Associate Director, Quality

Socket.dev; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Socket.dev in the United States is seeking an Associate Director Quality to lead quality management for external suppliers across Formulation, Fill, Finish & Packing. You will oversee supplier quality systems, conduct assessments, and partner with regulatory agencies to ensure GMP compliance.

This role requires a Bachelor's in a science/technical field and 10 years in a related role, with strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, and cross-functional collaboration. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher in a science/technical field with pharma exposure.
• Deep knowledge of cGMPs, quality systems, and the pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Excellent written and spoken English; ability to interact with regulators.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Quality Supplier Management including annual assessments and quality agreements.
• Review and approve cGMP documentation and validation plans with suppliers.
• Lead cross-functional quality improvements and regulatory inspection readiness.
• Escalate and resolve supplier quality issues to ensure on-time product supply.

Skills

Quality Management

Regulatory Compliance

GMP Knowledge

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Negotiation

Travel up to 25%

Education

Bachelor's degree in a science/technical field such as Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering

Master's Degree in Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs or other advanced scientific field

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director Quality

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of quality management for our external suppliers? As an Associate Director Quality, you will be responsible for overseeing quality activities that support the execution of Quality Management for suppliers across various categories, including Formulation, Fill, Finish & Packing. Your role will involve managing quality systems, conducting supplier assessments, and interacting with regulatory agencies. You'll also serve as a subject matter expert, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements. Are you prepared to make a significant impact on our product supply chain?

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for Quality Supplier Management including but not limited to: Annual Assessments; Quality Agreements; trending and reporting of data; assessing, reviewing and improving quality systems at Suppliers; attendance at Quality and Business Review Meetings.
• Maintains a high level of understanding of relevant production processes and quality systems.
• Performs the Quality review and/or approval of the following cGMP documentation for their Suppliers: Change Requests, Product Quality Reviews or Supplier Quality Review (DMS), CMC documentation (ERV) associated with changes or product establishment at Suppliers, Development and technology transfer documentation, along with Director, Supply and Quality Systems, EQ, Quality Investigations (Deviations, Product Quality Complaints), Validation Plans, Protocols and Reports.
• Collaborates with and influences other Quality professionals across the organization to ensure consistent application and execution of key quality systems.
• Responsible for quality issues escalation and resolution at the Suppliers, to ensure right product at the right time is delivered into the Product Supply Chain.
• Proactively ensures GMP and regulatory compliance during the planning, execution and closeout phases of projects at their Supplier(s).
• As a member of a Supplier Management team, responsible for supporting cost saving initiatives, value creation, performance standards, continuous improvements, and issue resolutions at their Supplier(s).
• Collaborates with, and influences, other PCO/assigned area members to facilitate process improvements and risk assessments; benchmarks internal and external Quality practices to identify innovative efficient and effective practices.
• Stays abreast of evolving regulatory compliance practices and recommends implementation strategies to EQ/AZ site leaders.
• Collaborates in data analysis and report creation on quality metrics and key performance indicators.
• Develops and maintains effective business relationships with Suppliers.
• Specific to the support and management of External Quality QMS, may be responsible for one or more of the following: Site Stability Management System. Manages quality data and records in relevant quality management support systems (e.g. Veeva Vault etc) as required. Assist in the production of, or contribution to, AZ quality documentation (including EQ/EQ SOPs, Q & C Manual Procedures, etc). Participates in EQ self-inspection program, auditing processes and procedures.
• Develops and maintains a high level of understanding of the technical production process and quality systems being utilized within the External Supply & Manufacturing (ESM) and External Quality (EQ) organisations. Accountable for Quality decision-making; works directly with the Supplier Management leader and other team members to deliver objectives. Ensures compliance with all GMP Compliance and Regulatory requirements by providing proper coaching, mentoring and consultation to the Supplier Management Team. Provides functional direction as required.
• Planning for, supporting and participating in Regulatory Agency inspections of their Suppliers and AZ sites (regarding Quality management for supply of external materials to the Sites).
• As needed, perform Quality Audits within their technology area, as a Guest Auditor on the GQA lead audit team.
• Serve as EQ representative on Issue Management Teams.
• Provide expert Quality input to NPI, Asset Strategy and/or Value Delivery projects. This includes identifying and assessing Suppliers, establishing Supplier’s way of working with External Quality and supporting the Supplier through to regulatory approval.
• Liaise with Suppliers to ensure successful delivery of projects.
• Make decisions and advise the Supplier Management Team regarding quality and pharmaceutical technology issues within their area of expertise.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a science / technical field such as Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering (Note: there may be specific additional requirements depending on the regulations in each country).
• Proven broad experience in either the pharmaceutical operations environment or pharmaceutical Quality Assurance role.
• 10 years of experience in a similar role.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of cGMPs, Quality Systems and the pharmaceutical supply chain environment. Also, strong understanding of industry standards such as Pharmacopeia, ISO standards, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills [English and local language(s)].
• Demonstrated experience working cross functionally and managing significant improvement initiatives (e.g. project management skills).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiating/influencing skills.
• Ability to work independently under his/her own initiative.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required up to 25% of their time.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience working in a PCO/PET organization or Lean/Six Sigma training.
• Multi-site / multi-functional experience.
• Proven experience in Quality Assurance or combination of Quality and Technical.
• Master's Degree in Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs or other advanced scientific field.

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from 129,556.80 - 194,335.20 USD annual base salary. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles),to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay(as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca, you'll find yourself immersed in a dynamic environment where innovation thrives. Our commitment to quality is unwavering as we strive to make a real difference in patients' lives. With a focus on growth and collaboration across diverse teams, you'll be part of an inclusive community that values every voice. Here, you'll have opportunities to work on exciting projects that push boundaries while developing your career alongside passionate colleagues.

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

Date Posted

19-sept-2026

Closing Date

09-oct-2026