Head of Quality Operations

Head of Quality Operations

Bedford, MA

About Us

Obsidian Therapeutics is expanding the reach of TIL therapy. We are pioneering engineered tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients suffering from solid tumor malignancies. Obsidian's programs apply our cytoDRiVE platform technology to express regulated therapeutic proteins to enhance anti-tumor activity. We're currently investigating our lead program OBX-115 and enrolling patients in an ongoing clinical trial in advanced or metastatic melanoma.

We're proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and our Technical Development, Manufacturing & Quality team is based in our facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options.

On April 3, 2024, we announced closure of a significantly oversubscribed $160.5 million Series C financing with a top-tier syndicate of life science investors led by new investor, Wellington Management. Proceeds from the financing will advance Obsidian's lead program in its ongoing trials. We're focused on enrolling patients and reaching key clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as manufacturing scale-up ahead of pivotal trial readiness.

Our Opportunity

We're seeking a visionary and hands-on leader for this newly created position. This position is responsible for oversight of all GXP operations inclusive of leading Clinical Quality, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Systems, Quality Assurance Validation, Quality Risk Management and Quality Compliance. The charter is to partner across the organization to define and drive a holistic Quality strategy and roadmap to enable success from clinical development through commercialization and cultivate a culture of quality while ensuring overall GxP compliance.

The ideal candidate must bring significant leadership experience in building phase appropriate Quality operations including organization capabilities and quality management systems in small to medium sized biotech companies (including cell- or gene-therapy). Critical success factors include well-rounded GXP experience, success in developing and leading robust Quality operations, developing and motivating high performing teams, and overseeing an externalized GMP environment.

This role reports to our Chief Technical Officer (with a dotted line to the CEO) and is based in our Bedford MA location (hybrid).

You Will

• Partner across the organization to define and implement a clear quality vision and strategic plan from Phase I/II clinical to commercial to support company's goals for the development, manufacture, and future global commercialization of autologous cell therapy products.
• Lead quality oversight for all GXP activities internally and externally ensuring systems and processes are in-place and in-use for compliance with global current good manufacturing practices (cGMP).
• Develop, maintain and administer an efficient and effective risk based and phase appropriate Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with regulatory requirements and industry recognized best practices for cell and gene therapy clinical and commercial products.
• Ensure internal and external inspection readiness at all times and lead regulatory body inspections to positive outcomes. Engage in proactive relationships with FDA and other regulatory authorities.
• Establish key performance indicators in alignment with company and operational goals; maintain and report applicable department and Quality System metrics and take action on adverse trends.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate quality, operational, and organization risks; escalate key risks and issues.
• Drive a continuous improvement and operational excellence culture of the QMS from all levels of the organization thru self-detecting and self-correcting process and systems and instilling strong ownership and accountability at all levels.
• Recruit, develop, lead, coach and motivate a highly engaged, skilled, collaborative, and high performing Quality team. Cultivate a team culture of high standards, collaboration, empowerment, innovation, inclusion, trust, and continuous learning.
• Ensure all vendor contracts, including Quality agreements, are effectively negotiated to meet the quality and regulatory requirements needs of Obsidian in a cost-efficient manner.
• Develop and manage quality organizations annual operating budgets; partner with management and Finance to analyze variances and implement adjustments.

You Bring

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferably in the life sciences.
• 20+ years of biotech/pharma industry experience, including 10+ years in progressive Quality Leadership roles in dynamic small to medium sized companies.
• Broad range of Quality experience in complex biologics and cell or gene therapy, including clinical and commercial manufacturing; application of phase appropriate GMPs; Pharmaceutical Quality Systems; Clinical Quality Assurance; and Good Clinical Practices.
• Significant experience building and growing quality capabilities for an externalized GXP environment and supporting clinical through commercial operations.
• Deep understanding of global regulations for drug products and their application.
• Strategic, pragmatic, phase-appropriate, risk-based approach to Quality Assurance based on experience in clinical stage to commercial stage biotech.
• Successful oversight of internal and external manufacturing with multiple and diverse CDMOs.
• A leadership approach that inspires confidence, credibility, and trust internally and externally; you're adept at building buy-in to strategies and agreements with senior leadership and partners.
• Communicates effectively across all levels within the organization. Understands different points of view and resolves issues in a constructive manner.
• Proven ability to thrive as a leader in a fast-paced dynamic environment, successfully building, motivating, developing, and retaining high performing teams.
• Exceptional record of delivering on plans, including robust risk management and transparent communications.
• Demonstrated strategic problem-solving ability in complex, high consequence situations; ability to predict issues and identify solutions.
• Proven ability to lead functional and cross-functional project teams; you inspire confidence and trust, invites different perspectives, and facilitates data-based decision making.
• Innovative and big picture thinking.
• Excellent organizational skills including proactive, simultaneous management of multiple tasks of varying degrees of complexity.

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.