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Alexza Pharmaceuticals
Actively Hiring

Vice President, Quality & Regulatory Affairs

Posted: 5 days ago• Recruiter recently active
Job Location
Remote Work Policy

In office

Visa Sponsorship

Not Available

RelocationAllowed
Skills
Risk Management
Quality Assurance
Product Development
Regulatory Compliance
Project Management
Communication Skills
Building Teams
Problem-Solving
Entrepreneurial
ISO 13485
Technology Transfer
Project Management Skills
Organizational Skills
Operational Excellence
Quality Control
Written Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
cGMP
Analytical skills
Supplier Quality
GLP
Multi-Tasking
Cross-functional Collaboration
Sound Judgement
Decision-Making
Validation
FDA
QSR
GCP
Setting Priorities
Mentoring Teams
Hands-on
EMA
Verbal Communication Skills
EU MDR 2017/745
Regulatory Inspections
Developing Teams
820
Quality Management Systems (QMS)
ICH
21 CFR Part 210
211
PAI
Clinical Manufacturing
Commercial Manufacturing
Driving Execution
International Quality Standards
Global GMP Regulations
Drug-Device Combination Products
Influencing Executive Leadership
Aligning Quality Objectives with Business Goals
Influencing Regulatory Agencies
Influencing External Partners
Fostering a Culture of Quality
Fostering Integrity
Fostering Continuous Improvement
Corporate Quality System Creation
Corporate Quality System Overhaul
Advance Products from Development to Launch
Pre-Approval Inspections (PAI's)

About the job

The VP, Quality & Regulatory Affairs is an executive leadership role responsible for defining and executing the strategic direction for both the Quality and Regulatory functions. This executive leader provides strategic and operational oversight of Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), compliance, validation, supplier quality, and quality systems across product development, clinical manufacturing, and commercial manufacturing activities.

The VP, Quality & Regulatory Affairs partners closely with CMC, Manufacturing, Clinical Development, Supply Chain, R&D, and external partners to ensure that all products are developed and manufactured in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), and applicable FDA, EMA, ICH, and other global regulations to meet the highest standards of product safety, efficacy, and compliance. Provides expertise in translating regulatory requirements into practical, workable plans. Acts as the main liaison with global health authorities.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the VP, Quality & Regulatory Affairs fosters a culture of quality, continuous improvement, operational excellence, patient focus, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration to support the company's strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership and advise executive management and the Board on quality, compliance, regulatory, and quality culture. Develop and execute the company's global Quality strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
  • Maintain and improve a robust Quality Management System (QMS) to support product development, clinical manufacturing, and commercial operations.
  • Serve as the executive leader responsible for company-wide culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
  • Support corporate growth, technology transfers, new product introductions, and commercialization.
  • Provide executive oversight of Quality Assurance activities, including but not limited to: Quality Systems, Document Control, Training, Change Control, Deviations, CAPA (including timely implementation and closure), Audits (internal, external and supplier), Risk Management, and Product Release
  • Ensure compliance with FDA, EMA, and other global regulatory authorities.
  • Lead preparation of Quality related content (specifications, stability data, etc.) for all regulatory submissions.
  • Provide executive oversight of Quality Control activities including but not limited to: Analytical testing, Method Transfer, Stability programs and ensure laboratory operations comply with GMP and data integrity requirements.
  • Ensure company readiness for regulatory inspections and serve as executive quality representative during FDA, EMA, and other regulatory inspections.
  • Ensure quality system metrics and key process indicators are established and used to drive compliance and continuous improvement.
  • Determine appropriate Quality organization structure, staffing and resource requirements to support business objectives.
  • Provide mentorship to staff related to diverse regulatory requirements, practices and customs.
  • Provide leadership to direct report(s) and regulatory guidance to project teams.

Skills required

  • Extensive knowledge of global GMP regulations, FDA, EMA, ICH, and international quality standards.
  • Proven ability to maintain, improve, and lead Quality Management Systems (QMS) in biotechnology or pharmaceutical environments.
  • Demonstrated success leading regulatory inspections and managing regulatory compliance.
  • Strong expertise in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, validation, supplier quality, and risk management.
  • Experience overseeing quality activities across product development, clinical manufacturing, commercial manufacturing, and technology transfer.
  • Excellent leadership skills with a track record of building, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
  • Strategic thinker capable of aligning quality objectives with overall business goals while maintaining operational excellence.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and external partners.
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in complex, highly regulated environments.
  • Outstanding communication, organizational, and project management skills with a commitment to fostering a culture of quality, integrity, and continuous improvement.
  • Entrepreneurial and hands-on, comfortable in small company and possesses the ability to multi-task and set priorities.
  • High-energy, results-oriented leader with a strong bias for action, sound judgement, and the ability to drive execution with urgency.

Education and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline (Chemistry, Biology, biotechnology or related scientific field) or commensurate experience; advanced degree preferred.
  • 15+ years of progressive relevant senior regulatory and QA/QC experience, including at least 8 years executive level experience, in the Pharma biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry with direct regulatory affairs experience with drug/device combination products.
  • Successful leadership of multiple FDA and international regulatory inspections.
  • Thorough to expert knowledge of cGMP and QSR regulatory requirements.
  • Knowledge of GLP, GCP, and ICH requirements.
  • Experience with either the creation or major overhaul of a corporate Quality System.
  • Demonstrated ability to advance products from early development through commercial launch including successful PAI. Commercial experience is a plus.
  • Experience with preparation for and execution of pre-approval inspections (PAI's).
  • Knowledge of 21 CFR Part 210, 211 and 820, ISO 13485, EU MDR 2017/745 and other regulatory standards related to drug-device combination products.
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong project management skills to manage complex regulatory project and meet deadlines.
  • Regulatory certification or training preferred.
  • Experience with GMP-regulated pharmaceuticals, medical devices or drug combination products is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Potentially prolonged periods standing.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds if needed at times.
  • Must be willing to travel if needed.

Compensation & EEO

The base salary for this role starts at $330,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Our compensation package also includes a discretionary bonus program, diverse health and other benefits.

Nova Pneuma, Inc. is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

About the company

Funding

AMOUNT RAISED
$68.7M
FUNDED OVER
4 rounds
Rounds
U
$45000000
Unknown - Mar 2014+3

Perks

Income protection plans
We offer short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), life insurance (2X your salary to a maximum of $600,000) and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurances.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Alexza Pharmaceuticals offers a choice of several medical insurance plans for our employees including their spouse/domestic partner and dependent(s). All medical plans include prescription drug benefits. We offer Cigna PPO and HSA plans, Kaiser HMO, Cigna Dental Plan (including orthodontia), and Cigna Vision Plan using the VSP network. Alexza Pharmaceuticals pays the majority of premiums for insurance coverage.
Tax deferral savings plans
Alexza Pharmaceuticals offers a 401(k) plan through Fidelity with a variety of fund choices and allows its employees to contribute pre-tax and post-tax dollars through convenient payroll deductions. Alexza also provides a discretionary match, which vests over a 3-year period, based on years employed.
Company holidays
Alexza offers 13 paid holidays per year, which includes a company shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Paid time off
Employees accrue 4 weeks of paid time off per year during the first 4 years with Alexza. Starting with the 5th year, employees accrue 5 weeks.
Employee assistance program
The Employee Assistance Program allows employees to access the services of licensed professional counselors, legal referral services, financial advisors, nurse-line services and much more. All services are confidential, free and easy to use. It is also available to employees and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Founders

Carol A Christopher
Founder
South San Francisco
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