Senior Quality Associate, External Manufacturing

Reckitt: A Purpose-Driven Leader in Hygiene, Health, and Nutrition

Reckitt stands as a titan in the consumer goods industry, home to an impressive portfolio of globally recognized and trusted brands. Their overarching purpose—to protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world—permeates every aspect of their operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to this vital mission, making access to high-quality hygiene, wellness, and nourishment a universal right.

An Opportunity within Research & Development: Shaping a Healthier Future

The Research & Development (R&D) division at Reckitt is a dynamic hub of innovation, bringing together a diverse group of experts including Scientists, Engineers, Medical, Clinical, Regulatory, and Quality professionals. With nine Centers of Excellence, R&D is at the forefront of developing and enhancing their extensive product range through scientific rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and fearless innovation. This team is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and performance, while consistently acting with responsibility and integrity to ensure product safety and compliance with global regulatory legislation.

A key advantage of being part of Reckitt's R&D is the inherent opportunity for broad exposure. The sheer scale of the organization allows for movement and learning across different functions within R&D, providing invaluable experience across various disciplines, teams, and environments. Furthermore, the dedicated Research and Development Academy is a testament to Reckitt's commitment to employee growth, offering structured development programs designed to nurture talent and foster career progression.

The Role: Senior Quality Associate, External Manufacturing

This position for a Senior Quality Associate, External Manufacturing, presents an exciting prospect for a proactive individual eager to make a tangible impact. Operating in a hybrid working model based in Hull, this role is integral to ensuring the continued excellence of Reckitt's trusted product portfolio, particularly those manufactured by external partners.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Leadership and Mentorship: This role offers direct line management of Quality Associates. You'll have the opportunity to coach, develop, and empower a team, strengthening their capabilities and fostering a high-performing unit. This is a fantastic stepping stone for those looking to advance their leadership skills and experience in people development.
• Strategic Impact: You will be instrumental in driving quality from concept to execution, playing a critical role in identifying development needs and implementing tailored plans for your team. Your expertise will directly influence the success of products manufactured externally, ensuring compliance with stringent Regulatory and Reckitt standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes promoting cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing. This encourages a holistic understanding of the business and builds valuable relationships across different departments and stakeholders.
• Deep Quality Expertise: As a Senior Quality Associate, you will act as a Quality approver and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Quality Management System (QMS) records. This involves making critical decisions aligned with quality standards and business priorities, providing a strong foundation in quality assurance principles.
• Auditing and Supplier Management: A significant aspect of this role involves acting as a lead auditor to assess and approve external manufacturers, alongside the ongoing management of a defined portfolio. This experience is highly valuable for developing robust supplier quality management skills and understanding the intricacies of third-party manufacturing.
• Continuous Improvement: You will actively engage in and support the execution of Quality Improvement plans, contributing to Reckitt's ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.
• Career Development through the R&D Academy: As mentioned, access to the R&D Academy provides structured pathways for professional and technical growth, directly supporting your career aspirations within a leading global organization.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Leadership Experience: Prior experience in people management is a prerequisite. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team.
• Supplier Management Acumen: Strong experience managing third-party manufacturing operations and excellent risk management skills are essential for identifying and mitigating supplier risks effectively.
• Regulatory Knowledge: A thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, rules, and guidance for QMS and pharmaceutical product manufacturing in Europe (such as EU GMP/GDP, ISO13485, and ISO22716) is crucial. Candidates with experience in Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, or Medical Device industries will find this particularly relevant.
• Travel: The role requires travel within Europe and the UK, indicating a need for adaptability and a willingness to engage with external partners on-site.
• Technical Foundation: A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Pharmaceutics is a key requirement, underscoring the scientific and technical nature of the role.
• Skills for Success: Beyond technical qualifications, candidates will be assessed on their Commercial Awareness, Business Partnership capabilities, Collaboration skills, ability to Challenge the Status Quo, propose Improvements, Accountability, Adaptability, and expertise in Product Lifecycle Management.

What Reckitt Offers:

Reckitt is dedicated to supporting employees throughout their career journeys. They offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Generous annual leave.
• Bonus opportunities.
• Private health insurance.
• Support for employee wellbeing through parental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program, and life insurance.
• Global share plans for future financial growth.
• Short-term incentives for outstanding performance.
• A pay-for-performance philosophy.

Reckitt champions equality and inclusion, valuing potential as much as experience. They encourage applications from individuals who may not meet every single criterion, provided they feel the role and company are a good fit. Their commitment to diversity ensures fair consideration for all qualified applicants, irrespective of background.

This Senior Quality Associate role at Reckitt is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute to a global mission, develop your leadership and quality expertise, and grow within a supportive and innovative environment.