Ransom Naturals Limited (RNL) has successfully partnered traditional methods with an innovative approach to new product development since 1846. With a strong ethos to remain a leader in science based natural solutions that improve health and enhance life, the company serves a wide range of international markets and is an important employer in the Hitchin area.
Firmly established in the pharmaceutical sector, RNL was the first UK based herbal related pharmaceutical company to receive the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) accreditation but also produces a wide range of extracts designed to deliver great taste and functionality to food and drinks.
The company was acquired in 2012 by the OBG Group; a privately-owned company based in Liverpool. Today, OBG employs over 300 personnel with a turnover in excess of £80M, generating £10M EBITDA per annum.
Job Summary
The Quality Assurance Manager position is responsible for the Quality Management System across both pharmaceutical and food manufacturing operations at Ransom Naturals Ltd. The role involves directly managing a team of quality professionals, ensuring adherence to EU GMP and BRC food standards. Key responsibilities include release of API's, excipients and food/beverage ingredients, managing performance and development of direct reports, ensuring compliance to audits, and driving continuous improvement.
Job description
Quality Systems Management
· Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive quality management system suitable for both pharmaceutical and food products. Act as the site QMS Specialist championing improvements through risk management and root cause analysis.
· Responsible for the functional performance of the QMS, providing quality oversight to key stakeholders including senior staff, with specific accountability of the following systems: Change Control, Stability, Documentation Control, Internal audits, GMP Training, Traceability exercises, Supplier Approval, Complaints, PQRs, NPI, Root Cause analysis, Controlled Drug Returns.
· Ensure proper documentation practices, including batch records, laboratory testing, and quality agreements
· Oversee supplier qualification and vendor auditing programs
· Maintain current knowledge of evolving UK and EU retained regulations affecting pharmaceutical and food manufacturing. Ensure compliance with EU GMP standards and BRC food safety requirements. Manage preparation for and coordination of MHRA, customer and third-party audits, and the Internal Audit programme, and act as the lead during the audits.
People Management
· Responsible for the day-to-day operational functions of the QA team to ensure flow of products through the product lifecycle and batch review processes to meet compliance and commercial requirements. Key performance indicators include OTIF and RFT.
· Directly manage and lead a team of quality assurance professionals
· Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews, and career development planning for all direct reports. Recruit, hire, and onboard new quality team members as needed. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and provide regular feedback and coaching
· Manage workload distribution and resource allocation across the QA team, ensuring adequate staffing levels and succession planning for critical quality roles
Leadership
· Foster a culture of quality excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development.
· Use the QMS metrics to engage with the other functions through management review to drive compliance.
· Support the development of the QA team in growing individuals with the technical capability, drive and influence to achieve an excellent compliance performance and underpin the business vision.
· Develop and deliver training programs on quality standards, regulations, and best practices. Provide training across site as required.
· Coordinate cross-functional quality initiatives with production, R&D, and regulatory affairs teams
· Responsible for external communication with regulatory bodies.
· Deputise for the Head of Quality when required
EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCE
Education & Experience
· Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field
· Minimum 7-10 years of quality assurance experience in regulated industries
· At least 3-5 years in a Quality management role
· Demonstrated experience in performance management, recruitment, and staff development
· Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing mandatory.
· Experience in food manufacturing environments desirable but not required.
Technical Expertise
· Thorough knowledge of EU GMP required
· Experience with quality management systems mandatory
· Understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP, and UK food manufacturing standards desirable but not required.
· Knowledge of validation protocols and analytical method development desirable but not required.
Core Competencies
· Proven people management and leadership skills with experience managing multiple direct reports
· Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
· Strong coaching and performance management capabilities
· Ability to build and maintain high-performing teams
· Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
· Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
· Experience with staff development, training delivery, and succession planning
Preferred Qualifications
· Internal Auditor
· Lead Auditor desirable but not a requirement
· Experience with electronic quality management systems desirable but not a requirement