Manager Quality Assurance Operations

Manager, Quality Assurance Operations

Position Summary:

• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.  

• 100% on-site

Catalent is a leading global CDMO, trusted by pharma, biotech and self-care companies to accelerate the development, manufacturing and delivery of products that improve lives.

With advanced technologies, deep expertise and a worldwide network, we partner with innovators to transform bold ideas into life-changing therapies and self-care solutions.

Our U.S. commercial cell therapy manufacturing facility is located in Princeton, NJ, and is part of Catalent’s cell therapy network including our European Center of Excellence for cell therapy in Gosselies, Belgium.

The Manager, Quality Assurance Operations – Cell Therapy provides on-the-floor Quality Assurance (QA) oversight for GMP cell therapy manufacturing operations. This role ensures compliant execution, review, and disposition of manufacturing activities, materials, and documentation associated with clinical and commercial cell therapy products. Responsibilities include QA presence in processing areas, batch record review, lot disposition, raw material release, deviation management, and direct support of aseptic and cell processing operations.

The Manager, QA Operations, reports to the Director, Quality and may have direct reports including QA Specialists or Senior Specialists supporting manufacturing operations.

The Role: 

• Provide real‑time QA on‑the‑floor support for cell therapy manufacturing operations, including aseptic processing, cell handling, cryopreservation, fill/finish, and material handling activities.

• Perform GMP walkthroughs and observe critical manufacturing steps to ensure compliance with approved procedures, batch records, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

• Support manufacturing personnel during execution of complex or high‑risk operations to ensure quality, compliance, and right‑first‑time execution.

• Review executed batch production records, logbooks, and associated GMP documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.

• Support timely batch record review and participate in lot disposition and release decisions for clinical and commercial products.

• Perform QA review, approval, and release of raw materials, consumables, and critical reagents used in cell therapy processing.

• Review, assess, and approve deviations, nonconformances, investigations, CAPAs, and change controls impacting manufacturing operations, facilities, equipment, or materials.

• Support supplier qualification activities, material‑related investigations, and ensure material qualification documentation meets internal and regulatory requirements.

• Support inspection readiness activities and participate in regulatory inspections and client audits to ensure adherence to the Catalent Quality Management System (QMS), site SOPs, and global standards.

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and QA guidance while collaborating cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, MS&T, Validation, and Regulatory Affairs, and supporting QA Operations training and development.

• Other duties as assigned.

The Candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or related discipline required; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biologics, or cell/gene therapy manufacturing environment.

• Minimum of 3 years of Prior leadership or supervisory experience required, with demonstrated ability to coach and manage performance.

• 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience supporting manufacturing operations; direct QA on-the-floor experience required.

• Demonstrable leadership experience at Catalent (including but not limited to participation in Catalent-sponsored leadership programs such as NGGL, GOLD, LEAD Now, GM Excellence, and GROW) may be considered in place of external experience.

• Demonstrated experience supporting GMP operations, including batch record review, lot disposition, deviation investigations, change control, and work performed in manufacturing and cleanroom environments.

• Strong knowledge of GMP regulations and guidance, including 21 CFR Parts 210/211, 600‑series (biologics), applicable EU GMPs, and ICH guidelines; cell therapy, ATMP, or aseptic processing experience strongly preferred.

• Experience with raw material qualification and release activities; supplier quality experience preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to work cross‑functionally under tight timelines, manage multiple priorities with high attention to detail, and willingness to successfully complete required visual acuity testing (including Graham Field Eye Test Chart and Ishihara Color Vision Test).

The anticipated salary range for this position in New Jersey is $130,000 - $160,000 plus annual bonus, when eligible.  The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why you should Join Catalent:

• Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process.

• Diverse, inclusive culture.

• Potential for career growth on an expanding team.

• Cross-functional exposure to other areas within the organization.

• 152 hours of paid time off annually + 8 paid holidays.

• Medical, dental, vision and 401K benefits effective day one of employment.

• Tuition Reimbursement.