Program Manager

Mindlance; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mindlance is seeking a Manager for Design Quality to ensure compliance in medical devices lifecycle. The role requires 8+ years in the industry, focusing on quality assurance and regulatory compliance for products like infusion pumps and autoinjectors.

The ideal candidate will have a technical degree, substantial experience in QA, and strong leadership skills to operate across teams effectively. The position is based in North Chicago, IL, and may require limited travel.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in the medical device or combination product industry.
• 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience required.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Primary driver for quality and compliance in product transfer.
• Lead/support process validation activities like IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Manage on-market design changes and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Medical Devices knowledge

FDA/EU regulations

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or other technical areas

Advanced degree preferred

ASQ certification preferred (CQA, CQE, SSBB)

Tools

ISO 13485

ISO 14971

21 CFR 820

Job description

Manager, Design Quality – Lifecycle Management

Location: North Chicago, IL

Top Skills, Experience or Education

• Working knowledge of Medical Devices and Combination Products (MDCP), such as Infusion Pumps, On Body Injectors, PFS
• FDA/EU regulations on MDCP
• Applicable standards

Job Description

Responsible for representing QA on cross‑functional teams and executing Quality System requirements to ensure products are properly transferred from development to manufacturing and maintained on market while assuring compliance to local, divisional, and corporate policies and external agency regulations worldwide. Products include medical devices and combination products, such as infusion pumps, enteral and sub‑cutaneous tubing, Pre‑filled Syringes, Autoinjectors, Eyecare Products, Aesthetic Devices, etc.

Responsibilities

• Primary driver for the quality and compliance aspects of product transfer and on‑market change management.
• Serves as the primary quality lead for design transfer activities to enable product launch, including transfers both within and outside of the client.
• Lead/support process validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ), including TMV.
• Mentor/lead product team members through the design transfer process providing guidance to assure optimal approach.
• Lead/support lifecycle design change projects following Design Control and Change Control principles.
• Own change plans to manage on‑market design changes, collaborate with cross‑functional team for impact assessments, define and execute action plans, and monitor to ensure timely closure.
• Identify gaps/improvement opportunities within the Design History File and Risk Management and track to closure.
• Identify gaps in existing processes as well as the need for new processes. Lead cross‑functional teams for solution development and implementation.
• Support the preparation of regulatory inspections and internal audits and represent QA in inspections and audits as SME.
• Participates in the development of global Product Quality Assurance strategy to support device and combination products produced at the client's plants as well as contract manufacturing and supplier facilities. Implements agreed strategy.
• Makes recommendations for key decisions on product quality, compliance and regulatory conformance issues.
• Establishes and maintains relationships and open communication with suppliers, contract manufacturers, client's plants, affiliates and other functional groups to maintain roles and responsibilities, identify potential projects and issues, obtain an in‑depth understanding of the quality, compliance, and resource needs at each site and provide guidance on quality concerns.
• Initiate assignments independently. Actively lead and participate on development and process improvement teams. Anticipate/resolve quality issues and take preventative actions.
• Actively monitor effectiveness of processes and quality of project work, propose and execute quality/process improvements. Write/review policies/processes/procedures and related documents.
• Conduct, lead, or participate in investigations and review boards for Change Plans, CAPAs, NCRs, Observations, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or other technical areas; Advanced degree preferred; ASQ certification preferred (CQA, CQE, SSBB, etc.)
• 8+ years of relevant experience in the medical device or combination product industry; 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience required.
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485, ISO 14971, 21 CFR 4, 21 CFR 820, EU Regulation 93/42/EEC (MDD) & 2017/745 (MDR)
• Working knowledge of international standards and regulations applicable to medical devices and combination products
• Experience with infusion pumps, PFS, Autoinjector, or On Body Injector preferred.
• Ability to apply practical and technical problem solving to quality system and product improvements;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to work effectively cross‑culturally and cross‑functionally.
• Proven ability to effectively lead cross‑functional teams and to influence where direct reporting line relationships do not exist.
• Capable of developing matrix relationships with key colleagues in other functional areas and divisions; Recognizes other colleagues' areas of expertise and utilizes them effectively to achieve team objectives.
• Champions high quality deliverables, innovation, and appropriate risk‑based decision making; Ability to understand the sensitivities within the client's environment.
• Excellent project management and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable to changes in work environment.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Able to travel up to 10% of the time.

EEO: Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.