🔹 Job Title: Associate Director Marketing Company Operations Quality
🔹 Company: AstraZeneca
🔹 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Pharmaceuticals
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-01
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
Key aspects of this role include:
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in Quality Management, GMP, and GDP, with a proven track record in leadership and stakeholder engagement. Experience in the pharmaceutical industry is essential.
✅ Oversee the implementation and delivery of a common Quality system and strategy for GMP and GDP activities across the marketing company for AstraZeneca's product portfolio
✅ Execute country strategy for Affiliate Quality and Marketing Company GMP/GDP aligned with AZ’s 2030 bold ambition strategy for market expansion, product launches, and accessibility
✅ Ensure assurance of quality compliance with worldwide standards for all local GMP & GDP activities and connect the affiliate offices to the broader Operations Quality and R&D organization operating under One AZ QMS
✅ Accountable for compliance with all relevant Acts and Regulations
✅ Develop, support, and drive excellence in Affiliate GMP & GDP Quality activities to maintain the local License to Operate
✅ Provide leadership for GMP & GDP strategy and activities in the SA/SSA/FSA MC
✅ Coordinate Quality Management reviews across GxP functions for South Africa and SSA & FSA MC
✅ Represent Quality on cross-functional and cross-SET teams and steering committees related to Affiliate market
✅ Drive global standardization, simplification, and improvement of South Africa and SSA & FSA Quality Management processes
✅ Provide training, supporting, and coaching structure for Quality roles
✅ Serve as the primary point of expertise for GMP & GDP activities impacting the South Africa and SSA & FSA MC organizations
✅ Responsible for budget planning and adherence to budget for the Country, South Africa & SSA & FSA MC
✅ Responsible for promoting Quality Culture across AstraZeneca South Africa and SSA & FSA MC organizations
✅ Accountable for compliance assurance and working to one set of GMP & GDP standards and processes, as well as common GxP process across the Affiliate GxPs within the MC
✅ Accountable for compliance to Country-specific quality and regulatory requirements related to manufacture and distribution of AZ product in country, including but not limited to release of product batches, resolution of Issue Management, recalls, influence decisions on local regulatory agency interactions, audits, and inspection readiness and compliance to gain and maintain AZ licence to operate
✅ Demonstrate ability to work independently and in project settings to deliver objectives
✅ Keep own knowledge of best practices, industry standards, and new developments in quality management up to date
✅ Employ prepared information to discuss, plan, and help carry out improvement plans, priority setting, investigation reports, quality or performance improvement recommendations
✅ Ensure adherence to Quality, Health and Safety, Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Distribution Practice, and regulatory requirements of own work and others' work
✅ Responsible for ensuring that policies and standards meet regulatory requirements
✅ Carry out compliance reviews and reporting for external suppliers including issue resolution with senior management and AZ site/MC leaders, this may include, but is not limited to, the review and approval of investigation reports and participation in issue management teams
✅ Support local SA, SSA & FSA MC to deliver the license to operate, including but not limited to support for GMP & GDP audits and inspections, implementation of effective self-assessment programs
✅ Responsible for the achievement of country KPIs and objectives/Quality Plans. Ensure country trends are addressed through development of country continuous improvement plans
✅ Contribute to development local procedures due to specific local regulatory requirements and provide some technical input into the development of global procedures and standards
✅ Proactively look for opportunities to identify change and make efficiency savings, influence decisions, and deliver the results whilst ensuring appropriate level of compliance
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong communication and influencing skills, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree and registration with the South African Pharmacy Council
Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience as Responsible Pharmacist
Required Skills:
Preferred Skills:
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in Quality Management, GMP, and GDP, with a proven track record in leadership and stakeholder engagement. Experience in the pharmaceutical industry is essential.
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is not provided. However, based on industry standards for a similar role in South Africa, the estimated salary range is ZAR 500,000 - 700,000 per annum. This estimate is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for the role's requirements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The benefits package is competitive and includes opportunities for professional development and growth, health and wellness programs, and employee assistance programs.
Industry: AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. They are committed to being a Great Place to Work, with an inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration and is always committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development.
Company Size: AstraZeneca is a large company with over 76,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.
Founded: AstraZeneca was founded in 1992 through the merger of two Swedish companies, Astra AB and Zeneca Group plc.
Company Description:
Company Specialties:
Company Website: http://www.astrazeneca.com
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca is a well-established and respected company in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a strong commitment to innovation and improving patients' lives. The company's large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in Quality Management, GMP, and GDP.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director Marketing Company Operations Quality reports directly to the Head of Quality for the African Cluster and indirectly to the Global Head of Operations Quality.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the primary work location in Johannesburg, South Africa. However, the role may require travel to other African countries as needed.
Growth Opportunities:
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional development and growth within AstraZeneca's Quality organization and the broader biopharmaceutical industry.
Office Type: AstraZeneca's office in Johannesburg is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): AstraZeneca's office in Johannesburg is located in the heart of the city's business district, offering easy access to public transportation and amenities.
Geographic Context:
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for the role's requirements. The role may require occasional travel to other African countries as needed.
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's office in Johannesburg offers a modern, collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and amenities. The city of Johannesburg provides a high standard of living, with excellent educational and recreational facilities.
Typical Process:
Key Assessment Areas:
Application Tips:
ATS Keywords: Quality Management, GMP, GDP, Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Regulatory Compliance, Training, Coaching, Problem Solving, Attention to Detail, Budget Management, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, Pharmacy Knowledge
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, leadership and management abilities, and cultural fit with the organization. Candidates should tailor their application materials and prepare for behavioral interview questions to demonstrate their qualifications for the role.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Quality Management Software, Project Management Software, and Data Analysis Software. Candidates should have experience with these tools and be comfortable using them in a professional setting.
Company Values:
Work Style:
Self-Assessment Questions:
ASSUMPTION: AstraZeneca's company culture is characterized by its commitment to patient focus, collaboration, innovation, and results-driven work. Candidates should assess their alignment with these values and work style preferences before applying for the role.
ASSUMPTION: This role presents several potential challenges, including travel requirements, team management and collaboration, attention to detail, and location. Candidates should carefully consider these factors before applying for the role.
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other senior management roles in Quality Management, GMP, and GDP within the biopharmaceutical industry. However, its unique focus on driving excellence in Affiliate GMP & GDP Quality activities and maintaining the local License to Operate sets it apart from other roles in the industry.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of projects that candidates may be expected to undertake in this role. However, the specific projects that candidates will work on will depend on the needs of the organization and the priorities of the role.
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for professional development and growth. Candidates should tailor their questions to the specific role and organization.
To apply for this position:
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.