A large pharmaceutical company is looking for an IMP (Investigational Medicinal Product) Quality Manager to ensure GMP compliance and the quality of clinical trial materials.
Typical tasks in this role:**
Review and approval of manufacturing and batch records for drug substances and drug products.
Final quality release of clinical trial materials for use in studies.
Review and approval of GMP-related documents such as SOPs, validation reports, deviations, and change control requests.
Creation and maintenance of product-specific quality agreements with internal and external partners.
Support for production and QC departments on all GMP questions and quality topics.
Planning and execution of internal audits and support during regulatory inspections and external audits.
Management and monitoring of CAPA actions for sustainable problem resolution.
Relevant technologies, tools or methods:**
Quality management systems (QMS): Veeva Vault QMS, MasterControl, TrackWise, SAP QM.
Document management systems (DMS): Veeva Vault, OpenText Documentum.
ERP systems: SAP S/4HANA (especially QM module).
Laboratory information and management systems (LIMS).
Manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Methods: risk analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis (5 Whys, Ishikawa), statistical process control (SPC).
Typical KPIs or success metrics:**
Batch release time: average time from production completion to final release (target: < X days).
Right-first-time rate: percentage of batches released without deviations or rework (target: > 95%).
CAPA effectiveness: reduction in repeat deviations after CAPA implementation (target: > 80%).
Audit performance: number of critical/major findings in internal and external audits (target: 0).
Deviation closure rate: percentage of deviations closed within the defined timeframe (target: > 90%).
Key challenges, risks or specifics:**
High complexity and variability due to the development of new molecules and processes in clinical phases.
Strict compliance with evolving GMP regulations (e.g., EU Annex 1 for sterile products).
Ensuring product quality and patient safety under high time pressure (time-to-market).
Managing interfaces between development, manufacturing, QC, and regulatory affairs.
Risk of supply chain interruptions for critical raw materials or services.
Ensuring data integrity in all quality-relevant systems.
Concrete deliverables ("Deliverables"):**
Released batches of clinical trial materials.
Approved master batch records and SOPs.
Completed and assessed deviation and change reports.
Audit and inspection reports with tracked action plans.
Valid quality agreements with all relevant partners.
Regular quality reports for management.
Must-Haves:**
Degree in a scientific field (pharmacy, chemistry, biology, biotechnology).
At least 5 years of experience in a GMP-regulated environment in the pharmaceutical industry (QA, QC, manufacturing).
Deep knowledge of cGMP requirements, especially for the manufacture and testing of (parenteral) clinical trial materials.
Experience in reviewing batch documentation and releasing pharmaceutical products.
Experience with quality systems (deviations, CAPA, change control).
Nice-to-Haves:**
Experience as a Qualified Person (QP) or equivalent qualification.
Certifications in quality management (e.g., DGQ/EOQ Quality Manager).
Experience with audits and regulatory inspections (e.g., Swissmedic, EMA, FDA).
Familiarity with Veeva Vault and SAP.
Personal qualities and mindset:**
Strong quality awareness and high attention to detail.
Excellent analytical skills and a structured, solution-oriented approach.
Outstanding communication and negotiation skills to liaise across departments.
Decisiveness and the ability to make sound risk assessments under pressure.
Team player with high self-responsibility and assertiveness.