Title:  Senior Quality Manager

Job Summary

Responsible for providing expertise in Quality Assurance processes related to the manufacture of West products. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and West procedures. Proactively develop, lead, and drive the execution of the Quality Assurance strategy.  Develop and implement quality assurance plans ensuring compliance with regulations, oversee interactions with regulatory agencies and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Champion advocacy for product, process, and system quality, and drive continuous improvement within the Quality Management System.

The position is a key and active member of the Site Leadership Team in West, Williamsport and interacts with the team to ensure business objectives are aligned and that the company is performing to operational objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Sr. Director, Quality Assurance, the role will play a critical part in the company’s business planning / strategy development.
• As a member of the Site Leadership Team, deeply engages and effectively contributes to the achievement of site objectives by playing an active role in the strategic planning processes
• The role will also have a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director, Operations, Williamsport to ensure development and alignment of the site business plan including support to the other senior managers in the execution of same
• Maintain a positive working relationship with internal and external stakeholders by supporting validation in design and development, specification development, and execution of manufacturing programs in line with agreed standards. All the while ensuring that West’s product quality and reliability meets or exceeds customers’ expectations.
• Directs and manages quality control, quality assurance, quality systems, metrology and/or regulatory affairs, personnel, department resources, and continuous improvement efforts to achieve the most efficient quality output possible.
• Partner with organizational leaders and drive quality initiatives, systems, and methods to meet quality objectives. Meet company and departmental goals in the continuous improvement of all products, services, and processes, including the West QMS. Support QMS activities including CAPA, Failure Investigation, Non-Conformance assessment, and audit findings.
• Perform the necessary functions in support of the Williamsport Quality System
  • Designated ISO 13485 Management Representative
  • Designated back-up to QA Supervisor for HACCP Manager and SQF Practitioner.
• In accordance with US and other regional/ country legislation, act as Head of Quality Control/ Head of Quality/ Official Correspondent on all government agency issued authorizations, communications and registrations.
• Cultivate a positive working relationship with the West Customer base via supporting validation in design and development, agreeing specification, execution of manufacturing and programs in line with agreed standards. All the while ensuring that the West’s product quality and reliability meets or exceeds customers’ expectations
• QA representative participating in customer face to face steering committees and business review which originate from site customer base. Chairing customer meetings with respect to Quality standards and expectations.
• Champion a quality/ patient first organizational culture that promotes behaviors that lead to superior quality and business performance and enterprise excellence.
• Participate in customer, regulatory, and internal audits of the plant; participate in supplier audits and participate as part of the Corporate Cross Site Audit Team.
• Review and assist on the updating of customer specifications. Respond to customer/sales regarding the approval or recommended changes to these specifications and maintain a file of the responses and the specifications.
• Oversees complaint handling, non-conformance management, internal and external audits, and CAPA system to ensure timely and compliant systems. Evaluates and provides for audits of external and internal quality systems and their functions, insuring follow through and corrective actions.
• Establish, monitors, and provides weekly / monthly progress of the Quality KPIs and communicate it to the organization and senior management.
• Responsible and accountable for quality departmental budget
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering or equivalent experience required
• Master’s degree preferred 

Work Experience

• 10+ Years of job-related experience required in the Medical Device or Pharmaceutical Industry.
•  8+ Years of supervisory experience required.
•  5+ Years of experience working with injection molding processes preferred.
•  5+ Years of experience in an FDA or ISO regulated industry required, preferably in medical device manufacturing.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Regulatory Skills: In-depth knowledge of medical device and pharmaceutical regulations and guidelines, including cGMP, ICH guidelines and other relevant regulatory requirements (e.g. HACCP).
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive initiatives, and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate requirements and strategies to diverse audiences.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate changing regulatory landscapes and business priorities.
• Ethical Standards: Adherence to ethical standards and integrity in dealing with regulatory agencies, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with a proactive attitude and the ability to work effectively
• Project Management experience preferred
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Additional Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills must be coupled with public speaking, quick decision making.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Medical component and device manufacturing require strict adherence to standards.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills, interpretation of data, interpersonal skills, ability to work on and lead teams
• Read and interpret data, information, and documents
• Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations
• Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize
• Ability to make independent and sound judgments
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, takes accountability, and drives for results.
• Superior organizational and leadership skills with ability to help team grow and thrive
• Able to lead and front multiple third party Medical Device / Pharmaceutical audits.
• Able to interact with global Medical Device / Pharmaceutical agencies in support of queries / product launches.
• Have in-depth / working knowledge of: ISO 13485, US FDA 21 CFR Part 820, ISO14971
• Have strong self-motivation, the ability to work independently, and within a team environment with strong follow up, organization and prioritization skills and excellent attention. Must have a proven track record of developing and maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Able to lead and manage the performance of a multi-functional team.
• Able to organize and prioritise tasks, must be detail orientated and self-motivated.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
• Able to always comply with the company’s safety and quality policy  #LI-JJ1

Travel Requirements

Physical Requirements