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Associate Director Quality Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role OverviewThe Associate Director, Quality Systems is a member of the Raritan Quality Leadership Team with responsibilities for quality systems oversight within a cell therapy manufacturing plant ...

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Associate Director Quality information

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How much do associate director quality jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate director quality in the United States is $26.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate director quality do?

An Associate Director of Quality oversees quality assurance and quality control processes within an organization, ensuring that products or services meet established standards and regulatory requirements. They lead teams responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality management systems, and often collaborate with other departments to drive continuous improvement. Additionally, they analyze quality data, handle audits, and provide training to staff on best practices. This role is critical for maintaining compliance, customer satisfaction, and the overall integrity of the company's offerings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director quality?

To thrive as an Associate Director of Quality, you need a thorough understanding of quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and relevant industry standards, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline. Familiarity with quality-related tools such as Six Sigma, ISO standards, and electronic quality management systems (eQMS) is typically required, along with certifications like ASQ or Lean Six Sigma. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help drive cross-functional initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure product quality, regulatory adherence, and operational excellence within the organization.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate director quality, and how can they be addressed?

As an Associate Director of Quality, one common challenge is balancing regulatory compliance with operational efficiency, especially when implementing new quality systems or updates. Navigating cross-functional communication and ensuring all departments adhere to quality standards can also be demanding, as it requires strong leadership and negotiation skills. Staying current with evolving industry regulations and effectively managing audits are key responsibilities, so proactive training and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Associate Director Quality vs Quality Manager?

AspectAssociate Director QualityQuality Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees quality strategies, compliance, and cross-departmental initiatives at a higher levelManages daily quality operations, audits, and team supervision
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in quality assuranceRequires relevant certifications and experience in quality management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-functional, often involved in policy developmentOperational, focused on process implementation and team management

The Associate Director Quality generally holds a higher strategic role with broader responsibilities compared to the more operational focus of a Quality Manager. While both roles require relevant credentials and experience, the Associate Director is involved in shaping quality policies and ensuring compliance at an organizational level, whereas the Quality Manager oversees daily quality activities and team performance.

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Infographic showing various Associate Director Quality job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,018 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Associate Director, Quality

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Role:
The Associate Director of Quality is responsible for managing quality assurance activities, providing strategic oversight of the implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS), and ensuring compliance with FDA, ICH, and other regulatory standards. This individual ensures compliance with GxP regulations (GLP, GMP, GCP as applicable) across our CROs. The successful candidate will establish quality frameworks from the ground up and lead quality initiatives that support the company's pipeline from preclinical research through clinical development in a fast-paced, resource-conscious environment. The Associate Director, Quality reports to the Vice President, Head of Regulatory and Quality. This is a full-time hybrid role that is temporary for 6 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension.
What You Will Do:
Quality Program Development
  • Develop, implement, and maintain quality systems and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations (GLP, GMP, GCP )
  • Implement pragmatic quality approaches that balance compliance with operational efficiency
  • Create quality culture and awareness across all organizational levels
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

CRO Management & Strategic Partnerships
  • Serve as the co-primary quality liaison for CDMO partnerships, overseeing quality agreements, audits, and ongoing compliance activities.
  • Implement risk-based CRO oversight programs optimized for resource efficiency
  • Build strong working relationships with CRO quality teams to ensure seamless collaboration
  • Manage CRO performance with emphasis on speed, quality, and value delivery

Quality Systems & Documentation
  • Develop, implement, and maintain quality systems and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable regulations (GLP, GMP, GCP.).
  • Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping practices
  • Lead development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
  • Maintain document control and change management processes
  • Review key quality documentation, including protocols, reports, SOPs, batch records, and laboratory data.

Technical Requirements and Skills:
Technical Skills
  • Deep understanding of FDA, EMA, & ICH regulatory requirements
  • Extensive knowledge of GMP, GLP, and GCP principles
  • Experience with quality management systems and quality metrics
  • Strong understanding of gene therapy development processes
  • Experience with quality auditing and inspection processes

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field required
  • 10 + years of biotech industry experience
  • Previous startup or small company experience highly preferred
  • Experience building quality processes in early-stage development and understanding a fit-for-purpose approach
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience managing CROs and vendor relationships

Compensation: The salary range for this temporary position is $90.00 to $110.00 USD per hour. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location