Alcon

QA Operations Head (Associate Director)

Alcon$138K — $257K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • 8-10 years of relevant pharmaceutical experience, particularly in oral solid dosage manufacturing.
  • Quality Operations leadership experience with accountability for product release and compliance.
  • Experience with Health Authority inspections, especially FDA.
  • Proven ability in leading investigations and corrective actions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Quality Operations oversight for manufacturing compliance.
  • Provide leadership for product release and batch record review.
  • Drive investigations into deviations and ensure corrective actions.
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives for quality and operational excellence.
  • Support validation and technology transfer for new manufacturing processes.
  • Ensure ongoing inspection readiness for audits and inspections.
  • Develop and coach high-performing teams to foster accountability.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, life, and disability benefits.
  • 401(k) with company contribution and match.
  • Generous time off package including vacation and personal days.
  • Eligibility for performance-based cash incentives and annual equity awards.
Full Job Description

Job Description Summary

Join Novartis as our QA Operations Head and play a pivotal role in ensuring patients receive high-quality medicines that meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and reliability. This is an opportunity to lead a critical Quality Operations organization at our new small molecule manufacturing site in Morrisville, partnering closely with Manufacturing, Quality Control, and technical teams to drive operational excellence, product quality, and regulatory compliance. As a visible site leader, you will empower and develop high-performing teams, champion continuous improvement, and help shape the future of quality within a dynamic and growing manufacturing environment.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Quality Operations oversight to ensure compliance across manufacturing activities and QA Operational Excellence.
  • Provide quality leadership for product release, batch record review, and disposition activities.
  • Drive investigation of deviations, out-of-expectation results, and complaints, ensuring effective corrective actions.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen quality performance, compliance, and operational excellence.
  • Support validation, technology transfer, commissioning, and implementation of new manufacturing processes and equipment.
  • Ensure ongoing inspection readiness and successfully support internal, customer, and regulatory audits and inspections.
  • Develop, coach, and lead high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability and learning.
  • Manage resources, capacity planning, and quality metrics to achieve business and compliance objectives.
  • Explore the potential of data and technology to support the manufacturing site's transformation journey in line with Novartis Technical Operations strategy.

Essential Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum 8-10 years of relevant pharmaceutical experience including direct experience in oral solid dosage manufacturing which can include expert roles in Production, Manufacturing Science and Technology and/or Engineering, in addition to Quality.
  • Demonstrated Quality Operations leadership experience with responsibility for product release, compliance, inspection readiness, people leadership, talent development, performance management, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Experience with Heath Authority inspections (preferably FDA) and regulatory procedures
  • Proven experience leading deviation investigations, corrective and preventive actions, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Desirable Requirements

  • Previous involvement with facility start-ups, qualifications, validations, transfers
  • Qualifications or certification in Lean Management, Operational Excellence, or continuous improvement methodologies.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

#LI-Onsite


 

Salary Range

$138,600.00 - $257,400.00


 

Skills Desired

Collaboration, Data Integrity, Decision Making, Leadership

About Alcon

Alcon is a global medical company specializing in eye care products and services. The company's products include surgical equipment, contact lenses, and eye drops. Alcon was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. The company operates in over 70 countries and has over 20,000 employees. In 2019, Alcon became an independent publicly traded company after being spun off from Novartis.
Learn more about Alcon
Size
24,389 employees
Market Cap
$33.3 billion
Industry
Founded
1945
NASDAQ

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