Head of Validation - Manufacturing

About the role

Gilead Sciences is seeking an experienced validation leader to head the Manufacturing Validation function at the Foster City site. This role will establish and lead an integrated, risk-based validation program for the facilities, utilities, equipment, automation, and computerized systems supporting a new state-of-the-art biologics facility.

In partnership with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, IT, and project teams, this leader will define the validation framework, build the capabilities required for execution, and ensure the new facility is compliant and inspection-ready from startup through routine operations.

The successful candidate will also lead and integrate the existing validation team supporting the site's small-molecule clinical manufacturing pilot plants and warehouse. Required Skills: Demonstrated leadership of validation for the startup and licensure of a new biotech or biologics manufacturing facility.

Significant experience designing and implementing risk-based, lifecycle validation approaches in a GMP-regulated environment. Deep technical knowledge of facility, utility and equipment qualification and computer system validation, including applicable regulatory expectations and industry standards.

Proven ability to build validation organizations and governance, establish clear accountabilities, and lead employees, contractors, and partner functions through complex startup programs. Strong cross-functional influence, decision-making, and communication skills, with an unwavering commitment to quality, data integrity, cGMP compliance, and patient safety.

Job Responsibilities

Establish the site validation strategy Develop and implement an integrated, risk-based validation strategy, governance, acceptance criteria, and oversight model for facilities, utilities, process equipment, automation platforms, and GMP computer systems supporting the new Foster City biologics facility.

Lead validation through facility startup Provide site validation leadership and oversight from design and construction through commissioning, qualification, process readiness, and transition to routine GMP operations in alignment with the overall project schedule.

Implement risk-based validation Apply science- and risk-based principles to focus testing and documentation on critical aspects, leverage supplier and commissioning evidence where appropriate, and maintain clear traceability to patient, product, and data-integrity risks.

Build a high performing validation department Provide leadership guidance and coaching for existing and new validation department employees, forecast and manage workload, and support employee career growth.

Build governance and execution capability Establish standards, procedures, templates, metrics, and decision forums; define roles across internal teams, engineering partners, vendors, and contractors; and develop a high-performing validation organization sized for each phase of the program.

Drive inspection readiness and sustainable operations Partner with Quality and system owners to ensure the new biologics facility and existing small molecule facilities are inspection-ready, including validation ownership, periodic review, change control, requalification, maintenance of the validated state, and continual improvement.

Pay and benefits

Requires a Masters degree with 8+ years of relevant professional experience, or BS with 10+ years of relevant professional experience - a degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline is strongly preferred. Hands-on experience implementing risk-based validation in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Excellent organizational and communication (both written and verbal) skills.

Demonstrated experience leading and engaging a team of technical experts. The ideal candidate would also have: Significant experience with facility, equipment and utility qualification for startup of a manufacturing facility. Significant experience with computerized system validation in a biopharmaceutical environment. Strategic thinking and ability to influence and constructively challenge the status quo.

The salary range for this position is: $182,070.00 - $235,620.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary.

This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

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For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors: Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.