Associate Director - Quality Control

Job Title: Associate Director - Quality Control
Career Level: E
About Singapore ADC:
About Singapo0re ADC Site:
Be part of history in the making. AstraZeneca is building its first biologics manufacturing campus in Singapore — a groundbreaking USD 1.5 billion investment that will serve as a global hub for innovation and excellence.
This innovative facility will deliver end-to-end Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) capabilities with different manufacturing units/buildings in one campus:
Small molecule- chemical API production
Large molecule- monoclonal antibody manufacturing
Conjugation
Fill-and-finish operations, including sterile filling and lyophilization
Final secondary packaging
The campus will be equipped with innovative digital and automation infrastructure, enabling autonomous manufacturing powered by artificial intelligence. In addition, it will be designed for carbon neutrality, embedding sustainability into every aspect of operations and setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible biologic's manufacturing.
Introduction to role:
Are you ready to lead a modern Quality Control function that accelerates safe, reliable medicines to patients while setting the standard on performance? This role puts you at the center of how we scale, standardize, and continuously improve testing and release in a complex, fast-moving environment.
As Associate Director, you will steer a larger, multi-disciplinary QC area to deliver right-first-time results, reduce cycle times, and strengthen compliance. You will shape mid-term strategy, enable new product introductions, and harness Lean and digital tools to unlock capacity and quality at the same time. Do you see yourself building a high-performing team, strengthening systems, and influencing decisions across manufacturing, regulatory, and process development?
Accountabilities:
Operational Leadership: Lead day-to-day QC operations for a larger or complex area, meeting plan, budget, and service levels to enable reliable batch disposition and uninterrupted supply.
Planning Ahead: Analyse trends and risks to help develop a 12–18 month plan for your QC area, translating goals into clear priorities, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
Resource Optimization: Oversee current and future allocation of people, labs, and equipment, ensuring the right capability is in the right place to meet volume, complexity, and compliance needs.
New Product Introduction: Drive long-term planning and implementation for product, process, and equipment introductions in QC, enabling smooth scale-up and tech transfers.
Metrics and Continuous Improvement: Define, track, and report key quality metrics to senior leadership; identify gaps and implement initiatives that improve data integrity, turnaround time, and right-first-time performance.
Change Leadership: Proactively find opportunities to simplify, standardize, and digitize QC workflows; lead change while maintaining full GxP compliance and patient focus.
Cross-Functional Projects: Lead local, cross-functional, and global initiatives that impact QC and partner functions; influence decisions across manufacturing, regulatory, MS&T, engineering, and global quality.
People Leadership: Set clear goals, conduct regular coaching and mentoring, and build capability through performance feedback and development plans that grow both current and future leaders.
Talent and Capability Building: Oversee recruitment and onboarding; ensure training plans keep pace with technology, methods, and compliance requirements.
Culture and Ways of Working: Foster a results-focused, agile culture where Lean principles, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement are embedded in how the team works every day.
Essential Skills/Experience:
Bachelor s' degree in a science / technical field such as Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry
Experience in pharmaceutical quality control management
Prior experience in a GxP environment
Experience working cross-functionally across the supply chain with groups such as regulatory, manufacturing, and process development
Experience in driving the application of LEAN principlesSome experience managing operations, budgets, and resources for the quality control area
Experience implementing change initiatives within quality control area
Desirable Skills/Experience:
Experience in green field or brown field projects to setup Quality Control laboratories
Experience in establishing QC operation system (procedures and processes) for product introduction and supply
Experience in establishing site environmental monitoring program for clean room and clean utilities
Experience in leading test methods transfer or validation for incoming raw materials, intermediates, drug substance (mAb) and drug product (Fill and Finish)
Experience in leading or supporting in QC digital system (LIMS, MODA, 1Lab, Empower and/or SAP) site implementation
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
Why AstraZeneca:
Here you will amplify your impact through a supportive network of peers and leaders who match high standards with genuine trust and respect. We bring together diverse experts, lean thinking, and advanced digital labs to turn complex science into real-world solutions for patients. You will collaborate across a global manufacturing and supply footprint, shape how new medicines reach the world, and grow your craft with access to pioneering technologies and meaningful stretch opportunities. We balance ambition with kindness, value evidence over ego, and connect individual contributions to bold goals in patient impact and sustainability.
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world
Call to Action:
Seize this opportunity to lead a pivotal QC team, sharpen your influence across the value chain, and help deliver medicines to patients faster—step forward and make your mark today!
Date Posted
08-Sept-2026
Closing Date
22-Sept-2026
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.