Senior Compliance Specialist

Astellas; Westborough (MA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick) and

401(k) match

Annual Corporate Bonus

Long Term Incentive Plan

Company fleet vehicle

Job summary

Astellas Westborough, MA is seeking a Senior Compliance Specialist to lead QA compliance activities across GMP manufacturing programs as the company advances through clinical trials and commercialization.

The role collaborates with Manufacturing, Quality Control, Materials Management and contract manufacturers to ensure alignment with cGMPs, drive CAPA and continuous improvement, and mentor junior staff in regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Life Sciences, Engineering, or Chemistry with 5+ years QA experience in GMP industry (or 3+ years with MSc)
• Strong knowledge of cGMP regulations for biotechnology, cell therapy, or gene therapy, including ICH Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10 and other international regulatory requirements
• Experience in Deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA effectiveness verification
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Ability to interpret regulatory rules, guidance, and industry standards to make objective, risk-based decisions and communicate these effectively to internal stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for report generation and presenting compliance findings to senior leadership

Responsibilities

• QA Compliance Oversight: Independently performs QA reviews of Manufacturing batch records, QC test records, raw material inspection records, and calibration records, identifying and addressing documentation errors and deviations from SOPs or specifications.
• Deviation and CAPA Support: Leads deviation investigations, identifies root causes, and manages corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Assists in more complex investigations and ensures compliance records are thorough, technically sound, and risk-based.
• Internal Audits and Self-Inspections: Acts as a lead participant in the GMP Self-Inspection program, collaborating with teams across the organization to ensure adherence to both domestic and international GMP regulations and Astellas procedures.
• Contract Manufacturing Oversight: Assist in the oversight of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), reviewing compliance-related documents, ensuring alignment with company standards, and following up on compliance issues or concerns.
• Process Improvement: Identifies, recommends, and helps implement improvements to quality processes and procedures, aiming to improve overall operational efficiency and compliance.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Serves as a resource for less experienced compliance staff, providing mentorship on compliance-related tasks and helping troubleshoot complex quality issues.
• SOP Development: Leads the development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other quality documents to address new compliance requirements and improve existing practices.
• Metrics and Reporting: Aggregates, analyzes, and presents monthly compliance metrics. Collaborates with senior compliance specialists and management to drive continuous improvement initiatives based on findings.
• Continuous Compliance Improvement: Actively participates in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas of inefficiency or potential compliance risks and proposing solutions.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with cross-functional teams such as Manufacturing, QC, and Materials Management to ensure alignment on compliance activities and to help identify and mitigate compliance risks.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Deviation investigations

Root cause analysis

Regulatory interpretation

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

BS/BA in Life Sciences, Engineering, or Chemistry

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Westborough, Massachusetts, United States

Job Description

Senior Compliance Specialist

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at Astellas.com.

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients?

We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Purpose & Scope

The Senior Compliance Specialist will perform advanced QA compliance tasks and provide oversight in support of GMP manufacturing programs as AIRM progresses through clinical trials and commercialization. This role will act as a key player in maintaining compliance across a variety of Quality Assurance areas and will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (Manufacturing, Quality Control, Materials Management) to ensure high standards of quality and patient value delivery. The successful candidate will demonstrate increasing independence in compliance-related decision-making, while also supporting the leadership team on more complex compliance initiatives.

Role and Responsibilities

• QA Compliance Oversight: Independently performs QA reviews of Manufacturing batch records, QC test records, raw material inspection records, and calibration records, identifying and addressing documentation errors and deviations from SOPs or specifications. Tracks key compliance metrics and provides periodic updates.
• Deviation and CAPA Support: Leads deviation investigations, identifies root causes, and manages corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Assists in more complex investigations and ensures compliance records are thorough, technically sound, and risk-based.
• Internal Audits and Self-Inspections: Acts as a lead participant in the GMP Self-Inspection program, collaborating with teams across the organization to ensure adherence to both domestic and international GMP regulations and Astellas procedures.
• Contract Manufacturing Oversight: Assist in the oversight of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), reviewing compliance-related documents, ensuring alignment with company standards, and following up on compliance issues or concerns.
• Process Improvement: Identifies, recommends, and helps implement improvements to quality processes and procedures, aiming to improve overall operational efficiency and compliance.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Serves as a resource for less experienced compliance staff, providing mentorship on compliance-related tasks and helping troubleshoot complex quality issues.
• SOP Development: Leads the development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other quality documents to address new compliance requirements and improve existing practices.
• Metrics and Reporting: Aggregates, analyzes, and presents monthly compliance metrics. Collaborates with senior compliance specialists and management to drive continuous improvement initiatives based on findings.
• Continuous Compliance Improvement: Actively participates in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas of inefficiency or potential compliance risks and proposing solutions.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with cross-functional teams such as Manufacturing, QC, and Materials Management to ensure alignment on compliance activities and to help identify and mitigate compliance risks.

Location(s)

Westborough , Massachusetts , United States

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in Life Sciences, Engineering, or Chemistry with 5+ years of related Quality Assurance experience within the GMP-regulated industry, or 3+ years with a Master's degree.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP regulations for biotechnology, cell therapy, or gene therapy, including ICH Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10 and other international regulatory requirements.
• Experience in Deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA effectiveness verification.
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Ability to interpret regulatory rules, guidance, and industry standards to make objective, risk-based decisions and communicate these effectively to internal stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for report generation and presenting compliance findings to senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge of niche topics such as cell culture, QC methods, auditing techniques, barcoding, HEPA filtration science, etc.
• Prior experience interacting with regulatory agencies, representing technical deliverables, and hosting audit sessions.
• Experience with CMO oversight and compliance issues related to third-party vendors.
• ASQ certifications

Location and Working Environment

• This position is based in Westborough, MA and will require on-site work.
• Occasional nights or weekend hours may be required to support operations.

What awaits you at Astellas?

• Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
• Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
• Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
• A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organizational Values and Behaviors

Values

Innovation, Integrity and Impact sit at the heart of what we do.

Behaviors

We come together as One Astellas, working with courage and a sense of urgency. We are outcome focused and consistently take accountability for our personal contribution.

Salary Range

$82,880-$118,400 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and organizational equity considerations.)

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
• 401(k) match and annual company contribution
• Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
• Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
• Company fleet vehicle for eligible positions

#LI-TR1

Our organization is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

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