QA Operations Lead / 2IC

QA OPERATIONS LEAD / 2IC

Are you an experienced Quality Assurance professional who thrives on solving complex problems, driving continuous improvement, and leading through influence and expertise? Do you enjoy being at the centre of GMP compliance, validation, quality systems, audits, and operational excellence while making a tangible impact across a manufacturing site?

If you're looking for an opportunity to step into a key quality leadership role as the trusted 2IC to the Head of QA, we'd love to hear from you.

About Argenta

Healthier animals made possible by one global team: that's Argenta. Since our founding in 2006, we've grown into the world's only combined contract research and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CRO/CDMO) dedicated solely to animal health — developing and manufacturing products that improve the lives of pets and livestock alike.

One team culture with four core values:

• We are team players.
• We are doers.
• We are customer-centric.
• We are innovators.

From New Zealand to the US, the UK and Europe more than 900 colleagues share a single purpose: Healthy Animals. Let's Make It Happen, Together.

And here success is shared. Through our Shared Ownership Plan every eligible colleague holds a genuine stake in the value we build together — because when Argenta wins we all do.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Quality Assurance, the QA Operations Lead / 2IC is a senior quality leadership role and the designated deputy to the Head of QA. You will support the effective operation of the Auckland Quality function, ensuring GMP compliance, quality system effectiveness, validation activities, batch release oversight, audit readiness and continuous improvement across the site.

This is not a traditional people management role, but it is a critical leadership position. As the Head of QA’s trusted second-in-charge, you will provide technical leadership, coaching, decision-making support and operational oversight, and you’ll be equally comfortable at a strategic and hands-on level.

One day you may be supporting audits and reviewing complex investigations or validation packages; the next, coaching team members, leading quality improvement initiatives or acting on behalf of the Head of QA.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the key support to the Head of QA, helping ensure the effective day-to-day operation of the Quality function.
• Provide delegated support during periods when the Head of QA is unavailable and assist in maintaining continuity of critical Quality activities.
• Lead and support GMP compliance activities, including internal audits, external audits, supplier audits, and quality system reviews.
• Support and drive improvements to site quality systems, including EQMS and AI-enabled quality initiatives.
• Review and approve validation protocols, reports, qualification documents, investigations, change controls, deviations and CAPAs.
• Support batch review and release activities to ensure products are released within agreed timelines.
• Conduct supplier and subcontractor audits and support supplier quality management activities.
• Work closely with operational teams to identify compliance risks, implement practical solutions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the completion of investigations, customer complaints, annual product reviews, training activities and document updates.
• Provide GMP coaching, technical guidance and support across the site.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality Control, MSAT, and Shared Services to deliver strong quality outcomes.
• Support in-process checks, line clearances, and site quality activities as required to maintain GMP compliance.
• Drive improvements in quality performance metrics, including NCR closure, CAPA effectiveness, Right First Time and audit readiness.

About You

You are a highly credible Quality professional with extensive GMP experience and a passion for continuous improvement.

You enjoy solving complex quality challenges, influencing positive outcomes, and building strong relationships across the business. As a trusted QA Operations Lead / 2IC, you provide guidance, coaching, and technical leadership while partnering with the Head of QA and wider Quality Assurance team to drive quality excellence across the Auckland site.

You are practical, solutions-focused, and confident making risk-based decisions in a highly regulated environment.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline (preferred but not essential).
• Significant experience within a GMP Quality Assurance function in a pharmaceutical, animal health, biotechnology, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of GMP requirements, quality systems, and compliance best practices.
• Proven experience managing quality systems, including deviations, investigations, CAPAs, change controls, customer complaints, document control, and auditing.
• Experience reviewing and approving GMP documentation, batch records, validation documentation, investigations, and quality system records.
• Strong experience in validation, qualification, and internal and external auditing activities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify compliance risks, drive continuous improvement, and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• Proven leadership, coaching, or mentoring experience, with the ability to influence and support colleagues across the business.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the confidence to make sound, risk-based quality decisions.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• A proactive, self-directed approach with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• A hands-on mindset and willingness to roll up your sleeves to support operational and business needs.

Why Join Us?

At Argenta, you’ll play a key role in helping deliver products that improve the health and wellbeing of animals around the world, within a collaborative, values-driven organisation where quality, innovation and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive salary package, our Shared Ownership Plan, health, trauma and life insurance cover, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), ongoing learning and development opportunities, and a supportive and inclusive team environment.

You will also be part of a workplace that truly values its people and encourages collaboration, fresh thinking, and doing great work together.

Please note: All applicants must hold full, continuous & valid work rights in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re interested in the role.

To find out more about Argenta, visit www.argentaglobal.com.