Meet the Team – Q&A Rhona McAteer, Senior Associate Director
Tower Mains’ longest-serving team member, Rhona has been working in the pharmaceutical industry for over 25 years, initially in steriles QC microbiology before moving into pharmaceutical and medical device QA where she was promoted to Manager, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs. From there she moved to a small start-up solid and liquid oral dose pharmaceutical manufacturing facility then to a global CRO as the Manager, Quality Assurance Early Clinical Research at a phase I site before coming to Tower Mains as a Principal Associate, working her way up to Senior Associate Director.
Here, Rhona tells us what initially attracted her to QA, her career highlights, and what makes her tick outside of work.
What initially attracted you to a career in QA?
Honestly, it was a way out of the Lab, I had the opportunity to avail of QP training and work with different dosage forms and products. Winner, winner for me! I enjoy the variety the most – thinking and reacting in real-time while being pragmatic and offering sensible approaches.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Wow, that’s tough – probably seeing folks I mentor in QA blossom and grow. That and actively engaging with the regulators – being inspected is the one part of the industry I miss.
Do you have any tips for those wishing to progress in QA?
Don’t be afraid to try it – you probably know more than you think, and the softer skills are more important than book learning any day.
What makes you tick outside of work?
I’m a big homebody, family and friends are everything to me (and yes that does include my cat ?), so I’m in my element at home in Belfast. I’m a boring upper middle-aged person now so reading, gardening, and good food are up there too. And yes, I do enjoy a bit of travel.
To find out more about what Rhona and the Tower Mains team can do for you, click here, or email us at info@towermains.com.