At Rubicon, quality isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about curiosity, clarity and care. Our Quality Manager Jon embodies all three. His journey into quality began with a natural instinct to get to the bottom of things. “I’ve always had a natural interest in finding out how and why things work,” he explains. After completing his PhD, Jon moved into industry, joining a pharmaceutical QC lab as an Analyst. He quickly found himself drawn to investigations and continuous improvement projects, enjoying the challenge of making processes more efficient and effective. His success in these areas didn’t go unnoticed. “The Head of Quality put me forward for a QA Team Leader role, and I got to work with an eclectic mix of knowledgeable and experienced people. I found a home in quality.”
Jon’s days are filled with preparation and review of documents such as investigation reports, risk assessments, audit reports and technical agreements. But it’s collaboration that he enjoys most. “My favourite thing to do as a Quality Manager is work with Subject Matter Experts when updating SOPs or carrying out audits. I always feel like I’ve learnt something new and am amazed by the skill/technical knowledge of the teams I have worked with particularly here at Rubicon” That constant learning and exchange of ideas is what keeps him energised.
Since joining Rubicon, one of Jon’s proudest moments has been being named as a Responsible Person on a client’s WDA(h). It was the first time he had been listed on a pharmaceutical licence, and it required passing an MHRA assessment. “It was definitely a proud moment,” he says with a smile.
When it comes to defining quality, Jon sees it as much more than compliance. “It’s about ensuring that the end product, whether that’s a physical item or a service, is provided consistently to the correct standard.” He believes true quality is about embedding clear, practical processes that make the complex easy to navigate. “When done well, a company runs smoothly and everyone knows what to do, even when things don’t go to plan.” Recently he’s been reflecting on how the industry approaches risk, particularly the idea of risk acceptance. “Aiming for zero risk can make processes overly complex and error prone. True quality means understanding and managing risk effectively through control, mitigation and monitoring strategies.”
Jon’s practical mindset has made a real difference for clients too. He recalls a project where he advised a client on exporting their product. “After a thorough risk assessment, we developed a process that balanced regulatory requirements with cost-effectiveness. It meant they could expand into new markets and increase their brand awareness.”
Outside of work, Jon’s attention to detail still shines through. He’s a big fan of escape rooms, and admits, “I’ve always taken a step back at the beginning to survey the room and take in the details. Sometimes to the annoyance of my team, but it always pays off later.” Away from puzzles and paperwork, his favourite moments are spent with his two children, a seven-year-old daughter who loves gymnastics and a four-year-old son who’s superhero obsessed. “Fun fact, I learnt this week I can sort of do a handstand.”
It’s that same curiosity, patience and persistence that make Jon such a valuable part of the Rubicon team. He brings balance, focus and an unwavering eye for improvement to everything he does, both inside and outside the office.
