Quality Assurance Manager at Celldex Therapeutics in New Hampton, NJ

Overview

The Manager, Quality Assurance role will support manufacturing operations, late‑stage clinical development, and commercial readiness. This role plays a critical part in ensuring compliance with FDA regulations, cGMPs, and internal Quality Systems while supporting Phase 3 clinical trials for CDX‑0159, preparation and submission of the Biologics License Application (BLA), and subsequent commercial activities.

The ideal candidate brings strong regulatory judgment, hands‑on QA expertise, and a proactive leadership mindset focused on inspection readiness, compliance excellence, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Quality Leadership & Compliance

• Provide Quality Assurance leadership for manufacturing operations in compliance with FDA regulations, ICH guidelines, and cGMP requirements.
• Ensure consistent implementation and adherence to the company Quality Management System (QMS).
• Serve as a quality decision‑maker, applying risk‑based thinking and sound regulatory judgment.

Document Review & Oversight

• Review, approve, and audit complex quality documentation, including:
  • Master Batch Records (MBRs)
  • Executed Batch Records (EBRs)
  • CMO deviations, investigations, and complaints
  • QC analytical methods, stability protocols, and associated data
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory expectations for accuracy, completeness, traceability, and data integrity.

Clinical, Regulatory & Commercial Support

• Provide QA support for Phase 3 clinical activities for CDX‑0159, ensuring compliance with applicable GxP requirements.
• Support the review, authoring, and submission of quality components of the BLA.
• Partner cross‑functionally to support commercial readiness, including process validation, product disposition, and lifecycle management.

CMO & Vendor Oversight

• Provide QA oversight of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and critical vendors.
• Support vendor qualification, audits, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Lead or support responses to audit observations, including CAPA development and follow‑up.

Audits

• Participate in and support vendor audits, and internal audits.
• Lead preparation, hosting, and response activities, including regulatory commitments and remediation efforts.

SOPs & Continuous Improvement

• Review, approve, and contribute to the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify opportunities to improve quality systems, processes, and compliance maturity.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with Manufacturing, QC, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Supply Chain, and external partners.
• Communicate quality risks and compliance status clearly to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field required. Advanced degree (MS, PhD) preferred
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive Quality Assurance experience in the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated experience supporting manufacturing operations under cGMP.
• Hands‑on experience with batch record review, deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and CMO oversight.
• Direct experience supporting late‑stage clinical programs and BLA submissions strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMPs, ICH guidelines, and Quality Systems.
• Strong leadership, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including interaction with regulatory agencies.
• Ability to balance compliance requirements with business objectives.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this position is $116,156 to $150,852.

We are committed to compensating employees equitably based on several factors including experience, education, licensure/certifications, skill level, location of the position, and availability of similar talent in a competitive market.

Compensation for this role includes base salary, annual discretionary bonus, long term incentive, 401(K) plan with employer contribution, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of our benefits can be found on our careers page.

Celldex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that strives to foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to promoting a diverse environment through development, recruiting and community outreach.#LI-Hybrid