Director, Quality Assurance

RPMGlobal; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Agenus is seeking a Director of Quality Assurance for onsite work in Lexington, MA. The role oversees GMP QA operations for internal and CDMO manufacturing, ensuring compliance for clinical and commercial programs.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in biotech/pharma QA with leadership, extensive GMP/GCP/GLP knowledge, and experience managing CMOs and regulatory inspections. This position emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and proactive quality oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive QA experience in biotech/pharma with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP, FDA, EMA, ICH, and global GMP, GCP, GLP regulations.
• Experience managing CMOs, supplier qualification, audits, and Quality Agreements.
• Experience leading FDA and international regulatory inspections and maintaining inspection readiness.

Responsibilities

• Oversee GMP QA operations for internal and external manufacturing at CDMOs.
• Lead development and improvement of GMP, GCP, GLP quality systems.
• Manage inspections, host regulatory visits, and resolve observations.
• Partner with Manufacturing, QC, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, and R&D to embed quality.
• Oversee vendor audits, QA agreements, and supplier qualification.
• Drive CAPA, change control, risk management, and deviation investigations.
• Support regulatory submissions and validation activities as needed.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing QA team.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Inspection readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in science

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Role

The Director of Quality Assurance will oversee GMP QA operations for internal manufacturing and external manufacturing at CDMOs to support both Agenus and MiNK businesses. The operational role includes oversight of quality management systems & compliance, procedures, lot disposition, quality agreements, vendor management, complaints/excursions, audits, validation projects and contribute to regulatory submissions. This role will also support clinical compliance to GCPs and Inspection Readiness in collaboration with Agenus Clinical Development leadership.

This role is required to be onsite in Lexington, MA.

In the role you will:

• Support batch record and SOP/Method development, review quality systems and associated executed batch records and testing records, and disposition onsite and CMO manufactured drug product to support clinical demand.
• Establish, maintain and develop quality procedures to support in-house operations.
• Review stability protocols and results, excursions, complaints and ensure timely response.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our GMP, GCP, and GLP quality systems to support clinical and commercial programs.
• Oversee FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory inspections, ensuring readiness and successful outcomes. Lead inspection readiness activities, host regulatory inspections, and ensure timely resolution of inspection observations and commitments.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality Control, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D teams to ensure quality is integrated into every stage of product development.
• Direct vendor and contract manufacturing organization (CMO) quality oversight, including audits, quality agreements, vendor change and performance monitoring. Oversee supplier qualification activities, negotiate and maintain Quality Agreements, and ensure ongoing compliance with external manufacturing and testing partners.
• Drive risk management initiatives, CAPA programs, and deviation investigations to ensure timely resolution and prevention of recurrence. Oversee execution of Quality Systems including Change Control, Deviations, CAPA, Risk Assessments, Complaint Investigations, Out of Specification Investigations and Product Disposition activities.
• Support validation activities including equipment qualification, process validation, analytical method validation, technology transfer, and associated quality oversight.
• Support Quality contributions to IND, BLA, and other global regulatory submissions as needed.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and a culture of accountability.
• Stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices, translating them into actionable strategies for the company.

Qualifications: About You

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive Quality Assurance experience within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience supporting biologics, cell therapy, and/or advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP regulations with demonstrated knowledge of FDA, EMA, ICH, and applicable global GMP, GCP, and GLP regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP manufacturing operations supporting biologics and/or cell therapy products.
• Experience managing quality oversight of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), contract testing laboratories, and external vendors, including supplier qualification, audits, and Quality Agreements.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting FDA and international regulatory inspections and maintaining inspection readiness.
• Experience supporting equipment qualification, process validation, analytical method validation, and technology transfer activities preferred.
• Experience supporting quality activities across the product lifecycle, from early development through commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience with CAPA, deviation investigations, change control, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, build collaborative partnerships across Manufacturing, Quality Control. Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and R&D, and drive quality initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and thrive in a dynamic, evolving biotechnology environment.

The targeted salary range for this position is $170,000 - $218,000 per year. Agenus is making a good faith effort to be transparent and accurate around our hiring ranges. The salary offered is commensurate with Agenus's compensation philosophy and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, critical needs of the role, and internal equity.