Director, Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT) 503B - Houston, TX

Empower is a visionary healthcare company committed to providing quality, affordable medication to millions of patients across the nation. We hold the distinguished position of being the largest 503A compounding pharmacy and FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility in the country serving the functional medicine markets.  

What sets us apart is our relentless focus on three core values: People, Quality and Service. Our dedicated team of professionals collaboratively works to break new ground in the fields of manufacturing, distribution and quality control, providing a uniquely integrated approach to healthcare. Leveraging our vertical integration of the pharmaceutical supply chain, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to excellence, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medication accessibility and affordability.  

You're not just starting a job; you're joining a mission. We believe in empowering our team to innovate, grow, and drive real change in the healthcare industry. If you're a forward-thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, transformative environment, Empower is the place for you. Here, you’ll be encouraged to share your ideas, expand your skill set, and contribute to projects that genuinely make a difference. We prioritize the well-being of our team members, and we offer a supportive and engaging workplace where your contributions are not just recognized but celebrated.

Let’s revolutionize healthcare, together. Join us and be a part of something extraordinary.  

At Empower, the role of Director of Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T), is pivotal to our mission of producing innovative medications that help people live healthier, happier lives. This role is integral in driving the optimization of our manufacturing processes and workflows, ensuring that our commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement is upheld. You will lead efforts to enhance Right First Time (RFT) rates, reduce waste, and bolster overall product quality.

As the Director of MS&T, you will be at the forefront of technical support for both clinical and commercial manufacturing campaigns. This position requires a deep understanding of technology transfer, process scale-up, and validation, ensuring seamless integration of new processes into our manufacturing operations. Collaboration is key in this role; you will work closely with cross-functional teams including Research and Development (R&D), Quality Assurance (QA), Regulatory Affairs, and Supply Chain to ensure that all manufacturing processes align with our organizational objectives.

In this role, you will ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control measures, overseeing the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulations. Additionally, you will function as a technical subject matter expert (SME) in drug substance and drug product manufacturing, sterile filling, and packaging processes. In this leadership position you will support routine manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts, leading a dedicated team and managing projects from ideation through to completion.

If you are dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement we invite you to apply and join our team at Empower. Your leadership and expertise will contribute to our mission of expanding access to quality, affordable medications and helping people live healthier, happier lives. Be a part of our vision for the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Drives efforts to optimize manufacturing processes and workflows to increase RFT, enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Provides technical support for manufacturing preparation activities for clinical and/or commercial manufacturing campaigns.
• Supports technology transfer, process scale-up, process validation, and process optimization activities.
• Works closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, QA, Regulatory Affairs, and Supply Chain, to ensure alignment and integration of manufacturing processes with organizational objectives.
• Serves as a technical subject matter expert in drug substances, drug product manufacturing, sterile filling, and/or packaging processes.
• Identifies, evaluates emerging technologies, trends in the compounding industry, and implements innovative solutions to drive continuous improvement.
• Authors and executes experiments for process development, characterization, and scale-up following the principles of Quality by Design.
• Facilitates criticality and risk assessments for manufacturing processes and raw materials, soliciting and incorporating feedback from the appropriate SMEs.
• Provides technical support for manufacturing execution and subsequent batch release activities for clinical and/or commercial manufacturing campaigns.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards and quality control measures and oversees the implementation of GMP and other relevant regulations.
• Supports deviations through assessment of impact, reviews & makes recommendations for corrective and preventative actions, and providing input into root cause investigations.
• Supports routine manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts through ownership of changes and document revisions (ownership of change control development, planning, execution, and documentation).
• Supports execution of Engineering and GMP manufacturing batches (i.e., through document review, technical support, on-floor support, etc.).
• Provides leadership and direction to the manufacturing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Completes and communicates annual performance evaluations and provides coaching and feedback to direct reports, recognizing achievements and addressing areas for improvement as needed. 
• Evaluates department headcount needs and actively participates in interview, selection, and onboarding of new employees.
• Manages timelines and deliverables from project ideation through completion.
• Performs process performance analysis and trend process performance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the workday and frequently use their hands and fingers to handle or feel in order to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The employee is regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Light to moderate lifting is required. Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic). Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds and carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

• Familiar with Food and Drug Administration and European Union regulations and GMP standards.
• Possess a sound understanding of engineering fundamentals.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus: Ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer centric solutions.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Know the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Resourcefulness: Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently.
• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quality, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and other accountable to meet commitment.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands of different situations.
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical discipline. Advance degree preferred.
• 2 years of experience in manufacturing sciences, process development, process validation, or related function within the biopharmaceutical industry (i.e., biologics, vaccines, etc.).
• 5 years of substantial experience managing technical operations in a sterile manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience with tech transfer, risk assessments, and quality systems in GMP environment.

• No-Cost Medication: Get your prescribed compounded medications at no cost, ensuring your health without the financial burden.
• Onsite Health & Wellness – IV Therapy Drips: Rejuvenate with complimentary onsite IV Therapy drips, enhancing your well-being and energy levels.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Options: Choose from three medical plans tailored to your needs, plus options for dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Telehealth visits: Access board-certified Doctors anytime, anywhere for you and your family.
• Paid & Volunteer Time Off: Enjoy paid time off for personal pursuits and contribute to causes you care about with volunteer time off.
• Paid Holidays (8 scheduled; 2 floating): Celebrate with eight scheduled holidays and two floating holidays, giving you flexibility and time for personal traditions.
• Life & AD&D Coverage: Secure your and your family's financial future with life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account): Manage healthcare expenses smartly with pre-tax dollars in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• 401K Dollar-for-Dollar Up to 4%: Invest in your future with our 401K plan, featuring a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4%.
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability: Provided at no cost, which replaces 60% of your income if you become disabled for a long period of time.
• Flexible Schedules: Balance work and life seamlessly with our flexible scheduling options.
• Rewards & Recognition Program: Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed – enjoy rewards and recognition beyond your paycheck.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

• Accident Insurance: Pays a lump sum benefit to help cover expenses following an accidental injury.
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Enhance your peace of mind with supplemental hospital insurance for unexpected stays.
• Critical Illness: Protect your finances from the expenses of a serious health issue.
• Short-Term Disability: Protect your income during illness or injury with short-term disability coverage.
• Supplemental Life & AD&D: Add an extra layer of financial protection for you and your loved ones with supplemental life and AD&D coverage.
• Legal Services: Access professional legal assistance to address concerns confidently.
• Identity Theft Protection: Safeguard your identity and finances with our identity theft protection benefit.
• Pet Insurance: Care for your furry family members with our pet insurance coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services for a holistic approach to your well-being.