Fresenius Medical Care

Responsible Pharmacist Deputy - Quality Manager

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Full time

Quality Management System (QMS)

  • Implement, maintain, and improve the local QMS in alignment with global and regulatory standards.

  • Lead management reviews, internal audits, quality improvement projects, and compliance monitoring activities.

Regulatory Compliance & Inspections

  • Ensure full compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Distribution Practice (GDP), GxP, and Pharmacy Act requirements.

  • Support SAHPRA inspections, internal and external audits, including preparation, hosting, and CAPA management.

Deputy Responsible Pharmacist Duties

  • Act as Deputy to the Responsible Pharmacist in their absence and assist in the performance of all regulatory responsibilities as defined under the Pharmacy Act.

  • Ensure that all activities related to the procurement, storage, handling, distribution, and quality control of pharmaceutical products and medical devices are conducted in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

  • Monitor and ensure compliance with conditions of registration, licenses, and permits (e.g., SAHPRA, SAPC).

  • Maintain oversight of batch release, recall processes, and documentation as required by the South African regulatory framework.

  • Ensure the proper recording and reporting of product complaints and adverse events in collaboration with pharmacovigilance and regulatory teams.

  • Liaise with the SAPC and other authorities as needed

Documentation & Change Control

  • Manage SOPs, policies, and other controlled documents. Oversee document lifecycle, archival, and version control as per the corporate guidelines.

  • Lead change control processes, ensuring all proposed changes are assessed for quality and compliance impact.

Product Quality Oversight

  • Ensure product quality compliance across all stages from receipt to final distribution.

  • Review and approve quality records, deviations, non-conformances, and batch documentation.

Supplier & Third-Party Oversight

  • Qualify and audit external service providers (e.g., transporters, warehousing, contract labs).

  • Ensure suppliers adhere to quality agreements and meet performance expectations.

Management of third-party intermediaries (TPI) acting as distributors for the company in SSA countries:

 

  • Ensure the TPI are operating in accordance with local regulatory requirements and applicable licenses.
  • Supervise the compliance with contractual and quality agreements, including product handling, storage, distribution, and documentation standards.
  • Undergo regular performance assessments, quality audits, and risk evaluations.

  • Report and manage product complaints, deviations, and quality incidents in a timely and compliant manner.

  • Ensure clear and effective communication channels between the company and third-party partners to support product quality and patient safety.

  • Lead the implementation and periodic review of Quality/Technical Agreements with all third-party distributors.

Training & Development

  • Establish and maintain GxP training programs for all relevant staff.

  • Ensure personnel involved in the handling of medicines and medical devices are trained and competent.

Quality Risk Management

  • Lead quality risk assessments and implement risk mitigation strategies.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to proactively address quality concerns.

Pharmacovigilance and Product Recalls

  • Support local pharmacovigilance and product recall activities in compliance with regulatory requirements.

  • Participate in mock recalls and coordinate timely execution of recall procedures when needed.

Reporting & Communication

  • Prepare and communicate quality metrics and reports to management and global quality teams.

  • Escalate quality or compliance issues to senior leadership as necessary.

1) Required training and education:

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) is mandatory.

2) Required professional experience:

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in pharmaceutical quality management or regulatory compliance.
  • Strong knowledge of SAHPRA regulations, Pharmacy Act, GMP, GDP, and GxP standards.
  • Previous experience acting as or supporting a Responsible Pharmacist is an advantage.
  • Familiarity with multinational/matrix environments is preferred