Clinical Quality Operations Manager- Remote

MSD; Rahway (NJ); Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a qualified professional to drive clinical quality oversight across trials, with emphasis on risk-based quality management and inspection readiness. You will partner with CQOL and CQO leadership to embed quality into trial delivery and supplier oversight.

The role requires extensive experience in QA/CMC, GCP, and regulatory inspections, plus strong cross-functional leadership and problem-solving skills. Remote work options are available globally.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or clinical research.
• Robust knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), ICH GCP guidelines, and worldwide Regulatory Health Authority requirements.
• Advanced experience in independent root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA development and effectiveness management, and service provider quality oversight.

Responsibilities

• Support Trial Teams in embedding quality into sponsored trials and oversight of SQIs and SBs.
• Lead Inspection Hypercare Teams (IHT) to ensure ongoing inspection readiness.
• Coordinate CAPA processes and root cause analyses for regulatory commitments.
• Provide SME guidance on quality processes, standards, and regulatory requirements to Trial Teams.

Skills

Quality management

GxP Compliance

CAPA

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Health Care or Science

Tools

QMS software

Regulatory databases

Job description

Job Description It is critical that consistent, accurate, high-quality data is generated and maintained from clinical trials conducted worldwide. In collaboration with the Clinical Quality Operations Lead (CQOL) and Head of CQO, the CQOM is responsible for the execution of clinical quality oversight activities within an assigned trial. This includes proactive quality management, risk-based quality oversight, and clinical trial inspection management activities. The CQOM will provide clinical quality operations support to Trial Teams (TTs) to proactively embed quality into sponsored trials, ensure robust supplier oversight, and address critical quality issues as needed. The incumbent will assist with the overall strategy for maintaining ongoing inspection readiness, as well as preparing for, managing, and following up on regulatory inspections.

Core Responsibilities

• Trial Team, Research Portfolio and Enterprise Support
• Independently support assigned Trial Teams (TT) and drive implementation of Quality by Design.
• Act as a Process Subject Matter Expert (SME) within Clinical Quality Operations, providing guidance on quality processes, standards, and regulatory requirements to TTs.
• Support identification, investigation, escalation, and resolution of study-level quality issues including Significant Quality Issues (SQIs) and Serious Breaches (SBs).
• Support Trial Teams in assessing trial health and conducting quality reviews, as needed.
• Lead Inspection Hypercare Teams (IHT) with the aim of ensuring that, at all stages, the Trial Team (TT) maintains ongoing inspection readiness.

Regulatory GCP Inspections & Research and Development Quality Assurance Audits

• Provide oversight for operational management of sponsor inspections (e.g., act as Control Room Lead or Control Room Support).
• Act as Inspection Lead for site inspections.
• Conduct pre-inspection visit (PIV) for impending site inspections.
• Author key inspection communications (e.g., daily summaries, inspection outcomes, and issue escalations).
• Coordinate the inspection response process managing the root cause analysis, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) and associated regulatory commitments to completion, ensuring that key inspection documentation is maintained at all times.
• Support Quality Assurance audits (i.e., Study Level Audits) providing support to TT before, during and after audit, including coordinating root cause analysis for any applicable observations, development of responses, CAPA management and tracking.

Clinical Quality Risk Management

• Collaborate with the Clinical Quality Risk Manager (CQRM) to operationalize quality risk management during trial conduct.
• Provide critical insights from study level audits, inspections, and quality issues and support identification of actionable resolution pathways for quality signals that emerge during trial conduct.

Service Provider Quality Oversight

• Serve as the primary clinical quality Point of Contact (POC) for assigned key service providers (e.g., tier 1 and tier 2 service providers).
• Responsible for the strategic development and management of service provider clinical quality agreements.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Support quality-related mergers and acquisitions activities, as required, to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer, risk management, and inspection readiness.

CQO Infrastructure, Process Innovation & Special Projects

• Contribute to the ongoing development of CQO infrastructure and process innovation.
• Support and lead special projects and strategic assignments within CQO as assigned by CQOL.

AI Efficiency & Optimization

• Proactively identify and apply AI-driven approaches to improve operational efficiency and decision-making within CQO.
• Work with data and analytics to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree or equivalent in a health care or scientific area.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or clinical research.
• Robust knowledge of quality management and clinical trial operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), ICH GCP guidelines, and worldwide Regulatory Health Authority requirements.
• Advanced experience in independent root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA development and effectiveness management, and service provider quality oversight.

Skills

• Superior oral and written communication skills in an international, matrixed environment.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams of business and clinical professionals.
• Able to act urgently and decisively on worldwide health authority inspection matters.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and solve complex quality and compliance issues.
• Ability to think strategically and objectively with digital savvy (awareness of AI and machine learning tools).
• #eligibleforERP

Required Skills

• CAPA Management
• Clinical Quality Management
• Communication
• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Data Analysis
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Process Improvements
• Project Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Regulatory Inspections
• Risk Management
• Root Cause Identification
• Strategic Thinking
• Taking Initiative

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 25% Flexible Work Arrangements: Remote Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 10/23/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.