5 Questions with Willis H. Thomas, HR & Procurement Liaison, US, PQE Group

1. Please introduce yourself to our audience by looking back at your education, training, and career path. 

I earned a PhD in Evaluation from Western Michigan University; my dissertation was focused on project evaluation. I have been involved in the life sciences industry since 2003 and I began my career in life sciences with Pfizer in Kalamazoo, MI. (28) Dr. Willis H. Thomas, PMP, CPT | LinkedIn

2. Can you share more about your specific role at PQE Group? What are your main goals in this role, and what’s your favorite part about your job?

My cross-functional role at PQE US involves human resources, strategic planning, training and business development. Goals include but certainly are not limited to, ensuring my US colleagues – administrative, consulting, and the entire group of PQE US employees -- receive the support, career development, and opportunities they need to be successful and grow within the company.  I also work with numerous industry organizations to help raise awareness of PQE Group in the US by providing content, participating in training initiatives, and serving as a panelist and/or speaker at a variety of industry conferences.  My favorite part of my job, I think, is the sheer number of people I meet and work with on any given day.  It’s fantastic!

3. Can you tell us more about why companies should consider partnering with PQE Group and what type of services you offer to your clients?

PQE Group has the expertise and capacity to support turnkey projects across life sciences’ core business functions, including commissioning and qualification, validation, lab systems, regulatory and quality compliance, pharmacovigilance, and more. Partnering with PQE enables companies to have a strategic advantage by having access to high-quality resources on demand to fulfill specific project requirements. Its global footprint, which includes 40+ offices and more than 2000 professionals located around the world, offers clients strong experience and knowledge, with local as well as global expertise that provides innovative, cost-effect solutions to the challenges faced in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries.      

4. Consulting is becoming a popular career path, particularly for scientists and medical professionals. What, in your opinion, are the top skills needed to be successful in a life science-focused consulting role?

Behavioral and technical skills are equally important. In addition, possessing familiarity, understanding, knowledge and experience with emerging trends in AI, digital transformation, documentation management and changes in regulatory compliance are imperatives for those engaged in consulting.

5. Now for the fun question – what is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?

Understand and commit to being helpful. People will eventually let you know what they need.