Job Description:

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. At our company, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Join our team as an Associate Director, Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) and play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and safety of our products through strategic oversight of global API suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Quality liaison for strategic API suppliers, ensuring sustained compliance with GMP, company standards, global regulations (EU, FDA, others), Annex 1 where applicable, and the our company Quality Manual.

• Maintain and negotiate Quality Agreements; ensure alignment with Commercial Agreements and update as needed.

• Assess supplier capability using risk-based tools; plan and lead on-site/remote audits, issue evidence-based reports, and drive effective CAPA with verification of effectiveness.

• Strengthen supplier Quality Management Systems (change control, deviations, CAPA, OOS/OOT, document control, training, internal audits, management review).

• Review, approve, and manage supplier change controls; coordinate regulatory impact assessments with cross-functional partners.

• Lead investigations into deviations, OOS/OOT, microbiological excursions, stability issues, and complaints; ensure robust root-cause analysis, remediation, and required regulatory reporting.

• Provide oversight for technology transfers and support process validation to ensure compliant, robust product realization.

• Drive inspection readiness and represent our company during regulatory interactions and inspections.

• Monitor supplier performance via KPIs and periodic reviews; identify trends and implement systemic corrective/preventive actions.

• Collaborate with Technical, Regulatory, Procurement/Supply Chain, and manufacturing sites to ensure alignment, timely issue resolution, and risk management.

• Proactively escalate critical quality or supply-continuity risks to senior management with clear, actionable recommendations.

• Coach and mentor supplier and internal teams to build capability and foster a strong quality culture.

• Operate effectively in a global, virtual, matrixed environment; travel to supplier sites as required and keep the Director, SQA informed of status, opportunities, and issues.

Qualifications

Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific/engineering field.

• Experience: 8 years in GMP-regulated environments (API and/or drug product), with proven responsibility in Quality Assurance/Quality Control and manufacturing/technical operations.

• Regulatory/GMP expertise: Strong working knowledge of EU, FDA, and relevant global regulations; familiar with ICH guidelines and Annex 1 (where applicable).

• Quality Systems: Hands-on experience with QMS elements (change control, deviations, CAPA, OOS/OOT investigations, document control, training, internal audits, management review).

• Technical investigations: Ability to lead root‑cause analysis and remediation for deviations, OOS/OOT, microbiological excursions, stability issues, and complaints.

• Communication: Fluency in Japanese and strong proficiency in English; able to communicate clearly in both languages and interpret Japanese requirements for global teams.

• Collaboration and leadership: Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills; effective working across cultures and in virtual, matrixed organizations.

• Autonomy: Able to work independently with limited supervision; demonstrates ownership and follow‑through.

• Travel: Willing and able to travel ~25% domestically and internationally.

Preferred

• Certifications: Formal auditor training/certification (e.g., GMP Auditor, ISO 9001/13485); quality certifications (e.g., ASQ CQE/CQA) beneficial.

• Sterile and biologics experience: Exposure to sterile manufacturing/Annex 1, biologics, vaccines, or combination products.

• Technology transfer/validation: Experience supporting technology transfers and process validation activities.

• Regulatory engagement: Direct experience supporting or participating in regulatory inspections (FDA, EMA, PMDA) and inspection readiness.

• Digital/QMS tools: Proficiency with electronic QMS/LIMS/Track Wise or similar systems; strong Excel and data analysis skills for KPI trending and reporting.

• Continuous improvement: Demonstrated ability to simplify processes, implement systemic CAPA, and drive sustainable improvements.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Biopharmaceuticals, Change Management, Chemical Engineering, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Cross-Functional Teamwork, GMP Compliance, GMP Training, Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Inspection Readiness, IS Audit, Leadership, Leadership Training and Development, Manufacturing Quality Control, Microbiology, Product Realization, Quality Auditing, Quality Management Standards, Quality Metrics, Quality Systems Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Inspections, Regulatory Reporting, Risk Management {+ 3 more}

Preferred Skills:

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation: VISA Sponsorship:Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift: Valid Driving License:Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

12/31/2026

A job posting is effective until 11: 59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.