Quality Assurance Manager

Actalent; Morton Grove (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Dental

Vision

PTO

STI incentive bonus

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Manager of Quality Assurance to lead the QA organization at our Morton Grove, IL site, ensuring compliance with FDA and global standards across manufacturing, testing, and distribution. The role drives QMS policy, CAPA, audits, and supplier qualification, while partnering with R&D, regulatory affairs, and operations to embed quality throughout the product lifecycle.

You will mentor a small QA team, oversee inspections and deviations, and report on quality metrics with a

Qualifications

• 10+ years of QA experience in pharma/biotech, with small‑molecule/API preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory standards.
• Experience across clinical development, manufacturing, and post‑market activities.
• Proven ability to lead autonomous and collaborative teams in fast‑paced settings.
• Experience preparing for and managing audits of investigator sites, CROs, and vendors.
• Experience building/maintaining a QMS in line with cGMP and ICH.
• Oversee CAPA, deviation management, change control, and training systems.
• Experience with risk management, design controls, and supplier audits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality policies, standards, and systems aligned with regulatory obligations.
• Set measurable quality objectives and embed quality into the plant culture.
• Communicate quality importance to management, employees, and suppliers.
• Lead the QA team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Oversee inspections and respond to internal and external audits.
• Conduct investigations into deviations and CAPA processes.
• Monitor supplier quality and manage vendor contracts.
• Lead initiatives to improve process efficiency, product quality, and compliance.
• Maintain and update the quality management system and metrics reporting.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, supply chain, and regulatory affairs.

Skills

QA leadership

Regulatory knowledge

QMS / cGMP

Audits & CAPA

Supplier qualification

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Deviations & change control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Manager of Quality Assurance

Job Description: The Manager of Quality Assurance is a pivotal role within our SQE organization, ensuring that all pharmaceutical manufacturing, testing, and distribution processes adhere to stringent regulatory, safety, and quality standards. This position is vital in safeguarding patient safety, maintaining product efficacy, and ensuring compliance with laws such as U.S. FDA regulations and international standards. The role requires close collaboration with T&D, Engineering, Operations, and external customers and vendors to support the full lifecycle of GxP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality policies, standards, and systems aligned with the organization’s mission and regulatory obligations.
• Set measurable quality objectives and integrate quality into the plant’s culture.
• Communicate the importance of quality to all stakeholders, including management, employees, and suppliers.
• Lead the QA team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluation.
• Oversee inspection preparations and respond to internal and external audits.
• Conduct investigations into deviations, non-conformances, and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) processes.
• Monitor supplier quality and manage vendor contracts.
• Lead initiatives to improve process efficiency, product quality, and compliance.
• Maintain and update the quality management system and quality metrics reporting.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, supply chain, and regulatory affairs to ensure quality is embedded in all processes.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical or biotech Quality Assurance, with a preference for experience with small-molecule/API.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory standards.
• Experience in both commercial and development phases of pharmaceutical products, including clinical development, manufacturing, and post-market activities.
• Demonstrated experience in autonomous and collaborative team environments, with a track record of managing change in complex, fast-paced settings.
• Ability to prepare for and manage internal and external audits, including investigator sites, CROs, and vendors.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining a Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with cGMP, ICH, and other standards.
• Oversight of CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action), deviation management, change control, and training systems.
• Experience with risk management, design control, and supplier qualification audits.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific/technical discipline.
• Experience working in global organizations is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to operate effectively in highly regulated environments.
• Excellent critical thinking and risk-based decision-making skills.
• Proactive, self-driven, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex compliance concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to add value beyond basic compliance.

Work Environment

The QA team consists of over six individuals, supporting the CDMO QC Lab and Production teams onsite at the Morton Grove production/lab/office facility. The work is conducted in an office environment located above the lab/production area.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Morton Grove, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Health insurance, 401k, dental, vision, PTO, etc. 10% STI incentive bonus for this role.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Morton Grove,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 29, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.