Senior Director, Quality Control (QC Head)
About The Position
At Gilead, we are dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, we have been at the forefront of tackling diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer, relentlessly working to develop life-improving therapies and ensure global access. Our mission requires collaboration, determination, and a persistent drive to make a difference. Every member of the Gilead team plays a crucial role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we strive to achieve our bold ambitions, and we are seeking passionate and ambitious individuals ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are fundamental to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader, you will be a key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed, and empowered to pursue their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together. As the Senior Director, Quality Control (QC Head) at Gilead, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and end-to-end oversight of Quality Control operations at the La Verne site, encompassing both small molecule and biologics products. This role is accountable for ensuring GMP compliance, inspection readiness, and robust analytical support for commercial manufacturing, pipeline advancement, and lifecycle management. The QC Head will partner closely with site and global stakeholders to drive operational excellence, harmonization, and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with enterprise quality standards. This position requires a candidate to be based at our La Verne, CA facility.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline and 14+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, with significant leadership experience in Quality Control within a GMP-regulated environment required OR Masters degree in a scientific discipline and 12+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, with significant leadership experience in Quality Control within a GMP-regulated environment required OR PhD in a scientific discipline and 12+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, with significant leadership experience in Quality Control within a GMP-regulated environment required
- Recognized technical leader with deep expertise in analytical sciences and Quality Control across small molecule and biologics, and a demonstrated ability to make sound, science-based decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Proven experience building and leading strong, technically capable QC organizations, with a focus on developing scientific depth, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities across teams.
- Strong knowledge of global GMP regulations, inspection management, and data integrity (ALCOA+), with a proven track record supporting regulatory inspections (FDA, EMA, PMDA).
- Demonstrated ability to drive Lean Laboratory principles and a continuous improvement mindset, including process optimization, digitalization, and automation to enhance lab efficiency and performance.
Nice To Haves
- MS, PhD (advanced degree) in a scientific discipline preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all Quality Control functions at the site, including analytical, microbiology, raw materials, in-process, drug substance, drug product, and stability programs across small molecule and biologics platforms.
- Define and execute the site QC strategy, aligned with global quality and business objectives.
- Ensure effective support of commercial manufacturing, PPQ, technical transfers, and new product introduction.
- Ensure QC operations meet global GMP requirements and maintain a continuous state of inspection readiness.
- Represent QC during regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring strong compliance and data integrity standards.
- Build and strengthen technical capabilities across the QC organization, including analytical expertise, method lifecycle management, and adoption of advanced technologies.
- Establish and drive capability development strategies, including structured training, knowledge management, and technical succession planning.
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing QC organization with strong engagement and accountability.
- Foster a quality culture emphasizing scientific rigor, continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability.
- Ensure the organization is equipped to support evolving portfolio needs across small molecule and biologics.
- Contribute to and lead QC network harmonization and global initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards and practices.
- Drive adoption of global QC policies, systems, and best practices at the site.
- Partner with global QC leadership and cross-site teams to enable standardization and capability building.
- Lead and embed Lean Laboratory principles to improve workflow efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
- Establish and monitor QC performance metrics (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement, digitalization, and automation.
- Partner cross-functionally (Manufacturing, MSAT, QA, Regulatory, Supply Chain) to ensure aligned execution and reliable product supply.
Benefits
- Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role)
- Paid time off
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
