1

Associate Director Quality Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Role The Associate Director, Quality Control Lab Automation Strategy & Digital Integration is responsible for leading the strategy, implementation, and lifecycle management of laboratory ...

$130 - $190/hr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager/Associate Director, Quality Control to lead Quality Control activities supporting clinical and commercial drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Quality Control provides strategic and operational leadership for all Quality Control (QC) activities supporting drug substance (DS) and dug product (DP) manufacturing ...

Director, Quality Control

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

The Director, Quality Control provides strategic and operational leadership for all Quality Control (QC) activities supporting drug substance (DS) and dug product (DP) manufacturing at the site. This ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Director Quality Control information

See salary details

$31K

$125.6K

$213.5K

How much do associate director quality control jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director quality control in the United States is $125,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $151,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate director quality control?

An Associate Director of Quality Control is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing the quality control processes within an organization, often in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or manufacturing. They lead teams that test and monitor product quality, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and develop strategies to improve testing procedures. Their role involves managing budgets, mentoring staff, and collaborating with other departments to uphold product integrity. Associate Directors of Quality Control often report to higher-level executives and play a key role in maintaining customer trust and regulatory approval.

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

To thrive as an Associate Director of Quality Control, you need in-depth knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and relevant scientific or technical expertise, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or engineering. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), quality assurance software, and certifications such as Six Sigma or ASQ are highly valuable. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help drive team performance and foster cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure rigorous product quality, regulatory adherence, and operational efficiency in quality-driven environments.

What are the main challenges an associate director quality control typically faces when managing a diverse QC team?

An Associate Director of Quality Control often manages teams with varied technical backgrounds, which can lead to challenges in aligning processes, maintaining consistent training standards, and ensuring clear communication across functions. Balancing the demands of regulatory compliance, tight production timelines, and continuous improvement initiatives is also a common challenge. Successful leaders in this role foster a culture of collaboration, prioritize ongoing training, and implement standardized procedures to help their teams deliver reliable results and support broader organizational goals.

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

AspectAssociate Director Quality ControlQuality Control Manager
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Life Sciences, Quality Certifications (e.g., CQE)Bachelor's/Master's in Life Sciences, Quality Certifications (e.g., CQE)
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in labs or manufacturing facilities, overseeing teamsSupervises QC teams, conducts testing, and ensures compliance
Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and biotech manufacturing companiesCommon in similar industries, often reporting to Associate Directors

The Associate Director Quality Control typically holds a higher strategic and leadership role, overseeing multiple teams and ensuring compliance at a broader level. The Quality Control Manager focuses more on daily testing, team supervision, and operational tasks. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility.

More about Associate Director Quality Control jobs

What cities are hiring for Associate Director Quality Control jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Director Quality Control job openings:

What states have the most Associate Director Quality Control jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Director Quality Control jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Associate Director Quality Control jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Director Quality Control jobs are:

Infographic showing various Associate Director Quality Control job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,600 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Associate Director, Quality Control

Brooklyn Park, MN • On-site


Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Investment Clubs and Venture Capital Companies • 1 - 10 employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

By clicking the "Apply" button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda's Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge.

Job DescriptionTitle: Associate Director, Quality ControlLocation: Brooklyn Park, MN (Onsite)About the role:

As an Associate Director, Quality Control, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for QC laboratory functions, including analytical chemistry, microbiology, bioanalytical testing, laboratory systems, and laboratory excellence. You will ensure the timely, compliant, and scientifically sound testing of raw materials, intermediates, in-process samples, and finished drug substance in support of manufacturing operations and patient needs. You will drive compliance with Takeda's Quality Management System, applicable cGMP requirements, global standards, and regulatory expectations.

You will also will partner up closely with Manufacturing and other Quality functions to advance safety, quality, compliance, operational performance, employee development, customer satisfaction, digital innovation, and continuous improvement. You will be part of the site Quality Leadership Team.

How will you contribute:
  • Lead QC laboratory operations, including analytical chemistry, microbiology, and bioanalytical functions.

