Director of Quality Control - Commercial

Leader Responsibilities

Leads and develops a high-performing Quality Control organization
Provides mentoring, coaching, and professional development for technical staff; provides constructive and timely performance evaluations, and handles discipline of employees in accordance with company policy
Establish clear departmental goals aligned with organizational quality and operational objectives
Conducts performance reviews and ensure staff maintain appropriate training and GMP qualifications
Fosters a culture of quality ownership, compliance, and continuous improvement
Oversees daily workflow of the department

Commercial Quality Control Operations

Lead Quality Control activities supporting commercial and late-stage clinical manufacturing.
Ensure timely and compliant release testing of raw materials, intermediates, bulk products, and finished drug products.
Ensure laboratory activities support manufacturing schedules and customer commitments.
Maintain laboratory capacity planning and resource forecasting to support business growth.
Establish and monitor departmental performance metrics and key performance indicators.
Stability Program Management
Oversee commercial and late phase clinical stability programs.
Ensure ongoing stability commitments are executed according to approved protocols.
Review and approve stability data, trending reports, and investigation outcomes.
Ensure timely reporting of stability results and product quality concerns.
Raw Material Program
Direct raw material testing, qualification, and disposition activities.
Ensure appropriate sampling, testing, and release controls are maintained.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Supplier Quality functions regarding material quality issues.
Support supplier qualification and material risk assessment activities.
In-Process Testing & Manufacturing Support
Ensure timely in-process testing support for manufacturing operations.
Partner with Manufacturing and Process Sciences teams to support process monitoring and continued process verification.
Support PPQ campaigns and commercial validation activities through laboratory testing services.
Cleaning Verification Program
Oversee analytical support for equipment cleaning verification programs.
Ensure cleaning verification swab and rinse testing is performed according to approved procedures and validated analytical methodologies.
Support cleaning validation and continued cleaning verification strategies.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Validation, and Quality Assurance regarding cleaning program effectiveness and compliance.
Laboratory Operations & Asset Management
Direct laboratory operations including scheduling, workflow management, and capacity planning.
Oversee laboratory instrumentation lifecycle management.
Ensure timely calibration, qualification, maintenance, repair, and replacement of laboratory equipment.
Manage vendor relationships supporting laboratory equipment and services.
Coordinate instrument service schedules to minimize operational disruptions.
Ensure laboratory facilities remain inspection-ready and compliant.
Contract Laboratory Oversight
Serve as Quality Control owner for external laboratory relationships.
Oversee analytical testing agreements and outsourced testing activities.
Monitor laboratory performance metrics and service quality.
Ensure appropriate data review and disposition of externally generated data.
Laboratory Compliance & Data Integrity
Maintain GMP-compliant laboratory systems and practices.
Ensure data integrity principles are implemented and maintained in accordance with ALCOA+ requirements.
Support internal audits, client audits, and regulatory inspections.
Lead laboratory investigation activities related to OOS, OOT, atypical results, laboratory deviations, and data events.
Drive timely and effective corrective and preventive actions.
Method Lifecycle Management
Partner with Analytical Development and Validation teams to support method transfer, qualification, verification, and validation activities.
Ensure control strategies, specifications, and analytical procedures remain fit for intended use throughout the product lifecycle.
Support compendial assessments and implementation of evolving pharmacopeial requirements.
Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, EMA, ICH, USP, and cGMP requirements.
Maintain inspection readiness across all laboratory operations.
Support regulatory submissions and agency interactions as required.
Participate in Management Review and Quality Council initiatives.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory effectiveness and compliance robustness.

Required Skills & Abilities

General knowledge of oral solid dosage manufacturing processes preferred
Expert knowledge of GMP QC operations for late-phase and commercial programs
In-depth understanding and application of cGMP principles, concepts, practices, and standards
Experience with regulatory inspections by the FDA and EU authorities
Ability to influence diverse stakeholders and drive accountability and decision-making cross functionally
Interest in developing and implementing new technologies.
Demonstrated ability to partner with other functional groups to achieve business objectives
Experience organizing and managing work responsibilities while working independently with minimal oversight
Time and project management skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Communicate effectively and maintain productive relationships with coworkers, clients, and other contacts outside of the company
Accepts feedback from a variety of sources and constructively manages conflict
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to lead organizations
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate when appropriate
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education & Experience

B.S. / M.S. in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related discipline with at least 5 years QC management experience and 10+ years related experience preferred (CDMO experience preferred)
Demonstrated continued growth and responsibility in management and leadership experience.
Expert level knowledge of drug product and raw material release and stability testing, industry expectations, methods, and systems for pharmaceutical products.
Expert level knowledge of Industry Compendia (USP/Pharm EU, etc.).
Working knowledge of regulatory requirements including cGMP, FDA/EU, ICH and USP.
Requires 10+ years of GMP experience.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
Adheres to consistent and predictable in-person attendance