Director of External Quality Assurance

Scienta; Paris; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Scienta in Paris is seeking a senior QA leader to oversee External Manufacturing quality for a broad, global network of CMOs. The role combines strategic direction with hands-on governance, driving quality standards across a large external manufacturing footprint and engaging with cross-functional partners to ensure regulatory compliance.

Leading a small QA team, you will shape long-term supplier strategy, manage third-party relationships, and embed continuous improvement across GMP processes

Qualifications

• Extensive QA experience in pharma/consumer healthcare with external manufacturing focus.
• Proven leadership of high-performing QA teams.
• Deep understanding of GMP and global regulatory frameworks.
• Experience managing complex CMO networks and third-party quality relationships.
• Ability to drive network optimisation and change programmes.
• Excellent communication and senior stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the QA External Manufacturing team (5 direct reports).
• Oversee quality governance of 100+ CMOs, ensuring GMP and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and manage quality audits, supplier qualification, and ongoing performance monitoring across CMOs.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain and Operations to drive quality excellence.
• Develop and execute a long-term CMO rationalisation strategy, reducing supplier base.
• Identify and manage quality risks across the external network and implement CAPAs.
• Drive continuous improvement across external manufacturing quality systems and processes.
• Represent QA at senior leadership level, influencing business decisions with quality at the forefront.

Skills

QA Leadership

GMP Knowledge

Regulatory Affairs

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

Pharmacist registration

Job description

Our client is a leading global consumer healthcare business with a broad portfolio of medicinal products sold across international markets. Following two significant business acquisitions, the organisation is in an exciting period of transformation and growth, with quality assurance sitting at the heart of its strategic agenda.

The Role

This is a high-impact, senior leadership position responsible for overseeing Quality Assurance across a large and complex external manufacturing network. With a portfolio currently exceeding 100 Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs), this role demands a confident, commercially aware QA leader who can operate at both a strategic and operational level.

Leading a team of 5 direct reports, you will drive quality standards across a network of medicinal product manufacturers, manage third-party relationships, and play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term external manufacturing strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the QA External Manufacturing team (5 direct reports)
• Oversee quality governance of 100+ CMOs, ensuring compliance with GMP, regulatory standards, and internal quality requirements
• Lead and manage quality audits, supplier qualification, and ongoing performance monitoring across the CMO network
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Operations to drive quality excellence
• Develop and execute a long-term CMO rationalisation strategy, reducing the supplier base in a controlled, risk-managed manner
• Identify and manage quality risks across the external network, implementing corrective and preventive actions where required
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across external manufacturing quality systems and processes
• Represent the QA function at senior leadership level, influencing business decisions with quality and compliance at the forefront

About You

• Registered Pharmacist (essential)
• Extensive experience in QA within a pharmaceutical or consumer healthcare environment, with a strong focus on external/contract manufacturing
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing QA teams
• Deep understanding of GMP regulations and international regulatory frameworks
• Experience managing complex CMO networks and third-party quality relationships
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to drive network optimisation and change programmes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to operate at senior level
• Comfortable working at pace in a complex, evolving business environment