Senior Quality Operations Manager

Overview

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We are building a mission-driven, collaborative team operating with speed, transparency, and adaptability.

We are hiring anew member of the team who will own day-to-day Quality Operations across Retro’s programs. In this role, you will own core QA operational processes, ensure the Quality Management System functions effectively as activity increases, and support compliant, phase-appropriate execution across clinical manufacturing and quality operations. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure quality processes are consistently applied and that clinical materials are reviewed, released, and managed in alignment with regulatory expectations. You will report to the Head of Quality and Analytical Development (Q&AD).

About you:

You are a practical, hands-on quality leader with deep experience in GMP Quality Assurance operations who enjoys making complex work run smoothly. You know how to build, run, and continuously improve the systems that keep quality execution on track—from document control and training to deviations, change controls, CAPAs, and batch review—while helping teams move quickly. You are just as comfortable in the details as you are stepping back to spot gaps, tighten processes, and keep work moving forward. You communicate clearly, work well across internal teams and external partners, and bring rigor, follow-through, and a low-ego, high-reliability approach to getting things done. You are motivated by the opportunity to help build quality operations that scale with Retro and support the development of therapies that extend healthy lifespan!

In this role, you will:

• Own and execute day-to-day QA operations across programs, supporting compliant clinical manufacturing and quality system activities.
• Own the maintenance, administration, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS), including document control, training and qualification, deviation, change control, and CAPA workflows.
• Support batch record review, particularly for internally manufactured products, and help ensure manufacturing documentation is complete, accurate, and inspection-ready.
• Perform or coordinate QA disposition and release of drug product for clinical use in alignment with internal procedures and regulatory expectations.
• Coordinate supplier, vendor, and CDMO qualification activities, including documentation, follow-up, and issue escalation.
• Oversee training programs, including training compliance, operator qualification, and aseptic technique qualification.
• Plan, coordinate, and support internal audits, including audit readiness, execution, and closure of follow-up actions.
• Support regulatory inspections and partner audits, including preparation, on-site support, and response development.
• Drive consistent application of quality processes and standards across programs, modalities, and operational teams.
• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, MSAT, Process Development, Quality Control, and Analytical Development to proactively identify quality risks and implement timely mitigation strategies.
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance compliance, operational efficiency, and scalability of QA systems.

You will excel in this role if you have:

• 6+ years of progressive experience in Quality Assurance within a GMP-regulated biopharmaceutical environment, supporting clinical-stage development.
• Hands-on experience supporting clinical manufacturing operations, including batch record review, deviation management, investigations, CAPAs, and change control.
• Experience supporting qualification, oversight, and performance monitoring of suppliers, CDMOs, or CROs.
• Experience performing QA disposition and/or release of clinical drug product.
• Working knowledge of GMP regulations (e.g., FDA, EU, PIC/S) and phase-appropriate quality systems for clinical-stage products.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrate strong judgment in applying risk-based decision-making in a fast-paced, early clinical environment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across technical, operational, and quality stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail, documentation quality, and inspection readiness.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or technical discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Engineering) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience supporting GCP environments, including an understanding of clinical trial quality requirements and data integrity principles.
• Experience with aseptic manufacturing operations, including environmental monitoring, operator qualification, and contamination control strategies.
• Prior involvement in regulatory inspections, partner audits, or customer audits, including preparation and response activities.
• Experience with advanced therapy modalities (e.g., cell therapy, gene therapy, or other complex biologics).
• Experience in early-stage or rapidly scaling organizations, with exposure to building or evolving quality systems.

$175,000 - $190,000 a year

At Retro, we don’t use titles. New hires join as a “Member of X Team.” Depending on experience, this role may align externally to the Manager or Senior Manager level in the broader biotech market.

Total compensation includes competitive base salary, generous equity, and benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
• 401(k) plan with 4% matching
• Flexible time off and 10 company holidays per year
• Paid parental leave
• Annual learning & development stipend
• Daily Retro-sponsored lunch and snacks

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.