Microbiology and Contamination Control Manager

Sector: CTO, CRO, & CDMO, Pharmaceuticals

Reference: BBBH _

Microbiology & Contamination Control Manager

Central Scotland | Permanent | Pharmaceutical / Biologics Manufacturing

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Microbiology leader to take ownership of both QC Microbiology operations and site-wide Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) within a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

This is a high-impact leadership role , combining team management with strategic influence across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and development functions.

The Opportunity

You will lead the QC Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring teams , while driving a robust, forward-thinking Contamination Control Strategy aligned with EU GMP Annex 1 and global regulatory expectations .

This is a highly visible role with responsibility for embedding contamination control into process design, facility development, and day-to-day operations , ensuring a proactive and compliant approach across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Laboratory Oversight

• Lead and develop QC Microbiology and Environmental Monitoring teams
• Ensure delivery of microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process and finished product
• Maintain laboratories in a state of continuous GMP compliance and inspection readiness

Contamination Control Strategy (CCS)

• Own and continuously improve the site-wide CCS in line with regulatory expectations
• Embed contamination control principles into facility design, material flows, and operational processes
• Drive CCS as a dynamic, data-led system informed by risk and trend analysis

Technical Expertise & SME Leadership

• Act as site Subject Matter Expert for microbiology, aseptic processing, and cleanroom operations
• Provide input into deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and change controls
• Support audits and regulatory inspections as the microbiology lead

Cross-Functional Influence

• Partner with Manufacturing, MSAT, QA, and Engineering to embed contamination control into:
• Aseptic behaviours and operator practices
• Cleaning and environmental monitoring programmes
• Process design, tech transfer, and validation activities

Continuous Improvement & Risk Management

• Lead trending and analysis of microbiology and environmental monitoring data
• Drive initiatives to reduce contamination risks and improve performance
• Support structured risk assessments and implementation of robust controls

Training & Culture

• Deliver site-wide training on contamination control and microbiology practices
• Champion a culture of proactive risk identification and continuous improvement

About You

We are looking for a strong technical leader with a passion for contamination control and operational excellence .

You will bring:

• Significant experience within GMP pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing environments
• Expertise in aseptic processing, environmental monitoring, and contamination control
• Proven experience leading and developing microbiology or laboratory teams
• Strong knowledge of global GMP regulations, including EU Annex 1
• Excellent stakeholder management and the ability to influence across a matrix organisation

A degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline is preferred.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to shape and lead a site-wide contamination control strategy
• Work in a cutting-edge biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Play a key role in regulatory readiness and future site developments
• Visible leadership position with strong cross-functional influence

If you're a driven microbiology leader ready to step into a strategic and operational role, we'd love to hear from you.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Vertage Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.