC facility.



Lead pharmaceutical quality systems, handling investigations, root cause analysis, quality risk assessments, and change controls.



Monitor QC data recording/trending, KPIs, and data integrity.



Collaborate with the QA department to ensure effective supplier approval and material testing oversight.



Train QC chemistry lab staff and promote a culture of compassionate, inclusive leadership.



Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with a focus on quality improvement and continuous learning.



We manage three major locality hospitals at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham, plus a number of smaller community hospitals and clinics from Tynemouth to Berwick on Tweed, in addition to our state-of-the-art Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. We also care for people in their homes and provide services from facilities in local communities such as health centres.



We give people greater choice and control over their care to help them to live independently at home and avoid hospital admission where appropriate. High quality patient care is at the heart of everything we do and we strive to ensure every single patient and service user has an exceptional experience with us. We have one of the most extensive patient experience programmes of any trust in England.



Funded with 30 million of investment from NHS England, the MMC will support a secure, sustainable supply chain for critical medicines, while creating skilled jobs and driving innovation across the region. The facility is designed to operate under a Manufacturer's Specials Licence (MS) and aims to secure a Wholesale Dealer's Authorisation (WDA(H)), ensuring compliance with MHRA, GMP, and GDP regulations from day one.



Job description attached separately



At the MMC, quality, patient safety, and staff wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Our leadership team is committed to building a culture of openness, learning, and continuous improvement--offering staff a rare opportunity to help shape the systems, teams, and values of a truly modern NHS manufacturing unit.



Working at the MMC means being part of a forward-thinking and supportive team focused on enabling frontline clinical staff to spend more time with patients by delivering safe, ready-to-use medicines. It's more than a job--it's a chance to contribute behind the scenes to better, safer healthcare for all.