Senior Director, Commercial Manufacturing, Science and Technology

Cogent Biosciences

$240K — $280K *
US-AnywhereRemote in United States
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD, MS, or BS in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field with knowledge of small molecule solid oral dosage forms
  • 20+ years of experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical CMC/cGMP environments
  • 12+ years managing oversight of CDMOs for late-stage and commercial assets
  • Proficient in manufacturing techniques such as advanced drug delivery systems and processes like granulation and tablet compression
  • Extensive experience in vendor selection, CMO management, and tech transfers for commercial manufacturing
  • Strong knowledge of cGMP requirements and drug development guidelines (ICH, FDA, EMA)
  • Excellent communication skills for project meetings and regulatory filings
  • Detail-oriented with critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead CMC lifecycle activities for commercial drug products including change management and process validation
  • Facilitate technology transfers for scaling up production
  • Act as primary technical point of contact for CDMOs and establish KPIs
  • Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve yield and cost efficiency
  • Troubleshoot complex technical problems during production
  • Lead cross-functional teams to address technical challenges
  • Ensure compliance with cGMP and relevant regulations
  • Direct, mentor staff, and foster a culture of quality and innovation
  • Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing practices.

Benefits

  • 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and their families
  • Up to 75% funding of in-network deductibles
  • 401(k) match with immediate vesting
  • Generous paid time off policy
  • 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave
  • Paid family and medical leave for all employees
  • Company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks
  • Wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and family-forming support.
Full Job Description
The Role: This position oversees late phase through commercialization small molecule drug product manufacturing at partner Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) and ensures high-quality products are delivered on time and within budget. Serve as a technical expert who leads the transfer of manufacturing processes to commercial scale. Manage processes, systems and infrastructure that meet safety, cGMP manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Provide technical expertise and oversight for process validation, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement. Anticipate and solve complex manufacturing issues. Work in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders including CMC, Quality, Supply Chain and Regulatory, as well as CDMOs.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead commercial drug product CMC lifecycle activities such as post-approval change management, process validation product risk management and process monitoring.
  • Facilitate technology transfers, ensuring successful scale-up to commercial-scale production environments.
  • Serve as Primary technical point of contact with the CDMO's. Establish and monitor KPI's.
  • Analyze existing processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement innovative technologies and strategies to optimize yield, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
  • Provide technical expertise and actively troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems that arise during production.
  • Lead cross functional teams to resolve technical challenges and meet program expectations, including Reg CMC and Quality Assurance.
  • Ensure that all manufacturing processes comply with relevant regulations and guidelines, including cGMP.
  • Provide strategic leadership by directing and mentoring staff and fostering a culture of quality and innovation.
  • Drive continuous improvement, implement best practices, and optimize manufacturing for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Provide regulatory filings support by authoring and reviewing CMC sections of IND, IMPD, NDA or other filings as

Qualifications:
  • PhD, MS or BS in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences or related field with an exceptional understanding of drug product development and manufacturing for small molecule solid oral dosage forms
  • 20+ years of biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industrial experience in CMC/cGMP environment
  • 12+ years of management and oversight of CDMOs for cGMP activities for late stage and commercial assets
  • Experience in manufacturing techniques such as advanced drug delivery systems for enhancing drug permeability and/or solubility and other manufacturing processes including blending, granulation, tablet compression, film coating etc.
  • Extensive experience in outsourcing, vendor selection and managing CMOs for scale up, tech transfer, process validation, and commercial manufacturing.
  • Extensive knowledge of cGMP requirements for drug product manufacture as well as broader drug development guidelines (ICH, FDA, and EMA) and past experience in regulatory filings.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting in project meetings, vendor discussions, and writing technical reports and regulatory filings.
  • Attention to detail and quality with critical thinking.
  • 20+ years of biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industrial experience in CMC/cGMP environment
  • 8+ years of management and oversight of CDMOs for cGMP activities
  • Ability to navigate and craft global regulatory CMC documents
  • Familiarity with safe and efficient laboratory practices
  • General and scientific computer and software application proficiency
  • Up to 30% travel.
  • This position requires technical leadership skills; interaction with all levels of employees; and the ability to direct, coach, and evaluate the operational activities of lower-level employees as well as influencing others in a matrix team leadership environment.
  • Manages the coordination of the activities of a section or department with responsibility for results. In some instances, this manager may be responsible for a functional area and not directly supervise employees.

Salary Range:

$240,000 - 280,000 USD

Target Bonus: 25%

Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Our Locations

Waltham, MA: Our headquarters is located in the Greater Boston life sciences community, with an open, collaborative office environment designed to support teamwork and connection. Employees benefit from convenient on-site amenities, including free on-site parking and gym facilities in the building.

Boulder, CO: Our Boulder location is home to Cogent's discovery research organization and a key scientific hub with strong leadership based on site. Situated in the greater Denver-Boulder biopharmaceutical corridor, this office plays a central role in advancing our discovery efforts and pipeline.

Our Offer To You

At Cogent Biosciences, we offer a competitive salary, bonus, and ongoing stock awards, alongside a benefits package that sets us apart. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family, and help reduce out-of-pocket costs by funding up to 75% of in-network deductibles. Our benefits also include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, generous paid time off, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave for all employees regardless of location, and company-paid short-term disability coverage for up to 20 weeks. Additional perks like wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and inclusive family-forming support help you thrive at work and beyond.

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