Objective
Uniphar is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director Quality to lead and oversee the Quality function across its operations in Ireland, encompassing the Supply Chain and Pharma divisions along with building out our central quality function.
This senior leadership role will drive the implementation of robust quality systems and foster a culture of continuous improvement across all business units.
The successful candidate will also establish and develop a centralised Quality Audit Function for the Uniphar Group, in collaboration with the Director of On-Demand Quality and the Global Director of Quality Systems, to ensure a consistent and effective auditing approach across the organisation.
This role is a key member of the Global Quality Leadership Team and will provide strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies.
It will also support divisional quality leaders in designing and executing quality strategies aligned with Uniphar's global objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for the Quality function across all Uniphar divisions operating in Ireland.
Act as a senior quality advisor to divisional and functional leaders, influencing decision-making and quality strategy.
Lead the design and implementation of a centralised quality audit function for Uniphar.
Collaborate with the On-Demand Quality Director and Global Quality Systems Director to ensure global audit alignment and best practices.
Ensure all operations comply with applicable regulatory and quality standards (e.g., HPRA, EMA, FDA, ISO, GDP, GMP, GxP, MDR).
Oversee inspection readiness, audits, and regulatory engagements across the Irish business units.
Support the development, harmonisation, and continuous improvement of Uniphar's global Quality Management System (QMS) in collaboration with the Global Quality Systems Director.
Drive alignment of local quality processes with global policies, ensuring consistency and scalability.
Promote a proactive, risk-based approach to quality and compliance across all business functions.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging root cause analysis, CAPA management, and quality metrics to drive performance.
Work cross-functionally with commercial, operational and other departments to promote and embed quality culture.
Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support quality goals and regulatory expectations.
Provide leadership and mentoring to quality personnel across the Irish business units.
Support capability building and succession planning within the quality function.
Provide guidance and oversight on critical business and operational projects, including new product launches, supply chain transformations, system integrations, and expansion initiatives.
Partner with project managers, regulatory teams, and operational leads to identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure project deliverables meet regulatory and internal quality standards.
Key Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a life science, pharmaceutical, engineering, or related discipline (master's or professional certification preferred).
Previous RP/QP experience.
Minimum of 10 years' experience in a senior Quality role within the pharmaceutical, medical device, or healthcare supply chain sectors.
Strong knowledge of international quality and regulatory standards (e.g., GDP, GMP, ISO 13485, FDA CFR 21, MDR).
Proven experience in leading quality audits and establishing audit frameworks.
Demonstrated success in driving continuous improvement initiatives and quality culture change.
Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Experience working within a matrixed and global organisational structure.
Company Background
Uniphar Group PLC is a pharmaceutical wholesaler operating in the Irish market with turnover expected to exceed €1.2 billion (as of 2015).
Headquartered in Citywest, Dublin, the group employs approximately 550 people and operates wholesale depots in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Sligo.
The organisation has grown through acquisitions and continues to invest in IT and infrastructure to support its supply chain and services across partners in pharmacy, hospitals, and veterinary sectors.
People & Culture
Uniphar emphasizes hiring and developing high-potential individuals, offering fast-track, long-term careers.
The company seeks adaptable, commercially minded, and results-driven people who can work across functions and at all levels of the business.
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