Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Job Title: Senior Quality Assurance SpecialistJob Description The Senior Quality Assurance Specialist leads global quality project and portfolio management efforts, ensuring that quality initiatives are planned, executed, and monitored effectively across a regulated, GxP environment. This role drives end-to-end delivery of global quality programs, enhances Quality Systems and integrations, and provides executive-level visibility into project performance. The position combines strategic project leadership, risk management, and organizational change enablement with hands-on collaboration across cross-functional, global teams. Responsibilities Maintain and oversee global Quality project portfolios, ensuring visibility, alignment, and consistent execution across the network.Monitor project progress, proactively identify and manage risks and dependencies, and ensure initiatives are delivered on time and within defined scope.Drive end-to-end planning and execution of global quality initiatives, including developing detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and resource management strategies.Collaborate closely with Project Leads and Quality Leadership to track progress, manage risks, and communicate 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 aligned.Measure Quality project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and methodologies, including defining and tracking KPIs related to project success, quality impact, and operational outcomes.Leverage data-driven insights to inform decision making, drive continuous improvement, and support strategic quality objectives.Perform and assess project and quality risk management activities, escalating critical risks and mitigation strategies to leadership when necessary.Identify and implement opportunities for process efficiency, automation, and innovation across Quality initiatives.Apply Organizational Change Management strategies to support adoption, sustainability, and business readiness for new or enhanced Quality Systems and processes.Manage stakeholder relationships across all phases of the project lifecycle, engaging effectively with global, cross-functional partners.Guide and mentor 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 and processes.Balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while promoting a collaborative, trust-based culture and strong customer-service mindset.Communicate clearly and persuasively to Senior and executive audiences, providing strategic recommendations and influencing upwards.Support QA/QC initiatives and cross-functional quality transformations, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.Ensure project governance practices are followed, including structured executive reporting and KPI-driven performance management. Essential Skills Strong knowledge of Quality Systems, quality principles, industry standards, and best practices in regulated GxP environments.GxP and Quality Systems experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industries.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 related Master’s degree.Demonstrated global project and portfolio management experience, including executive-level reporting.Strong risk management capabilities, including identification, assessment, mitigation, and escalation of project and quality risks.Proven ability to define, track, and interpret KPIs related to project success, quality impact, and operational outcomes.Experience with stakeholder management practices and cross-functional leadership across global teams.Familiarity with project management tools and performance tracking systems used to manage complex initiatives.Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clearly to Senior and executive audiences.Demonstrated strength in planning, prioritization, and managing multiple initiatives simultaneously.Ability to navigate ambiguity and translate complex initiatives into clear, actionable execution plans.Self-motivated, proactive, highly organized, and results-oriented with a strong sense of urgency.Comfortable balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while fostering a collaborative culture.Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific discipline. Additional Skills & Qualifications Master’s degree in a related science, engineering, or quality discipline with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience.Advanced degree in a science, engineering, or quality-related discipline.Demonstrated experience managing global Quality projects or portfolios in regulated pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device environments.Experience supporting Quality Systems and QA/QC initiatives, as well as cross-functional quality transformations.Familiarity with project governance frameworks, executive reporting, and KPI-driven performance management.Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus.Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage complex project documentation.Self-starter capable of working independently while maintaining strong alignment with stakeholders.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust-based relationships across functions and levels.Ability to communicate and influence upwards, providing strategic recommendations to leadership.Customer-service mindset, focused on supporting internal stakeholders and delivering high-quality outcomes.Strategic mindset with the ability to connect project execution to broader organizational goals.Comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines concurrently.Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, particularly in complex, regulated environments. Work Environment This role operates in a hybrid work environment, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays and in-office presence from Tuesday through Thursday. The position supports global, cross-functional Quality initiatives in a regulated GxP setting, collaborating closely with teams in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device contexts. Work involves frequent use of project management tools, performance tracking systems, and data analytics to manage portfolios and report to executive stakeholders. The environment is fast-paced and dynamic, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement while supporting a professional office setting during on-site days. 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 5, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.