Job Description

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of QC Manager.



This position reports to the Director of Operations in Cape Town and will be responsible for managing the Production QC Department. This individual will be accountable for creating departmental goals, developing and adhering to departmental budgets and managing daily departmental activities.The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to grow and develop as a Production leader.

Responsibilities

Supports the Director of Operations in developing manufacturing strategies and leads the execution of such strategies Establishes departmental goals to support robust manufacturing processes and continuous process improvement Tracks KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure and support quality objectives Participates in financial management of the Production QC Department, through development and monitoring of departmental budgets and inventory control Participates in the final stages of process development by testing prototype material to inform and formalize work instructions, and facilitate transfer to the Production Team Actively responds to and resolves personnel, operational, process, equipment and maintenance problems to prevent operational upsets Assists in developing the manufacturing schedule and ensures adherence to the schedule by actively collaborating with other manufacturing areas and promotes cross-functionality where needed and/or where practical Possesses proficient technical understanding of test methods and ability to carry-out product testing as needed Drives QC troubleshooting and escalates issues to the appropriate R&D Team member when needed Verifies accuracy of QC records upon approval in eQMS. Communicates release of material from QC for acceptance into inventory Managing inventory in the QC department Promotes a culture of high performance, execution, and quality Supports the career development of direct reports through active mentorship

Please note:

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and other similar duties may be required from time to time.

Skills and Requirements

BS in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related discipline required, with five to ten years of relevant industry experience, including manufacturing, quality control, or project management. Broad technical knowledge of life science reagents, enzyme production, or genomics is a plus. Experience in biotech and a start-up environment are highly desirable. Experience working within a Quality Management System ( GMP / ISO13485 certified environment )



The following skills and experience are requirements for the position:


Exceptional leadership and cross-functional team-building skills Strong, positive interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team Skilled at building and managing schedules, timelines, and resource allocation Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines and work without supervision Good communication and personal task management skills and a high level of self-motivation and initiative A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to read, write, and edit technical documents

Education

An undergraduate degree / Bachelors Degree in a relevant life science discipline is required; an advanced degree (MS/MBA) preferred Minimum of 5 - 10 years in biotech or related industry, including positions with broad functional scope across manufacturing, quality, and project management

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:


Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter) Resume or Curriculum vitae*, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience


Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.



If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.



To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Friday, 4 April 2025. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.


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WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER


Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.


All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.


This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.