Join an Award-Winning Independent Scientific Business
Altus Science is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to join our growing team in Runcorn. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines QA expertise with the ability to guide, motivate, and inspire colleagues across multiple departments.
For more than 14 years, we've earned the trust of customers in over 65 countries by consistently delivering TOC & Conductivity Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) and technical expertise to the highest standards. Our customers place their confidence in our products because they know they can rely on their accuracy, integrity and traceability.
We believe quality is created by people. It comes from doing the right thing, paying attention to detail, continually looking for better ways of working and taking pride in every product we manufacture. Quality is not simply about meeting standards or maintaining accreditation, it is about building confidence, earning trust and delivering excellence.
As an independent family-owned business, we've built our success by investing in our people, listening to our customers and never compromising on quality.
In recognition of our continued international growth and export success, we were honoured to receive The King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2026.
Since 2013, we have maintained internationally recognised accreditation for our laboratory testing and Certified Reference Material production, successfully transitioning from ISO Guide 34 to ISO 17034 while maintaining ISO 17025 accreditation. Today, we operate a mature, well-established Quality Management System that has supported our growth and reputation for over a decade.
We're now looking for an experienced Quality Manager to help protect this strong foundation while continuing to develop our people, systems and quality culture as the business grows.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality professional who enjoys leading people, improving systems and making a genuine contribution to a successful independent business.
Reporting directly to the Directors, you'll lead our Quality function, manage a dedicated team of three Quality professionals and work closely with our Production, Laboratory and Technical teams.
You'll be responsible for safeguarding our Quality Management System, supporting UKAS accreditation, delivering Quality Assurance training across the business and leading continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen both quality and operational performance.
This is a visible leadership role where your judgement will be trusted, your ideas welcomed and your contribution recognised.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Leadership
- Lead, maintain and continually improve the Company's Quality Management System.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 17034 and all applicable regulatory requirements.
- Manage UKAS assessments, internal and external audits and Management Review meetings.
- Lead investigations into customer complaints, non-conformances and CAPA.
- Monitor quality performance and report key metrics to senior management.
- Maintain controlled documentation, risk assessments and quality records.
Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach and develop a team of three Quality professionals.
- Deliver Quality Assurance training throughout the business.
- Support Production, Laboratory and Technical teams in maintaining the highest quality standards.
- Foster a positive culture built on accountability, collaboration and continual learning.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and business performance.
- Lead Root Cause Analysis and implement effective long-term solutions.
- Support validation activities, supplier quality and risk management.
- Work collaboratively across departments to improve processes while maintaining compliance.
About You
You'll be an experienced Quality professional who combines technical expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills.
You will have:
- Significant experience in a Quality Management role within a scientific, laboratory or regulated manufacturing environment.
- Experience working within ISO/IEC 17025 accredited organisations.
- Knowledge of ISO 17034 (or previous ISO Guide 34 accreditation).
- Experience leading audits, CAPA and Root Cause Analysis.
- The ability to coach, motivate and develop others.
Ideally you would possess:
- A degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent professional experience.
- Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
- A genuine passion for quality and continuous improvement.
Experience within the pharmaceutical or life science sectors, together with knowledge of GMP, GLP, Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma, would be advantageous.
Why Join Altus Science?
Joining Altus Science means becoming part of a successful business where quality is valued, people are respected and every individual has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
We offer:
- An established, respected Quality Management System built over many years.
- Direct access to the Directors and senior leadership team.
- The opportunity to influence the future direction of the business.
- A friendly, collaborative and supportive working environment.
- The stability and flexibility of an independent family-owned company.
- A leadership role where your contribution will have a visible impact.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Life assurance.
- Health & Wellbeing Programme.
- Company events.
- Free refreshments.
- Free on-site parking.
- Five weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Ongoing professional development.
Join Our Team
We're looking for someone who takes pride in doing things properly, enjoys developing people and believes continuous improvement is part of everyday working life.
If you're looking for a leadership role where your experience will be valued, your judgement trusted and your contribution will help shape the future of an award-winning scientific business, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Altus Science is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Recruitment decisions are based solely on skills, experience, qualifications and potential.
Pay: £42,000.00-£58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Describe the quality improvement project that you are most proud of. What was the measurable outcome?
- Why does working in a smaller independent business appeal to you?
Experience:
- Quality Management: 5 years (required)
- ISO 17025: 3 years (required)
- ISO 17034: 3 years (required)
- People management: 3 years (required)
- Leading audits: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
