Director Product Development

zentalis; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Zentalis is looking for a Director of Product Development in San Diego, California, responsible for leading technical efforts in the development and manufacturing of investigational drug products. This role involves managing contract manufacturing relationships and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree and over 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on process scale-up and the manufacturing of oral solid dosage forms. Join Zentalis to contribute to innovative oncology solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Extensive experience with oral solid dosage forms manufacturing.
• Prior experience with QbD and process validation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee activities with CMOs for drug product manufacturing.
• Lead cross-functional teams to meet operational and quality goals.
• Negotiate contracts and evaluate contract manufacturers.

Skills

Pharmaceutical sciences expertise

Process scale-up management

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, or chemical engineering

Job description

DIRECTOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Zentalis is a clinical oncology innovator developing a treatment approach for ovarian cancer and multiple tumor types. Leveraging therapeutics development and biomarker expertise, Zentalis is advancing monotherapy and combination studies of its investigational first‑in‑class WEE1 inhibitor, azenosertib. Focused on translating WEE1 science into clinical practice, we aim to equip physicians with a targeted, non‑chemo, orally available medicine that enhances treatment experience, choice, and outcomes. Our mission: to unburden cancer patients with more convenience and care.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position is responsible for the project‑oriented technical leadership for process development and manufacturing of investigational drug products from clinical to commercial stage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage and oversee activities and contractual relationship with Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) performing process scale‑up development, technology transfer, and manufacturing of drug product.
2. Lead and collaborate with cross‑functional project team members to meet operational, quality, and CMC goals.
3. Write Request for Proposal and negotiate contracts and agreements. Evaluate and select contract manufacturers.
4. Thoroughly review and approve master and executed manufacturing and packaging batch records.
5. Provide manufacturing summary reports.
6. Assist in preparation of regulatory documentation for IND and NDA submissions.
7. Work closely with CMC project managers, CTM supply chain manager, and drug substance team to plan and coordinate manufacturing activities to meet clinical supply projection.
8. Troubleshoot manufacturing related issues. Make decisions and recommendations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering or relevant area.
2. 8+ years relevant industry experience with increasing responsibility.
3. Extensive experience with process scale‑up and manufacturing of oral solid dosage forms.
4. Prior experience with QbD (Quality by Design) and process validation is a plus.
5. Proven track record of CMO management.
6. Experience in compiling technical information for manufacturing and control of critical steps to support regulatory submissions.
7. Thorough understanding of drug product GMPs and quality systems.
8. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
9. Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
10. Willing to travel up to 30% of time.