Senior Director, Vigilance

Fresenius Kabi; Lake Zurich (IL); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) contributions

Paid vacation

Holiday and personal days

Employee assistance program

Health benefits (medical, prescription

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Fresenius Kabi USA in Lake Zurich, IL seeks a Senior Director of Vigilance and FDA Compliance to lead the U.S. pharmacovigilance and FDA regulatory program.

You will guide executive strategy, oversee adverse event activities, and ensure compliance with FDA regulations across multiple product lines. The role reports to the SVP of Regulatory Affairs for Pharma and Nutrition, manages a senior team, and will drive operational excellence, regulatory readiness, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in the pharmaceutical industry in a drug safety or pharmacovigilance role.
• 7+ years of management experience.
• 5+ years hospital clinical experience preferred.
• FDA pharmacovigilance audit experience required.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead annual departmental objectives aligned with US market needs and global strategies.
• Provide executive leadership as Head of US Vigilance and set strategic direction for PV policy compliance.
• Oversee adverse drug event activities, case reports, and FDA submissions.
• Develop and execute a continuous quality plan for FDA PV compliance and KPI monitoring.
• Lead literature reviews, risk assessments, and signal management activities.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing Vigilance team and manage budgets.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Pharmacovigilance

Team management

FDA regulations

Stakeholder communication

Education

PharmD

MD

Job description

Job SummaryThe Senior Director of Vigilance and FDA Compliance provides strategic leadership and oversight of the company’s global pharmacovigilance and FDA compliance program. This role ensures adherence to all U.S. regulatory requirements by overseeing robust systems for the intake, assessment, and reporting of adverse events across Pharma, Nutrition, IV Therapy, and Biosimilar products.As a senior leader, the Senior Director serves as a key advisor to Global Vigilance and the Vigilance Competence Center, guiding U.S. FDA compliance strategy and enabling alignment of global pharmacovigilance practices. Reporting directly to the SVP of Regulatory Affairs for Pharma and Nutrition, this role manages a high-performing team that includes Senior Managers of Vigilance, as well as scientific, safety, data, and compliance professionals. The Senior Director is accountable for driving operational excellence, fostering regulatory readiness, mentoring senior leaders, and ensuring compliance strategies support both U.S. and global business objectives.*Priority will be given to candidates who are in proximity to the Lake Zurich, IL U.S. headquarters and able to work a weekly hybrid schedule of 3 days onsite / 2 days remotely. If not near Lake Zurich, this position may be worked remotely with the expectation to travel periodically.• Salary Range: $260,000-280,000.• Position is eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan with a target of 22% of the base salary.• Position is eligible to participate in our medium-term incentive plan.• Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.• Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.ResponsibilitiesDefine and lead annual departmental objectives, ensuring alignment with US market needs and global corporate strategies.Provide executive leadership as Head of US Vigilance, setting strategic direction, influencing global pharmacovigilance (PV) policies, and ensuring compliance with FDA regulations.Serve, upon nomination, as National Safety Officer (NSO) for the US Market Unit, accountable for establishing and maintaining a compliant local PV system, supported by the Deputy NSO.Act as the organization’s senior pharmacovigilance and FDA compliance expert, overseeing all Adverse Drug Experience activities, case reports, and periodic report submissions to the FDA.Develop, establish and execute a continuous quality plan for FDA PV compliance; monitor performance and KPIs across local and global systems.Oversee strategic direction of literature reviews, clinical risk assessments, health hazard evaluations, and signal management activities.Lead pharmacovigilance agreement oversight with business partners, ensuring risk management and compliance obligations are met.Serve as a member of global committees (Pharmacovigilance System Steering, Corporate Labeling, Global Signal Management), representing US regulatory perspectives and shaping corporate standards.Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance teams to guide labeling changes, recall decisions, and resolution of safety and product quality issues.Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Vigilance team; ensure continuous training, development, and regulatory expertise.Develop and manage departmental budgets, optimizing resources while driving innovation, compliance, and efficiency.Ensure effective communication and execution of policies, procedures, and SOPs across the Vigilance department and with cross-functional stakeholders.Represent Fresenius Kabi USA with professionalism and authority in global forums, regulatory interactions, and business partner engagements.Maintain a leadership presence as a subject matter expert, providing support to the Market Unit, Production Units, Business Units, R&D and Global Vigilance teams for PV and FDA compliance activities.Fulfill additional strategic responsibilities as required by executive leadership.Job Requirements:Medical or clinical professional degree, such as PharmD, Pharmacy, MD, is required.12+ years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry in a drug safety or pharmacovigilance role, and 7+ years of management experience.5+ years of hospital clinical experience preferred.Thorough understanding of FDA Regulations and Guidelines, especially as they pertain to Post Marketed Drug Safety, and compliance.FDA pharmacovigilance audit experience required.Ability to understand and interpret federal regulations and company operating procedures as they apply to medically complex adverse drug events and determine whether the events suggest a potential product quality issueIntermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and expertise with pharmacovigilance/safety databases and reporting systemsAdditional InformationWe offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability, 401K with company contribution, and wellness program.Please note that joining our team does not create a guaranteed or permanent employment arrangement. All employment is at‑will, meaning both the employee and Fresenius Kabi have the right to end the employment relationship at any time, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.