
There are many pathways that can be taken when entering the Quality Assurance function, LDI work with individuals to understand career goals, what an individual is working towards and then work in partnership taking steps towards achieving them.
Quality Assurance Career Path
Key Skills
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Communication
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Attention to detail
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Analytical
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Problem solving
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Ability to work within a team
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Time Management
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Ability to work under pressure

Key Requirements
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Degree Education – The type of degree required or desired by clients often depends on the products they are manufacturing, but generally cover:
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Engineering
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Chemistry
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Any Life Science
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Other requirements will very much depend on the level of entry you are seeking, but could cover:
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Understanding of quality standards
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Production experience
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Exposure to research and development and the surrounding processes
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Particular product knowledge
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Understanding of particular technology
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Employers
Any manufacturer of a product will have a quality organisation of sorts, however the more regulated sectors such as:
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Biotechnology
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Life Science
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Mental Health
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Automotive
- Manufacturing
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Aerospace
will have a larger and more development quality organisation to ensure they meet the regulations for their individual sector.
It is often difficult, but NOT impossible to move across sectors as many organisations prefer individuals to have relevant sector experience. HOWEVER this is NOT always the case.
Please note that there is no one career pathway within Quality and individuals can achieve their goals taking a variety of different routes. The following information is purely an example, we may not have included ALL titles and in some cases they may vary.
Quality Assurance Career Path Flow
QA Specialist
Supports all quality assurance activities relating to the design, manufacturing, packaging, testing, storage and distribution of products.
Key responsibilities:
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Checks the implementation of the quality management system
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Conducts quality assurance audits and records results from processes and procedures
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Responsible for logging any compliance issues
Senior Specialist
Supports all quality assurance activities relating to the design, manufacturing, packaging, testing, storage and distribution of products.
Key responsibilities:
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Checks the implementation of the quality management system
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Conducts quality assurance audits and records results from processes and procedures
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Responsible for logging any compliance issues
QA Auditor
Responsible for evaluating and ensuring that internal and external departments are meeting regulations.
Key responsibilities:
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Travels to manufacturing sites and facilities to conduct audits
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Write up reports identifying areas where the supplier could make improvements
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Manage post-audit activities and follow-up on any necessary CAPA required
Design Assurance
Responsible for working with the Research and Development organisation to ensure that quality is designed into the products from concept.
Key responsibilities:
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Works with R&D to drive quality throughout the product development lifecycle
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Ensure Pre-market regulations are adhered to
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Drive projects from concept through to commercialisation
QA Systems
Establishes, develops and manages systems to ensure quality governance of all internal and outsourced activities.
Key responsibilities:
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Develops and manages the quality management system
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Coordinates strategic quality activities in line with the company’s goals
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Provides guidance in the application of the quality management system to all stakeholders
QA Operations
Responsible for all quality operations within a manufacturing environment and direct line manager to the quality assurance specialists.
Key responsibilities:
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Manages hiring, on-boarding and employee development for the QA team
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Provides quality assurance oversight, technical expertise and leadership
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Responsible for resource management and planning
QA Compliance Manager / QA Audit Management
Develops and drives operational quality and process improvement initiatives.
Key responsibilities:
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Responsible for meeting regulatory bodies rules
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Develops and implements quality policies and processes
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Performs quality checks and audits and investigates any issues
Head of/Director of Design Assurance/Quality Systems/Quality Operations/Post Market (Compliance)
Oversees and manages all activities of quality teams throughout the above specialist areas.
Key responsibilities:
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Responsible for the development and execution of quality assurance processes and ensures compliance with the established standards across their area of coverage
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Develops and leads teams to ensure the delivery of strategic objectives
VP Quality
Responsible for the strategic development and execution of the quality assurance department.
Key responsibilities:
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Provides leadership and mentorship to the quality assurance team
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Ensures quality metrics comply with best industry standards and practice
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Maintains effective quality governance to meet business and compliance needs

Quality Assurance Careers by Sector
