Director of Quality Assurance

The Director of Quality Assurance is a key leader in fostering a culture of quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. This role ensures that quality and compliance are effectively embedded into daily operations and aligned with the organization’s long-term quality strategy. The position provides strategic direction and oversight for Quality Assurance functions, driving end-to-end harmonization of quality processes, including risk management, GMP systems, and adherence to global regulatory requirements. Success in this role relies on building strong, collaborative partnerships with cross-functional stakeholders to execute strategies that support and advance the organization’s business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in QA Operations, complemented by strong leadership skills and a proactive, continuous improvement mindset. Experience spanning both clinical and commercial stages is essential, along with a proven track record as a Director of QA Operations within CDMO/CMO environments, including cell therapy and viral vector programs. This role is based on-site in Alameda, CA. Leading the implementation and monitoring of manufacturing and analytical processes in compliance with GMP, ensuring a state of operational control. Overseeing deviation and CAPA management systems, ensuring comprehensive investigations, effective corrective actions, and timely resolution. Managing the efficient review of GMP documentation and timely lot disposition to support compliant product release for both commercial and clinical products. Providing leadership for QA decision-making and serving as the primary escalation point for significant quality issues across the organization. Establishing and monitoring Quality key performance indicators, driving continuous improvement and maintaining readiness for regulatory inspections. Building strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including Site Leadership, Facility, Manufacturing, and Quality teams, to achieve strategic quality objectives. Championing a positive safety culture and promoting adherence to Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) requirements aligned with corporate and local regulations. Providing support and oversight for meetings focused on reviewing and assessing open gaps, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to mitigate potential risks. Prepares product and process quality reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends. Remain current on Regulatory Intelligence, new guidance documents and competitive information to provide comprehensive information to program teams. Responsible for the implementation and reporting on the performance of the Quality Management System to the executive management team. Establishes or administers an organizational quality management system and monitors progress against strategic quality-related goals. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a scientific discipline. A minimum of 15 years of experience in compliance, quality, and CDMO/CMO management with a focus on regulatory documentation and lifecycle management within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry is a must, including 10 years of experience in management/leadership roles. 10+ years in a QA management role. Minimum of 10 years of GMP experience. 12-15 years of QA related experience required. General knowledge of aseptic manufacturing processes. Broad knowledge of FDA and international regulations related to GMPs and Biopharma. 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 interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them