Director, Technical Operations (Remote) (San Diego)

Reference: 628995Posted: 2026-07-23Location: San Diego, CaliforniaCompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: View email address on apply.placed-app.com Summary:The Director, Technical Operations (Small Molecule CMC) will provide technical oversight for small molecule API development and manufacturing activities conducted at CDMOs. Serving as a key technical point of contact, this role is a critical contributor within Technical Operations (CMC) and broadly supports the product development, clinical manufacturing, commercial launch planning, logistics, and lifecycle management of small molecule drug products. This individual will collaborate closely with Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment, risk management, and successful achievement of program milestones. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in small molecule API development and manufacturing, including ability to help drive CMC strategy for a late-stage development asset. Responsibilities:Provide technical oversight of API production, scale up, process characterization, and process performance qualification (PPQ) for a small molecule, solid oral drug product manufactured at CDMOs.Review and approve manufacturing-related documentation, including change notifications, batch records, process development, tech transfer, process characterization, and validation protocols/reports. Verify suitability, qualification, and validation status of processes at CDMOs and other external laboratories.Provide technical support for GMP quality management systems, including deviations, investigations, CAPAs, change controls, regulatory submissions, and facility inspections. Collaborate with internal and external project teams to support CMC development, clinical supply, commercialization, and lifecycle management of small molecule drug products.Author and review technical documents and regulatory submission content, including INDs, IMPDs, and NDAs.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of US and EU GMP requirements, ICH guidelines, and other regulatory expectations applicable to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.Review project scope, timelines, and deliverables to ensure CDMO activities meet contractual obligations, quality standards, and program objectives. Education/Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline required. Equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be consideredM.S., Ph.D., or other advanced degree in a related discipline preferred10+ years of relevant experience (depending on degree) in small molecule API development and manufacturing with emphasis on late-phase clinical development, scale-up, and commercializationExpert knowledge and extensive CMC experience advancing small molecule APIs from process development through process characterization, PPQ, commercialization, and tech transfers in support of solid oral dosage form programsExtensive experience managing global CDMOs, third-party manufacturers, and testing labs.Broad knowledge and experience with phase-appropriate cGMP requirements and applicable US, EU, and ICH guidelinesDemonstrated ability to prepare and review CMC sections of regulatory filings, including INDs, IMPDs, and NDAs Comp based on experience/level – $189,000.00 – $246,000.00 range