At Hovione, we help partners turn scientific innovation into medicines that reach patients around the world. For more than 65 years, we have connected science and technology to scale complex ideas into high-quality and innovative solutions that truly make a difference.
As an international Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), we support the development and manufacture of drug substances, intermediates and drug products across the full life cycle. We are globally recognized for our leadership in specialized technologies such as Spray Drying and Continuous Tableting. But what truly sets us apart is not just what we do — it is how we do it: with purpose, care, collaboration and a deep commitment to doing the right things right.
Our people are the reason for our success. We are a global and diverse team of more than 2,600 team members across Europe, the USA and Asia, bringing together different experiences and perspectives to help our partners to overcome complex challenges. We believe that an inclusive environment — where everyone, regardless of background, identity or ability, is respected, heard and empowered to contribute — is essential to drive innovation, ensure quality, and secure long‑term sustainable success.
And as we grow, so do the opportunities for our people to develop, broaden their perspectives and build meaningful careers. Because at Hovione, better starts with those who choose to make a difference every day. Will you be one of them?
You will be responsible to:Ensure full compliance with cGMP, GDP, and regulatory requirements across product lifecycle activities, acting as the ultimate authority for batch certification and release. Drive a strong quality culture, safeguard patient safety, and enable business continuity through effective quality oversight and decision-making.Quality & Compliance Leadership
• Ensure compliance with GMP, GDP, ICH guidelines, and applicable global regulations across all activities.• Act as the legal Qualified Person, making final decisions on batch certification and product release.• Promote a strong Quality Culture and continuous improvement mindset across the organization.• Represent the company in interactions with Health Authorities and clients.
Product Quality Oversight
- Ensure all products (APIs, Drug Products, IMPs) are: o Manufactured and tested in compliance with regulatory requirementso Aligned with marketing authorizations and technical dossiers
- Oversee and approve: o Batch record reviews and releaseo Deviations, investigations, complaints, and recallso Change controls with regulatory impacto Annual Product Quality Reviews
Regulatory & Stakeholder Management
- Act as primary contact for quality-related communications with regulatory authorities and cliente
- Ensure timely reporting of quality defects, recalls, or critical issues
- Provide expert guidance on regulatory expectations and compliance strategies
- Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure effective implementation and maintenance of the Pharmaceutical
- Quality Management System (PQMS)
Oversee key quality systems, including:
- Validation (processes, methods, and systems)
- Stability programs
- Self-inspections and audit
- Drive improvements in quality processes and operational efficiency
Supplier & Supply Chain Quality
- Collaborate with Procurement and suppliers to ensure:
- Compliance of APIs, excipients, and packaging materials
- Robust supplier qualification and performance monitoring
Leadership & Decision-Making
• Solve complex quality issues with high autonomy and accountability• Manage risk, anticipate challenges, and prevent deviations• Coach and support teams to achieve high performance and compliance standards
• Team management
HSE & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) policies• Actively contribute to a safe and sustainable working environment________________________________________
Additional Responsibilities
Drug Substance (API)• Certify that all API batches meet: o EU GMP and international standardso Applicable regulatory requirements and DMF commitments• Authorize release of APIs for commercial and investigational useDrug Product / IMP• Certify that all medicinal products comply with: o EU Directives and GMP requirementso Marketing authorization or product specification files• Authorize release/certification of: o Finished productso Investigational medicinal productso Intermediates
We are looking to recruit a Candidate:-
Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Registered as Specialist in Pharmaceutical Industry (Ordem dos Farmacêuticos)
Qualified Person status (preferred)
- Team management experience
5+ years in the pharmaceutical industry (API and/or Drug Product)
Experience across at least two areas:
-
Production
Quality Control
Quality Assurance
Materials Management
Proven experience interacting with regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, INFARMED)
Experience in multinational/global environments is a plus
Strong knowledge of:
cGMP, ICH, CFR, and applicable legislation
Solid understanding of:
Pharmaceutical manufacturing and lifecycle management
Quality systems and regulatory frameworks
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management
Ability to manage complexity, risk, and ambiguity
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer
Inclusion and diversity are key to us. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you require any reasonable accommodation or support during the application or interview process, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.
Notice to Agencies and Search Firms RepresentativesHovione does not accept unsolicited résumes from agencies or search firms for this job posting. Any resumes submitted to Hovione by a third-party agency or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement will become the sole property of Hovione. No fees will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited referral. Thank you for your understanding.
Skills Required
- Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Registration as Specialist in Pharmaceutical Industry with Ordem dos Farmaceuticos
- Qualified Person status
- Team management experience
- At least 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in API and/or drug product
- Experience in at least two of the following areas: Production, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or Materials Management
- Experience interacting with regulatory authorities such as FDA or INFARMED
- Experience in multinational or global environments
- Strong knowledge of cGMP, ICH, CFR, and applicable legislation
- Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and lifecycle management
- Understanding of quality systems and regulatory frameworks
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage complexity, risk, and ambiguity
- Fluency in written and spoken English
What We Do
Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API, formulation development and devices. Hovione´s culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione was the first Chemical/ Pharmaceutical Company to become a Certified B Corp, is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards.
