Site QA Head

Overview
A global pharmaceutical CDMO is conducting a search for a Site QA Head to lead quality operations at a key manufacturing site in Japan. This role reports into senior site leadership and oversees multiple QA and QC managers across manufacturing and quality functions.

The mandate is clear: elevate leadership capability, strengthen people strategy execution, and drive a high-accountability quality culture within a regulated, complex production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead site-level Quality Assurance across pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing operations
  

• Direct and develop multiple QA and QC managers and their teams
  

• Strengthen people management, succession planning, and leadership capability within QA and QC
  

• Ensure compliance with GMP and global quality standards while navigating operational realities
  

• Partner with site leadership to balance regulatory rigor with practical execution
  

• Drive continuous improvement across quality systems and manufacturing support
  

• Serve as key contact for audits, inspections, and corporate stakeholders
  

Requirements

Required Experience

• Extensive QA leadership experience within pharmaceutical manufacturing or CDMO environments
  

• Proven track record as Site Quality Head or senior QA leader in a regulated production site
  

• Strong people leadership and team development capability
  

• Experience operating in complex or evolving regulatory environments
  

• Background in pharma and/or chemical manufacturing
  

Preferred Profile

• Experience in CDMO environments highly valued
  

• Comfortable working within structured systems while exercising judgment in gray areas
  

• Strong execution mindset with ability to drive cultural and organizational change
  

• Fluent Japanese; English communication ability for global interaction
  

Benefits

Location & Work Style

• Shizuoka
  

• Primarily on-site (remote flexibility limited)
  

• Housing support available
  

Selection Process

• HR screening interview
  

• Site leadership interview
  

• Final discussions with senior stakeholders
  

Compensation

• Competitive executive-level package (details shared confidentially)