Global Quality Assurance Manager

Looking for a challenge in one of the world’s largest airfreight logistics organisations?

At IAG Cargo we are in the business of moving things. From antibiotics to rhinoceros, gold bullion to avocados and everything in between. Whatever people need, wherever they are. In an era of digital screens and closed borders, we open the skies and fly the world to bring people the things they really need.

We are the logistics and cargo brand of International Airlines Group (Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling). At IAG Cargo, we believe in keeping the world’s economies turning, and do everything with determined attitudes, curious minds, collaborative actions and heartfelt pride. Join us at our globally recognised logistics business, where we are building a great place to work for customers and colleagues alike.

About the role

The Global Quality Assurance Manager is accountable for maintaining regulatory compliance and driving quality excellence across the Constant Climate global network. The role leads the Quality Management System (QMS), manages the global audit plan, oversees deviation and CAPA management, and acts as the Quality Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all temperature‑controlled pharmaceutical shipments. The Global Quality Assurance Manager, will be a Responsible Person (RP), ensuring IAG Cargo maintains all required GDP licences, training and regulatory obligations. The role also owns Technical Quality Agreements (TQAs), represents IAG Cargo in customer and regulatory interactions, and supports commercial growth through quality assurance leadership

What you’ll do

• Own and manage the Quality Management System for temperature‑controlled pharmaceutical products, ensuring alignment with EU GDP, IATA TCR, WHO GDP and applicable national regulations.

• Maintain and update product SOPs/LOPs, documentation and controlled records.

• Ensure QMS effectiveness through defined KPIs including CAPA performance and other quality metrics.

• Develop and deliver the annual risk‑based global audit and inspection plan.

• Lead and host audits from MHRA, regulatory authorities, shippers, freight forwarders and other external bodies.

• Ensure timely audit reporting, corrective actions and effectiveness reviews.

• Lead and approve investigations into deviations and incidents, ensuring robust root‑cause analysis and timely closure of CAPAs.

• Provide oversight to protect product integrity and maintain full compliance with GDP requirements.

• Act as the RP, fulfilling all statutory obligations and ensuring IAG Cargo meets all licensing, training and regulatory requirements.

• Provide RP decision‑making to safeguard product quality, supply chain resilience and compliance.

• Named Responsible Person (RP) on all relevant licences held by IAG Cargo facilitating cross-Product delivery.

• Act as a customer‑facing Quality representative: present quality frameworks, support audits, and contribute to RFIs/RFPs.

• Partner with Sales to support commercial growth through QA input into bids, client onboarding and training materials.

• Work with partners to align standards and deliver shared improvement initiatives.

• Work with Operations, Customer Service, Network Quality, Product and Commercial teams to identify risks, implement controls and drive improvement.

• Contribute quality expertise to cross‑functional business projects, including digital initiatives.

• Lead and develop global and hub‑based Quality and Regulatory Compliance resources, including direct line management responsibilities, setting clear objectives, building capability, and ensuring sustained high performance.

• Deliver quality‑focused knowledge‑sharing and training across the network to improve competence and standardisation.

• Monitor and support station performance, resolving audit findings and addressing gaps to plan.

• Own and manage digital lane risk assessment tools, ensuring risk assessments are maintained, approved and aligned with GDP, IATA TCR and QMS requirements.

It's all about you

What you’ll bring to IAG Cargo:

• Proven leadership experience in Quality Assurance within regulated logistics or air cargo.

• In‑depth understanding of EU GDP, IATA TCR, WHO GDP and QMS requirements.

• Strong auditing, investigative and analytical skills.

• Excellent written, verbal and stakeholder‑management skills, including customer‑facing communication.

• Strong organisation, planning and people‑management capability.

• Experience in temperature‑controlled or time‑sensitive product environments.

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and sound decision‑making.

• Ability to build strong working relationships across multiple functions.

Skills and Experience:

• Qualified Responsible Person (RP); must obtain and maintain all RP licences/certifications required for the role

• Demonstrable experience in QA leadership, audit delivery, and/or compliance project management.

• Familiarity with pharmaceutical air‑freight processes and temperature‑controlled logistics

We’ll treat you right

Wherever you work within IAG Cargo, you’ll play a part in helping us deliver what the world needs and join a diverse and inclusive business that’s making a difference.

As well as a competitive salary, bonus, we offer a range of benefits to support our colleagues, which include:

• A hybrid environment with 3 days a week in the office and two from home.

• From the day you join us, you’ll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways and group airlines. You’ll also receive up to 30 discounted ‘Hotline’ airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family.

• Flexible bank holiday policy- Individuals not on shift have the flexibility to swap the statutory public holidays, with the days you choose to take off instead.

• All our colleagues get access to LinkedIn learning and Rosetta Stone Language courses

• For health and wellbeing we offer a free onsite gym facility as well as access to the UNMIND app and a community of Mental Health First Aiders

• Access to discounts on Apple, Cinema tickets and loads of other goodies through Perks at work

Diversity and Inclusion

Our recruitment procedures positively support our diversity and inclusion agenda.

All candidates are considered strictly on their merits in relation to the criteria for the role, treated fairly and consistently, and have their individual needs responded to throughout the process.

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