Senior Manager, Quality Operations

Build the quality foundation for what comes next.

At Achieve Life Sciences, we’re preparing to bring an innovative smoking cessation treatment to market and building the capabilities needed to support our next phase of growth. As we prepare for the potential commercial launch of cytisinicline, we’re establishing the Quality Operations processes and external partnerships needed to support compliant product supply and maintain product quality from manufacturing through distribution.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Quality Operations and Supplier Quality Management, the Senior Manager, Quality Operations will play a hands-on role in batch documentation review, quality event management, and product release support as Achieve transitions from clinical development to commercialization. Working closely with David and external manufacturing and distribution partners, this individual will support day-to-day quality activities while helping implement the additional processes required for commercial supply, including product complaint investigations, serialization, and end-to-end product traceability. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound risk-based judgment, and the ability to identify and escalate quality concerns that could affect product quality, compliance, or patient safety.

What You’ll Do

• Execute Batch Review & Release Support: Perform detailed technical reviews of executed batch records, Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), laboratory data, stability results, and supporting release documentation. Identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential compliance concerns, and coordinate resolution with contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to support timely batch disposition and release.
• Review Quality Events & Investigations: Conduct initial intake, triage, and review of deviations, investigations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and out-of-specification (OOS) events initiated by external manufacturing partners. Evaluate investigation documentation, assess potential product quality and compliance risks, monitor resolution timelines, and partner with CDMOs to support appropriate root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support Product Complaints & Quality Risk Management: Participate in product complaint investigations and help implement the processes, responsibilities, documentation, and workflows needed to manage complaints in a commercial environment. Apply risk-based judgment to evaluate potential impacts to product quality and patient safety, identify emerging concerns, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Support the Transition to Commercial Quality Operations: Partner with the Senior Director, Quality Systems, cross-functional stakeholders, and external vendors to implement the additional processes and controls required for commercial launch. Help translate clinical-stage quality practices into processes that support commercial manufacturing, product release, ongoing distribution, and post-approval requirements.
• Support Serialization & End-to-End Product Traceability: Partner with CDMOs and third-party logistics (3PL) providers to support Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) serialization requirements and Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) data exchange. Help verify the accuracy and completeness of traceability data as product moves from manufacturer to distributor, supporting compliant distribution and the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Manage External Quality Partnerships: Serve as a day-to-day Quality Operations contact for CDMOs and the 3PL, following up on documentation, quality events, release requirements, and distribution issues. Monitor operational quality trends, support vendor performance reviews and qualification activities, and participate in Person-in-Plant oversight as needed.
• Maintain Inspection Readiness & Quality Reporting: Maintain complete, accurate, and inspection-ready documentation for activities within the role’s scope. Support Quality Operations metrics and continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to preparation of the Annual Product Review.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• At least 7 years of GMP Quality experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, ideally spanning late-stage clinical development and commercial readiness.
• Hands-on experience reviewing batch records, release documentation, analytical results, and stability data, with a strong track record of identifying discrepancies and ensuring documentation accuracy.
• Experience reviewing deviations, investigations, CAPAs, or other quality events and evaluating their potential impact on product quality, regulatory compliance, and patient safety.
• Experience working with CDMOs or other external manufacturing partners in an outsourced pharmaceutical or biologics environment.
• Understanding of the additional quality and distribution requirements involved in transitioning from clinical supply to commercial product, ideally including DSCSA serialization, EPCIS data exchange, and end-to-end product traceability.
• Knowledge of applicable GMP regulations and guidance, including FDA, EMA, and ICH requirements. Working knowledge of GCP and GDP is beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline, with the ability to recognize inconsistencies, assess risk, and follow issues through resolution.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively in a lean organization, balancing routine execution with evolving commercial launch priorities.
• Clear communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work productively with external partners, raise concerns constructively, and escalate issues when appropriate.

Who We Are

At Achieve, we are committed to bringing medicines forward that contribute to a healthier world. Achieve is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to advancing cytisinicline as a widely available treatment option to help people battling nicotine dependence.

If you enjoy working in a dynamic team environment and are passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply. We strive to attract, develop, and retain highly qualified individuals representing the diverse communities we serve.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $175,000–$190,000 USD annually. This range represents a good-faith estimate of what Achieve reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of hire. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This position is also eligible for an annual target bonus and equity compensation as determined by the Company’s compensation committee.

Benefits

Achieve offers a comprehensive benefits package, which currently includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan; company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage; and paid time off and paid company holidays.

Location & Travel

This is a remote position, and candidates may reside anywhere in the continental United States. This role may require travel of up to 10% for conferences and company meetings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Achieve Life Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact hr@achievelifesciences.com.

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