  • Manage, through subordinate leaders, laboratory teams supporting routine, in-process, release, stability, and investigative testing.

  • Ensure schedule adherence and timely delivery of accurate, reliable, and scientifically justified test results.

  • Establish, implement, and maintain compliant laboratory processes, procedures, methods, and systems.

  • Ensure compliance with Takeda policies, cGMP requirements, and both local and international regulations.

  • Serve as a QC subject-matter expert during regulatory inspections, and audits.

  • Provide expertise in interpreting regulations, agency guidance, internal policies, and quality standards.

  • Support and oversee Deviation, CAPA, Change Control, Audit, and Quality Risk Management activities.

  • Conduct gap assessments and implement improvements to the Quality Management System.

  • Provide leadership for method transfers, laboratory expansion, and new product or process introductions.

  • Identify, manage, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Apply data analytics, Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, and other improvement methodologies where appropriate.

  • Establish and monitor QC performance metrics, including those reported through Quality Council.

  • Develop departmental budgets and ensure responsible fiscal management.

  • Plan and manage staffing, succession, training, coaching, recognition, and professional development.

  • Hire, develop, motivate, and retain technical and management personnel.

  • Communicate priorities, objectives, project timelines, and expectations effectively to staff and stakeholders.

  • Delegate responsibilities and projects based on employee capability, judgment, and experience.

  • Complete mandatory training within required timeframe.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What you bring to Takeda:
  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences, chemistry, engineering, or another related technical discipline required.

  • Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.

  • 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biological-product, or regulated laboratory operations.

  • Experience leading analytical chemistry, microbiology, bioanalytical, or other multidisciplinary QC laboratory functions.

  • 6+ years of management and people-leadership experience required; experience leading large or 24/7 laboratory organizations strongly preferred.

  • Experience with regulatory inspections, audit readiness, and laboratory compliance.

  • Experience with method transfers, laboratory systems, Deviation/CAPA, Change Control, and Quality Risk Management.

  • Experience with TrackWise, SAP, Microsoft Office, and related laboratory or quality systems preferred.

  • Knowledge of endotoxin and sterility testing preferred.

  • In-depth knowledge of cGMPs, Good Data and Documentation Practices, and applicable FDA, EMA, PDA, and other regulatory requirements.

    Strong understanding of laboratory operations, analytical methods, microbiology, sterility assurance, and contamination control. Knowledge of data analytics, digital laboratory innovation, Lean, and Six Sigma concepts preferred.

  • Perform work involving moderate to high scope, complexity, and organizational impact.

  • Operate independently with general direction, applying policies, standards, scientific principles, and regulatory expectations.

  • Troubleshoot technical, operational, compliance, and quality issues and determines appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

  • Balance competing business, quality, compliance, staffing, and resource priorities.

  • Implement global QC strategies using sound scientific principles and international regulatory standards.

  • Identifie risks, escalates significant issues appropriately, and makes quality decisions aligned with Takeda policies and site procedures.

  • Build alignment and consensus with collaborators and customers across functions and organizational levels.

Other Job Requirements

  • Ability to work in controlled environments requiring special gowning and personal protective equipment.

  • May be required to work in clean rooms, confined areas, and cool or hot storage environments.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and perform work in QC laboratory settings.

  • Requires wrist and hand motion for activities such as typing and writing.

  • May be required to work multiple shifts, weekends, or provide support for 24/7 laboratory operations.

  • Willingness to travel for meetings, training, inspections, or other business needs; approximately 5-10% travel.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices.

For Location:

Brooklyn Park, MN

U.S. Base Salary Range:

$154,400.00 - $242,550.00


The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation.

EEO Statement

Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law.

LocationsBrooklyn Park, MNWorker TypeEmployeeWorker Sub-TypeRegularTime TypeFull time

Job Exempt

Yes

Takeda Ventures logo

About Takeda Ventures

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Investment clubs and venture capital companies, pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Social media


What Takeda Pharmaceuticals employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom