Head of QA
Key Skills
Job Description
Ace Pharmaceuticals (Ace) is an independent pharmaceutical company operating in the niche market of medical need products to satisfy the unmet demand of small patient groups. By doing this, the company makes a valuable contribution to society. Via its state-of-the-art facility and C(D)MO’s, Ace carries out the development, production, and distribution of its products. In addition, Ace manufactures and distributes pharmaceutical compounded products for pharmacies. Ace is based in Zeewolde, The Netherlands. For more information please visit: www.ace-pharm.nl Position Overview The Head of Quality Assurance is ultimately accountable for safeguarding product quality while enabling business continuity through balanced, risk based decision making, timely product release, and sustainable regulatory compliance. The Head of Quality Assurance is a senior leader and member of the Management Team, reporting directly to the CEO. The role requires sound judgement, a pragmatic leadership style and the ability to balance regulatory requirements with business objectives with much focus on product quality and patient safety. This role holds end to end accountability for product releases, Quality Management System, GMP compliance, inspection readiness and overall quality performance within a fast paced, private equity backed pharmaceutical environment. Key Responsibilities Provide calm, credible and visible leadership in a regulated environment. Lead through influence, collaboration and accountability rather than hierarchy. Drive a culture of ownership, continuous improvement and operational excellence. Demonstrate excellent judgement and consistently makes balanced, risk based decisions, recognizing both quality requirements and business priorities without compromising patient safety or compliance. Ensure timely and compliant product disposition and batch release to safeguard uninterrupted patient supply. Lead successful Health Authority inspections and customer audits while maintaining full GMP, GDP and GxP compliance. Drive continuous improvement of quality systems, quality processes and organizational effectiveness. Requirements: Master's degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology or a related scientific discipline. Additional education in Leadership, Quality Management and Operational Excellence is preferred At least 15 years+ of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry At least 10 years+ of progressive leadership experience within Quality Assurance Experience within a mid-sized pharmaceutical company is preferred Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to challenge constructively when required. Strong people leader with a proven track record in coaching, developing and retaining high performing teams. Fluent in English and preferably also in Dutch The role is based in Zeewolde, The Netherlands and a regular presence is needed. Candidates must be able to work and live in The Netherlands and preferably live within a 90 minutes travel distance. Compensation & Benefits Ace Pharmaceuticals offers a competitive compensation package, aligned with the scope, seniority, and strategic impact of the role. The total remuneration will be tailored to the experience, track record, and overall fit of the selected candidate. Contact Potentially interested candidates are invited to reach out in confidence for further information or to express their interest. Please contact Ms. Saskia Richmond via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at +31 6 20 58 50 29. All enquiries will be handled with the utmost discretion. Disclaimer: The unsolicited sending of CVs by recruitment agencies is not appreciated and no rights can be derived from this.
Core Responsibilities
Lead the Quality Assurance function and take end-to-end accountability for product quality, batch release, the Quality Management System, GMP compliance, inspection readiness, and overall quality performance. Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement while making balanced, risk-based decisions that protect patient safety and support business continuity.
Requirements
A master's degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline is required; additional education in leadership, quality management, or operational excellence is preferred. Candidates need at least 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience and 10 years of progressive Quality Assurance leadership, along with strong communication and people leadership skills; mid-sized pharmaceutical company experience and Dutch language ability are preferred.
About Ace Pharmaceuticals
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Company size: 201-500 employees
Ace has been delivering custom pharmaceutical solutions for specific patient needs for over 30 years. With our own registrations, compounded products and cosmetics we provide a solution for pharmacists all over the world. In addition we make clinical trial medication on behalf of our customer.