Director, Global Supplier and External Manufacturing Quality

Alfasigma; Turbigo; Hybrid; EUR 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Italy is seeking an experienced Senior Leader in Quality Management. This role is critical for defining and executing the global quality strategy concerning suppliers and contract manufacturers. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience in quality roles within the pharmaceutical sector and must possess strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. This position requires a deep understanding of GMP and regulatory compliance, as well as fluency in English.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in pharmaceutical quality roles, with at least 2 years in global leadership.
• Proven experience in external manufacturing and supplier quality management.
• Fluent in English; any additional languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global quality strategy for suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Drive investigations, CAPAs, and root cause analysis for quality issues.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

GMP knowledge

Regulatory compliance understanding

Education

Degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, or Engineering

Advanced degree (MBA or comparable)

Tools

eQMS systems

Digital quality tools

Job description

This senior leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the global quality strategy all Quality activities related to suppliers, contract manufacturers (CMOs), external partners, and outsourced operations across the full product lifecycle. The position ensures compliance with GMP, GDP, and applicable regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the external supply network.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a global quality strategy for external manufacturing and suppliers aligned with corporate objectives and regulatory standards.
• Establish governance for supplier qualification, performance monitoring, and lifecycle management.

Supplier & External Manufacturing Oversight

• Own the global supplier and CMO Quality Management System (QMS).
• Approve and maintain the global supplier/CMO portfolio, including:
• Qualification and onboarding
• Quality agreements
• Performance monitoring and scorecards
• Periodic business reviews

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure timely release of externally manufactured products.
• Oversee product quality reviews (PQR/APR) and device post‑market surveillance.
• Ensure adherence to GMP, GDP, ISO standards, and global regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, ICH, PMDA).
• Oversee global audit programs and regulatory inspection readiness for external sites.

Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement

• Drive investigations, CAPAs, and root cause analysis for deviations and complaints.
• Implement supplier improvement initiatives and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead escalation and crisis management for supplier or CMO quality events

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Development to ensure seamless operations and compliance.
• Liase with Plant Supplier Qualification teams to identify synergies and streamline processes
• Support the internal plants during regulatory inspections and internal/external audits.
• Provide Quality leadership for strategic programs such as:
• New product introductions
• Network expansions
• Digital quality initiatives
• Build and lead a global team of quality professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, or Engineering; advanced degree (MBA or comparable) preferred.
• Experience:
• 12+ years in pharmaceutical/CHC quality roles, with at least 2 years in global leadership.
• Proven experience in external manufacturing and supplier quality management.
• Proven experience in digital tools and eQMS system for the management of suppliers
• Skills:
• Deep knowledge of GMP, QMS, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Other:
• Fluent in English; any additional languages a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally (30–50%).