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Controlled Substance Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controlled Substance Analyst

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$33.29 - $49.93/hr

... Program, and to refine process improvement initiatives. You will hold key role tasked with all ... At least two years of experience in healthcare data management, analysis, presentation and ...

... Program, and to refine process improvement initiatives. You will hold key role tasked with all ... At least two years of experience in healthcare data management, analysis, presentation and ...

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Controlled Substance Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do controlled substance program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for controlled substance program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controlled substance program manager?

A Controlled Substance Program Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the handling, storage, distribution, and regulatory compliance of controlled substances within an organization, such as a healthcare facility or research institution. Their duties include ensuring adherence to federal and state laws, maintaining accurate records, implementing security protocols, and conducting audits to prevent diversion or misuse. They often serve as the main point of contact with regulatory agencies and provide training to staff on proper procedures. This role is vital for maintaining legal compliance and patient safety in environments where controlled substances are used.

What are some common challenges faced by controlled substance program managers and how can they be addressed?

Controlled Substance Program Managers often encounter challenges such as ensuring strict compliance with federal and state regulations, maintaining accurate inventory records, and coordinating across departments to prevent diversion or misuse. Staying updated with frequently changing laws and regulations can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by implementing robust tracking systems, conducting regular audits, fostering strong communication between pharmacy, clinical, and compliance teams, and providing ongoing staff training. Building a proactive compliance culture helps mitigate risks and ensures the safe handling of controlled substances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controlled substance program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controlled Substance Program Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of controlled substance regulations, compliance protocols, and often a background in pharmacy, healthcare, or regulatory affairs. Familiarity with controlled substance tracking systems, auditing tools, and regulatory databases—as well as certifications like Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)—are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with multiple departments and ensuring regulatory adherence. These competencies are vital for maintaining legal compliance, minimizing risk, and safeguarding public health within organizations that handle controlled substances.

What is the difference between Controlled Substance Program Manager vs Pharmacist?

AspectControlled Substance Program ManagerPharmacist
Required CredentialsOften requires certification in controlled substances, compliance trainingRequires a pharmacy degree and state licensure
Work EnvironmentRegulatory compliance departments, healthcare facilities, pharmaciesCommunity pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agenciesRetail pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare providers

The Controlled Substance Program Manager focuses on compliance, policy implementation, and regulatory adherence related to controlled substances. In contrast, pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, patient counseling, and medication management. While both roles require knowledge of controlled substances, the Program Manager emphasizes regulatory oversight, whereas pharmacists focus on patient care and medication safety.

What states have the most Controlled Substance Program Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Controlled Substance Program Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Controlled Substance Program Manager jobs?

For Controlled Substance Program Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Controlled Substance Program Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Program Specialist (Controlled Substance Coordinator)

Houston, TX • On-site

$86K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and coordinate all activities of the Controlled Substance Inspection Program to ensure facility compliance.

  • Serve as the Medical Center's Controlled Substance Coordinator, providing oversight and management of related activities.

  • Report directly to the Administrative Officer and support the facility's controlled substance program requirements.


Job description

This position reports directly to the Administrative Officer, Office of Quality and Patient Safety of the Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), a complexity 1A facility. This position serves as the Medical Center's Controlled Substance Coordinator (CSC), providing direct management and coordination of all activities of the Controlled Substance Coordinator Inspection Program ensuring that the facility meets the mandated requirements of the program.Qualifications:As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/08/2026.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
  • Experience conducting or supporting Controlled Substance Inspections.
  • Experience utilizing Microsoft Office programs and other computer software, including Excel, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe.
  • Experience training and educating staff on controlled substance inspection programs and processes.
  • Experience auditing and analyzing data received from inspectors and preparing detailed reports.
  • Experience communicating with inspectors and hospital leadership regarding controlled substance programs.
  • Experience scheduling and coordinating activities with individuals in a non-supervisory role.
  • Experience reviewing VHA directives and local policies and procedures to ensure program compliance.
  • Experience utilizing VHA Electronic Health Record systems and BD Pyxis.
OR,
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. if related that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation.
OR,
Combination: Combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Only education in excess of a master's or equivalent graduate education may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-11 level. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.Education:A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER