Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Senior Quality Assurance Leader Job Description
The Senior Quality Assurance Leader oversees global quality project and portfolio management, driving end-to-end planning and execution of key quality initiatives across a regulated GxP environment. This role maintains visibility and alignment of global quality projects, leads governance and reporting activities, and ensures timely delivery of enhancements to Quality Systems and platforms. The position combines strategic project leadership, risk management, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen quality performance in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device settings.
Responsibilities

• Maintain and oversee global Quality project portfolios, ensuring clear visibility, alignment, and consistent execution across the network.
• Monitor project progress and proactively manage risks, dependencies, and issues to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with quality objectives.
• Drive end-to-end planning and execution of global quality initiatives, including development of detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and resource management strategies.
• Collaborate closely with Project Leads and Quality Leadership to track progress, manage risks, and communicate project outcomes across the organization.
• Capture, prioritize, and manage Quality Systems enhancements and platform integrations, ensuring timely and effective implementation.
• Facilitate regular project updates, steering committee meetings, quality forums, and executive-level reporting to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Measure Quality project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and methodologies, defining and tracking KPIs related to project success, quality impact, and operational outcomes.
• Leverage data-driven insights to inform decision-making, optimize project execution, and drive continuous improvement across quality initiatives.
• Perform and assess project and quality risk management activities, escalating critical risks and proposing mitigation strategies to leadership when needed.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process efficiency, automation, and innovation across Quality initiatives and systems.
• Apply Organizational Change Management strategies to support adoption, sustainability, and business readiness for new or enhanced quality processes and systems.
• Manage stakeholder relationships throughout all phases of the project lifecycle, engaging effectively with global, cross-functional partners.
• Guide, mentor, and support junior Quality staff, fostering a culture of quality excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to proactively enhance Quality systems, processes, and methodologies.
• Balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while promoting a collaborative, trust-based culture and strong customer-service mindset.
• Communicate and influence upwards, providing strategic recommendations and clear updates to Senior and executive audiences.

Essential Skills

• Strong knowledge of Quality Systems, quality principles, industry standards, and best practices in regulated GxP environments.
• Quality Systems experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device industry.
• At least 8 years of relevant industry experience in Quality, Quality Systems, Project Management, or regulated GxP environments, or at least 6 years with a Master's degree.
• Global project and portfolio management experience, including executive-level reporting and governance.
• Strong risk management skills, including identification, assessment, mitigation planning, and escalation of project and quality risks.
• Proficiency in defining, tracking, and interpreting KPIs related to project success, quality impact, and operational performance.
• Demonstrated strength in planning, prioritization, and managing multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with project management tools, stakeholder management practices, and performance tracking methodologies.
• Ability to engage and influence internal and external stakeholders, facilitate discussions, delegate effectively, and drive accountability.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clearly to Senior and executive audiences.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and translate complex initiatives into clear, actionable execution plans.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency.
• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field such as Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience.
• Advanced degree in a science, engineering, or quality-related discipline.
• Experience supporting Quality Systems, QA/QC initiatives, and cross-functional quality transformations.
• Familiarity with project governance frameworks, executive reporting, and KPI-driven performance management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across functions and regions.
• Customer-service mindset focused on supporting internal partners and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to provide recommendations, challenge assumptions, and shape quality initiatives.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing business needs.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities and a continuous improvement orientation.

Work Environment
This role operates in a hybrid work environment, with work-from-home days on Monday and Friday and in-office presence required from Tuesday through Thursday. The position involves regular collaboration with global, cross-functional teams and interaction with Senior and executive stakeholders. Work is conducted within regulated GxP settings, using project management tools, performance tracking systems, and Quality Systems platforms to manage global initiatives and reporting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Foster City, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $69.00 - $80.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Foster City,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.