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Associate Director, Clinical Qa

Novartis
Novartis
12-15+ years
Not Disclosed
Hyderabad, India
10 Feb. 17, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Associate Director, Clinical Quality Assurance (Clinical QA Program Lead)
Job ID: REQ-10071223
Location: Hyderabad, India
Job Type: Full-Time | Regular
Function: Quality | Clinical Development
Division: Development
Company: Novartis Healthcare Private Limited

Job Overview

Novartis is seeking an experienced Associate Director, Clinical QA (Clinical Quality Assurance Program Lead) to provide strategic quality oversight across development and research functions in India. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements, strengthening quality management systems (QMS), and driving inspection readiness across clinical and research operations.

The position plays a critical role in maintaining GxP compliance, supporting global and regional quality initiatives, and embedding a culture of quality excellence aligned with regulatory standards such as GCP, GLP, GMP, Pharmacovigilance (PV), and Investigator-Initiated Programs (IP).

Experience Required

  • Significant experience in Clinical Quality Assurance within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences organizations

  • Strong background in GxP compliance including GCP, GLP, and cGMP environments

  • Proven experience in audit and inspection management, including health authority inspections

  • Demonstrated people management and leadership experience

  • Experience supporting global drug development and research functions

  • Hands-on experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) implementation and oversight

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Quality Oversight and Compliance

  • Provide expert QA guidance to ensure compliance with internal quality systems and global regulatory requirements

  • Oversee implementation of risk-based GxP processes across development and research functions

  • Translate global QA strategy into operational compliance activities at regional and site levels

Audit and Inspection Management

  • Lead and facilitate regulatory inspection preparation, management, and follow-up

  • Support inspection readiness initiatives and ensure sustainable remediation of identified gaps

  • Drive root cause investigations, corrective and preventive action (CAPA) implementation, and effectiveness checks

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

  • Oversee development, monitoring, and execution of Quality Plans

  • Identify compliance gaps and implement strategic process improvements

  • Ensure timely escalation and oversight of deviations, incidents, and quality events

  • Contribute to continuous improvement based on audit findings, regulatory intelligence, and quality metrics

External Oversight and Vendor Management

  • Provide quality oversight of external service providers supporting research and development

  • Support audits of third-party vendors and ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards

  • Oversee IT systems used in clinical research and development to ensure GxP compliance

Leadership and Culture

  • Lead QA teams or cross-functional quality project teams

  • Promote a culture of quality excellence and “right first time” mindset

  • Collaborate with stakeholders across NIBR, GDD, and other development functions

  • Support diversity, inclusion, and quality-driven behaviors within the organization

Product Quality Reporting

  • Ensure timely reporting of technical complaints, adverse events, and special case scenarios within 24 hours

  • Oversee distribution of marketing samples where applicable

Core Competencies

  • Clinical Quality Assurance Leadership

  • Audit & Health Authority Inspection Management

  • Quality Risk Management

  • GxP Compliance (GCP, GLP, cGMP, PV)

  • Drug Development Lifecycle Knowledge

  • CAPA and Deviation Management

  • Quality Systems Implementation

  • Regulatory Intelligence and Inspection Readiness

  • Cross-Functional Stakeholder Collaboration

Why Join Novartis?

Novartis is a global healthcare leader committed to reimagining medicine and improving patient outcomes worldwide. The organization combines scientific innovation with a strong culture of collaboration, compliance, and operational excellence.

This Associate Director, Clinical QA role offers the opportunity to shape quality strategy within global drug development programs while working in a highly regulated and innovation-driven pharmaceutical environment.

Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

Novartis is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce representative of the patients and communities it serves. The organization provides reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and throughout employment, in line with applicable policies and regulations.

This Associate Director, Clinical QA position in Hyderabad is ideal for senior quality professionals seeking leadership roles in clinical quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and global pharmaceutical development.

Apply now through The Pharma Daily to explore senior clinical quality assurance careers in India and advance your leadership journey in global drug development.