Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory Manager Job Vacancy in Brikama, Gambia – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Quality Assurance

Job Description

Position: Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory Manager

Company: Sanofi

Location: Brikama, Gambia

Experience: Minimum 8-10 years in pharmaceutical quality control laboratory management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role. Experience with WHO, FDA, and EMA regulatory standards is essential.

Education: Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. Professional certification in Quality Management (e.g., CQA, CQM) is highly desirable.

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Quality Assurance

Department: Quality Control

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Sanofi is a leading global pharmaceutical company committed to improving health and well-being worldwide. With a presence in over 100 countries, we are dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering therapeutic solutions that address unmet medical needs. Our mission is to empower life, from prevention to treatment. In Gambia, our operations focus on manufacturing high-quality, essential medicines and vaccines, contributing significantly to the region’s healthcare infrastructure and public health goals. We invest in local talent and advanced technologies to ensure our products meet the highest international standards of safety, efficacy, and quality. Joining Sanofi means becoming part of a diverse, innovative team that values scientific excellence and is driven by a shared purpose to chase the miracles of science.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratory Manager to lead our state-of-the-art QC laboratory in Brikama. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring all raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products are tested and released in full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and all relevant regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will manage a team of QC analysts and technicians, oversee daily laboratory operations, and implement robust quality systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding product quality and patient safety while contributing to the growth of Sanofi’s manufacturing footprint in West Africa. For more Jobs in Gambia and career resources, visit our partner portal.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all activities within the Quality Control laboratory, including chemical, microbiological, and physical testing.
• Ensure timely and accurate testing and release of raw materials, packaging components, in-process samples, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods and laboratory procedures in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards (USP, BP, EP).
• Lead laboratory investigations for out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and deviations, ensuring root cause analysis and effective corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Manage laboratory resources, including budgeting, procurement of equipment and reagents, and maintenance of instrumentation (HPLC, GC, FTIR, Dissolution apparatus, etc.).
• Ensure the laboratory is always inspection-ready for internal audits and regulatory inspections from bodies like WHO, MCA-Gambia, and others.
• Develop and deliver training programs to enhance the technical and GMP knowledge of the QC team.
• Review and approve laboratory data, notebooks, and certificates of analysis (CoA).
• Stay abreast of new regulatory guidelines and technological advancements in pharmaceutical analysis.
• Foster a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Required Skills

• Expert knowledge of pharmaceutical analytical techniques, GMP, GLP, and data integrity principles (ALCOA+).
• Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Strong problem-solving, investigative, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and quality management software.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and a relentless commitment to quality.

Education

A Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline is required. A PhD is an advantage. Candidates must possess professional certifications in Quality Management or Quality Control (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Auditor or Manager). Continuous education in current regulatory trends is expected.

Experience

A minimum of 8-10 years of hands-on experience in a pharmaceutical quality control environment, with at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory capacity. Must have direct experience managing a GMP/GLP compliant laboratory, method validation/transfer projects, and hosting regulatory inspections. Experience in a multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing setting is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance for employee and family.
• Provident fund and retirement planning support.
• Generous annual leave and public holidays.
• Continuous professional development and international training opportunities.
• Relocation assistance (if applicable).
• Employee wellness programs and on-site medical facilities.

Training

• Extensive onboarding program covering Sanofi’s global quality policies and local SOPs.
• Regular internal and external GMP/GLP training workshops.
• Leadership and management development programs.
• Sponsorship for relevant international conferences and technical seminars.
• Cross-functional training opportunities within the manufacturing and quality assurance departments.

Working Environment

You will work in a modern, well-equipped, and safety-conscious laboratory environment within our integrated manufacturing facility in Brikama. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Supply Chain. We promote a culture of innovation, respect, and teamwork, where your expertise will be valued and your professional growth supported. This position is key to ensuring we deliver on our promise of quality to patients in Gambia and across the region.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their updated CV and a cover letter detailing their suitability for this role through the official Sanofi careers portal. The recruitment process will include an initial screening, technical assessment, and panel interviews with senior quality and site management. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We encourage all eligible applicants seeking a Job Vacancy in Gambia to apply. Explore more Career Opportunities in our network.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by Gambian law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We are proud to contribute to Employment in Gambia by creating high-skilled roles. Discover other regional Hiring initiatives through our partners.