Associate Director, Cleaning Validation
The Associate Director, Cleaning Validation is responsible for leading and executing Cleaning Validation (CV) activities for a large-scale biologics manufacturing facility in compliance with regulatory requirements, including 21 CFR Parts 11, 210, and 211, as well as ASTM E2500 guidelines. This role ensures that all facility, utility, equipment, and process qualification activities are conducted efficiently and in alignment with Good Engineering Practices (GEP) and Risk-based Validation approach. This role exists to guarantee the integrity and compliance of production systems and to mitigate risks associated with the therapeutic product lifecycle. The Associate Director collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and optimize CV practices.
The Associate Director will act as CQV Technical Lead for the site to establish Cleaning Validation (CV) strategies, and develop CV procedures to align with FUJIFILM Biotechnologies (FB) Large Scale Biologics platform operating principles and regulatory requirements. The Associate Director ensures compliance with 21 CFR Parts 11, 210, and 211, ASTM E2500, ISPE Baseline Guides, and industry best practices. Provides leadership for the risk-based verification approach, ensuring CQV programs focus on critical aspects affecting product quality and patient safety. Collaborates with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams to ensure alignment on validation strategies and readiness for regulatory inspections. Participates and represents CQV in new client or molecule business proposal reviews and assists with onboarding of new molecules at the site level. Leads presentations of FBN's CV Lifecycle program during internal and external audits. Designs, implements, and oversees comprehensive cleaning validation program for multi-product manufacturing suites including Drug Substance, Drug Product, and Weigh and Dispense (Warehouse) areas. Leads the development of risk-based cleaning validation approaches incorporating Quality by Design (QbD) principles. Provides technical leadership in cleaning method development, validation protocol design, and acceptance criteria establishment. Leads investigations of CV deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions. Establishes Validation standard operating procedures (SOPs), Validation Project Plan (VPP), Validation Master Plan (VMP) to ensure full CGMP compliance by operations launch. Ensures the integration of process validation, CV, and computerized system validation into the overall CQV strategy. Develops the strategy for periodic reviews and requalification of equipment, utilities, facilities to ensure CGMP compliance. Oversees deviation investigations, change control evaluations, and continuous improvements within the validation framework, ensuring on-time closure and completion of compliance initiatives. Provides CQV leadership for capital projects, ensuring timely execution of CV activities within budget and schedule constraints. Provides technical support and leads team of external validation engineers through commissioning, qualification and validation of large-scale biologics facilities and equipment. Manages CQV resource allocation, including internal teams and external CQV contractors. Drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize CQV processes and reduce validation cycle times. Ensures proper documentation control and approval processes for all validation deliverables. Manages, coaches and mentors direct reports and team members to foster professional development and growth. Partners with HR, Talent Acquisition, and various stakeholders to recruit talent, create retention strategies, and handle employee concerns. Addresses employee concerns and partners with HR for resolution, as needed. Evaluates team performance, addresses gaps, and implements measures to improve productivity and engagement. Performs other duties, as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field with 11+ years of experience in commissioning, qualification, and validation in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Master's degree in engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field with 9+ years of experience in commissioning, qualification, and validation in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. OR Proven Leadership Experience. Experience with US and international regulatory standards and ICH guidelines especially with regards to data integrity. Experience with regulatory submissions including cleaning validation sections of CTDs and NDAs. Experience of Electronic Validation systems such as KNEAT or similar. Experience of Lives Temperature Mapping systems or similar.
Preferred Requirements:
8+ years of people management & leadership experience. Experience in large scale life science company. Experience in green field project.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements:
Will work in environment which may necessitate respiratory protection.
May work in Mechanical/Production spaces that may require hearing protection and enrollment in a hearing conservation program.
Ability to discern audible cues.
Ability to inspect or perform a task with 20/20 corrected vision, visual acuity, including distinguishing color.
Ability to ascend or descend ladders, scaffolding, ramps, etc.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time up to 240 minutes.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time up to 240 minutes.
Ability to conduct activities using repetitive motions that include wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Will work in warm/cold environments.
Will work in outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Will work in small and/or enclosed spaces.
EEO Information
Fujifilm is committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national, or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.
ADA Information
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our HR Department.