Lead Compliance Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Why Stokes?

Stokes Healthcare is a privately-owned business comprised of three divisions: Epicur Pharma (503B facility), Stokes Pharmacy (503A pharmacy) and STEP Labs Testing Facility. The divisions operate out of separate facilities in Mount Laurel, NJ, following different regulations and are guided by different principles.

Stokes Pharmacy was founded in 1975. The pharmacy formulates custom prescription medicines for both humans and animals. The business has grown from a small, hometown operation in Medford, New Jersey, to a respected pharmacy serving the entire U.S., enabled by sophisticated online ordering and overnight shipping capabilities.

In 2016, Stokes Healthcare built a world-class facility (which became Epicur Pharma), as a testament to the commitment to providing the highest level of quality. Adding a unique offering to the veterinary industry, Epicur Pharma is an FDA Registered 503B Outsourcing Facility, producing drugs such as Tacrolimus Eyedrops, Buprenorphine Injection and Gabapentin tablets. Epicur follows Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) which are the same rules and regulations followed by commercial manufacturers.

Epicur Pharma is proud to be a pioneer in animal drug standards, offering the largest selection of manufactured drugs that are traditionally compounded. Epicur products are distributed directly to veterinary hospitals from our manufacturing facility and offered through Stokes Pharmacy for individual patient prescriptions.

Stokes Healthcare has built a reputation for unwavering quality and superb service by holding fast to the founders’ commitment to traditional craftsmanship, combined with today’s most advanced knowledge and technologies. In a field where many corporate-owned pharmacies try to compete on price, Stokes has always put safety and quality first because patients’ lives depend on it.

At Stokes, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account, 401(K) retirement savings plan with a generous employer match, a bonus program, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation and personal time), and an excellent working environment. We are conveniently located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, just minutes from Philadelphia and the NJ shore.

Job Title

Lead Compliance Officer

FLSA Status

Exempt

Salary

Starting at $75,000 based on experience plus twice a year bonuses

Job Summary

Lead Compliance Officer within Epicur Pharma will report directly to the General Manager. This individual is responsible for ensuring operations are in alignment with the regulatory frameworks set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other applicable regulatory authorities. The Lead Compliance Officer acts as a key advisor and leader in ensuring the organization's adherence to ethical and legal standards, while also contributing to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the business. This role is not just about adherence to standards; it's about leading with foresight, crafting and executing comprehensive compliance strategies that safeguard our commitment to quality and regulatory conformance in every facet of our Epicur’s operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develops and implements compliances programs centered around CGMP operations.
• Conducts regular assessments and audits to evaluate compliance with applicable CGMP regulations for internal departments and 3rd Party Providers (i.e. Suppliers, Manufacturers, Contract Laboratories, etc.).
• Identify areas for improvement and collaborate with internal stakeholders to support compliance during strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Provide companywide notifications when regulations and guidance, affecting 503B outsourcing facility operations, have been revised/updated.
• Assist in responses and information transfers with regulatory agencies.
• Analyzing regulatory developments and industry trends, providing insights and recommendations to enhance compliance strategy.
• Responds to inquiries, assist in inspections, and ensures timely and appropriate reporting.
• Champion the development and delivery of compliance training programs for employees, ensuring a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements.
• Collaborating with various departments (e.g., Legal, Quality, R&D) to address compliance issues and ensure a holistic approach to risk management.
• Perform internal audits of QMS ensuring adherence to applicable regulations and company policies.
• Ensures proper documentation of manufacturing processes and maintains accurate records to demonstrate compliance.
• Drives the implementation of corrective and preventive actions in response to compliance-related issues or identified areas for improvement.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborates with Quality Assurance and other departments to enhance the overall quality management system.
• Fosters a creative and collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork, professional growth, and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Monitors and evaluates employee performance. Provides feedback as necessary.
• Partners with department leadership to evaluate department headcount needs, conducts interviews and selects qualified candidates.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical, analytical testing, and/or related science field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in pharmaceutical compliance or quality assurance
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or relevant field, preferred
• Familiar with GxP, FDA, ICH, and OSHA requirements
• Familiar with 21 CFR Part 11
• Familiar with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Must be capable of wearing all protective wear as required. This includes, but not limited to, mask, gloves, gown, hairnet, safety goggles, etc.
• Must have strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Must exhibit punctuality and low absenteeism
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to sit, stand, squat, kneel, reach and walk for prolonged periods of time
• May need to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds on occasion

Competencies

• Work Independently
• Communication Proficiency
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Quality
• Results Driven
• Technical Capacity
• Thoroughness

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This job operates primarily in a controlled laboratory environment. This position requires the use of standard office equipment, and frequent standing and walking.

Language Skills

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English fluently and have the ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

Mathematical Skills

Uses addition, subtraction, multiplication and the division of numbers including decimals and fractions when checking of reports, forms, records and comparable data where interpretation is required involving basic skills knowledge.

Reasoning Ability

Must have the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where substantial standardization exists. Must be able to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Able to sit and/or stand 8-10 hours or more per day as needed
• May need to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds on occasion

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Because of the nature of the business, work schedules may vary at times.

Travel

Up to 20% Domestic Travel

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to capture or illustrate a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

AAP/EEO Statement

Stokes Healthcare is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.