QA Operations Manager (366) at Civica Rx

About Civica:

Over the past two decades, shortages of generic, injectable medications critical to the lifesaving work of hospitals in the United States have become commonplace and have reached an all time high. Over 300 essential medications are reported to be in shortage, according to industry and FDA reports. “Race to the bottom” pricing of mostly sterile injectable medications, manufacturing challenges and predatory pricing are both the causes and results.

Who suffers most? Patients.

Civica is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization established in 2018 by health systems (CommonSpirit Health, HCA Healthcare, Intermountain Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, Providence St. Joseph Health, SSM Health, and Trinity Health) and philanthropies (Gary and Mary West Foundation, Laura and John Arnold Foundation, and Peterson Center on Healthcare) to reduce chronic generic drug shortages and related high prices in the United States. An experienced team of health care and pharmaceutical industry leaders leads the organization.

Today, more than 55 health systems have joined Civica. They represent over 1,500 hospitals and over 30 percent of all U.S. hospital beds. Civica has also supplied the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile of essential medicines. Since established, the #1 Policy for the Civica team has been “Do What Is in the Best Interest of Patients.”

Civica has expanded its mission beyond the hospital setting to include lowering the cost of medications at the pharmacy counter. It has launched a sister organization, CivicaScript, to enter the retail pharmacy market partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield entities and others with the goal of reducing select high cost generic drugs where market forces are not working to control drug costs.

More recently, Civica announced plans to develop, manufacture and deliver affordable biosimilar insulin, The consistent availability of affordable insulin will benefit people who ration their care or who have been forced to choose between this life-sustaining medicine and living expenses. Those who are uninsured or underinsured often pay the most out of pocket for their medications.

Long- and short-acting insulins will be produced and available in both vials and pre-filled pens – at no more than $30 per vial and no more than $55 for a pack of five pens.

Learn more about Civica’s plans and progress at  www.civicarx.org

Job Description:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Operations Manager will join the Civica, Inc. (“Civica”) organization and its newly forming team at the Petersburg, Virginia site by bringing their knowledge and experience in service to patients and pursuit of excellence in quality and compliance.  The Petersburg site serves as Civica’s new fill finish facility dedicated to the manufacture and supply of essential sterile injectable medications and combination products. 

The role is essential to assure the Petersburg site’s manufacturing and operations activities comply with applicable regulatory standards (e.g., Current Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Distribution Practices) and expectations for the development and reliable supply of quality medicines. 

This role will also work closely with external partners and the Civica Petersburg Site for Quality Assurance processes and controls ensuring adherence to applicable regulations for transfer and manufacture of sterile injectable drug product.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages relationships with external partners for Quality Assurance needs.
• Liaison between external and internal stakeholders of Quality Assurance and Manufacturing Operations during technology transfer and manufacture of new products.
• Leads, approves documents and/or participates in change controls, CAPA, deviations and investigations, label control, laboratory control, product quality complaints, Annual Product Quality Review (APQR), and management notification.
• Leads Quality Assurance manufacturing shop floor support to achieve smooth product transfer and ongoing manufacturing.
• Drives product and process changes to improve product quality.
• Reviews and aids in the establishment and maintenance of Quality Agreements Review and Approval of GMP documents such as, but not limited to, Batch Records, Standard Operation Procedures and Technical Transfer Protocols.
• Proactively identifies and works collaboratively to resolve problems by taking risk-based and compliant approaches to solutions.
• Leads or participates in Quality Risk Management and Data Governance Processes as needed.
• Leads pre-approval inspection readiness activities.
• Participates in activities to support regulatory agency inspections.
• Promotes a quality mindset and quality excellence approach to all activities.
• Travel is limited but may occasionally be required.

Basic Qualifications and Capabilities:

• 8+ years’ experience working directly with manufacturing in the sterile injectable pharmaceutical or medical device industries.
• Bachelor-level or higher education.
• Project management, organization, and execution skills are required.
• Ability to apply technical expertise to solve problems and issues.
• Experience with technology transfers and new product introduction.
• Knowledge of data integrity controls in a manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with Annex 1 requirements.
• Participating in and leading activities that support regulatory agency inspections is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and experience using various software/electronic applications required.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work in a small, fast-paced, dynamic, environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and within established guidelines, procedures, and practices.
• Committed to delivering high quality results, working with others to overcome challenges, and focusing on what matters.
• Continuously looking for opportunities to learn, build skills, and share knowledge with others.