GLP Compliance Manager

Exton PA, Direct Hire. Salary: $100,000-$125,000/year

A growing, science-driven manufacturer of contamination-control products for pharmaceutical and biotech customers is building its first formal GLP testing function. The company currently runs internal testing. This hire will found the GLP department and own its compliance foundation.

You will design, implement and sustain the GLP compliance framework for a new microbiology testing operation. You are the subject‑matter expert, with no senior GLP lead onsite. You will build the systems, train the team, and direct GLP studies once the foundation is in place. This is an individual‑contributor leadership role with no direct reports.

• GLP program build‑out
• Perform a gap assessment against FDA 21 CFR Part 58 and EPA 40 CFR Part 160. Develop and execute a phased readiness roadmap with defined milestones.
• Write and implement the SOP suite, training matrix and document control system. Maintain the master schedule.
• Establish data‑integrity (ALCOA+) controls and manage the validation and access controls for computerized and electronic record systems.
• Set up the records archive, including indexing, retention and access procedures.
• Facility, equipment and materials:
  Define and implement controls for equipment calibration, maintenance and qualification. Ensure laboratory and BSL-2 conditions support GLP requirements.
• Establish test and control article handling: receipt, chain of custody, characterization, storage and retention.
• Establish test system and reagent controls, including organism sourcing and maintenance, media and reagent qualification, and neutralization confirmation.
• Quality oversight and inspection readiness:
  Work with management to establish an independent Quality Assurance Unit and an inspection program, and collaborate with it once in place.
• Lead readiness for sponsor audits and regulatory inspections, including mock inspections. Manage CAPA and audit responses.
• Evaluate and, where the business chooses, initiate any applicable accreditation or recognition pathway.
• Study management (once the foundation is in place):
  Direct GLP microbiology studies as Study Director when designated. Approve protocols and amendments, and manage deviations, timelines and resources.
• Advise on EPA antimicrobial efficacy testing (OCSPP 810 series) and on AOAC and ASTM methods, and keep the program aligned with current EPA guidance.
• Training and culture:
  Train analysts on GLP practices and assess their competency.
• Build a culture of compliance in a start‑up environment.

• Gap assessment complete and roadmap approved.
• Core SOPs, training records, equipment and archive systems in place.
• Successful mock inspection or internal audit.
• First compliant GLP study initiated.

• BS in Microbiology, Biology or a related life science. An MS or PhD is preferred.
• 7+ years in a regulated microbiology laboratory, including 3+ years managing or directing GLP studies.
• Demonstrated experience implementing, remediating or maintaining GLP systems, ideally in a start‑up or new‑lab setting.
• Working knowledge of 21 CFR Part 58, 40 CFR Part 160 and OECD GLP Principles.
• Strong microbiology fundamentals: culture, enumeration, neutralization and root‑cause investigation.
• Experience with EPA disinfectant or antimicrobial efficacy studies (AOAC, ASTM) is strongly preferred. Exposure to FIFRA registration is a plus.
• Familiarity with validation of electronic systems (such as LIMS) is a plus.
• Excellent technical writing and the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.