Associate Director, CMC Lead, Late-Stage Biologics

Role Overview

• Oversee technical operations and lead strategy discussions for late-stage CMC activities including process characterization, PPQ, licensure application, regulatory inspection, and lifecycle management of monoclonal antibody therapeutics.
• Work with internal and CDMO CMC teams to ensure timely delivery of PC & PPQ protocols and reports, in-process-control documents, process validation master plan, and BLA Module 3 sections.
• Lead CMC meetings and ensure drug substance, drug product, analytical, clinical supply chain, quality, program management, and regulatory affairs teams are aligned with overall CMC and program strategy.
• Maintain an effective action tracker for internal and external CMC deliverables. Adapt to changing priorities to ensure corporate CMC objectives are at the forefront.
• Facilitate problem solving, action planning, and decision making within the CMC team while keeping program level stakeholders informed at regular intervals.
• Foster a strong relationship with CDMOs and consultants. Ensure the external partners are fully aligned on Oruka strategy and goals.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support timely completion of technical documents, batch records, campaign readiness, lot release, campaign reports, change controls, deviation investigations, and CAPAs.
• Partner with CDMO counterparts to oversee all CMC service, ensuring high quality work, timely delivery, and efficient meetings.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and clinical supply chain stakeholders to ensure robust clinical supply and distribution plans.
• Drive preparation and presentation of CMC content for internal and external meetings, facilitate cross-functional offsite workshops, and help organize business review meetings with CDMOs.
• Support the diligence process and contract negotiation with new CDMOs and consultants.
• Work with program managers and Finance to track budgets, contracts, and change orders.
• 20-25% travel in support of diligence process, strategy discussion meetings, and activity supervision at CDMOs.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD in relevant disciplines with 10+ (MS) or 7+ (PhD) years of experience in biologics CMC functions including upstream, downstream, analytical, and drug product.
• Must have experience leading late
• and commercial-stage CMC activities including process characterization, PPQ, BLA, regulatory inspections, life cycle management, and post approval submissions.
• Prior matrix leadership experience is highly preferrable. Have led cross-functional CMC teams to drive strategy alignment on risk mitigation, resource planning, process validation, regulatory filing, and post approval changes.
• Experience with pre-filled syringe and/or auto-injector is a plus.
• Strong program management skills with operational experience in tracking multiple activities, deliverables, timelines, contracts and budgets.
• In-depth knowledge of CMC quality and regulatory requirements in support of global regulatory filings
• Experience with managing CDMOs. Demonstrated track record of successful tech transfers to commercial CDMOs
• Excellent writing, organization, communication and people management skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to direct the CMC team towards their deliverables in a highly fast paced environment.

Benefits

• A chance to be part of a vibrant startup culture where your work can directly impact bringing new medicines to patients.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.