The Director, Commercial Quality Control is responsible for leadership, oversight, and strategic direction of Quality Control operations supporting commercial and late-stage clinical manufacturing. The role ensures that laboratory activities, analytical testing programs, personnel, systems, and facilities are compliant with applicable regulatory requirements and capable of supporting commercial product release, raw material disposition, stability programs, in-process testing, cleaning verification activities, and continued process verification initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring that Quality Control laboratories are appropriately staffed, qualified, resourced, and inspection-ready while maintaining a strong culture of data integrity, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. This position establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, contract laboratories, equipment service providers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies. The Director of Commercial Quality Control also serves as a key Quality leader during regulatory inspections, client audits, and internal quality reviews, and drives continuous improvement initiatives related to quality control.
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
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
Applicants must be authorized to work for an employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Benefits Summary:
Serán employees accrue over four weeks of paid time off annually. Employer contributions to a retirement account begin after 90 days and do not require an employee match or vesting period. Various health plans allow employees to find the best coverage for their individual or family needs with minimal employee contributions. Serán covers each employee with basic life and long-term disability, giving access to increase or add coverage. An Employee Assistance Program provides support for all things related to our employees’ wellbeing, along with access to pet insurance.