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The Quality Operations Specialist will serve as an individual contributor within the U.S. Pharmaceutical Distribution (USPD) Quality Team, providing quality and technical guidance to Operations. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Quality Operations, this role operates as a key contributor, independently and through project teams, to employ their knowledge and expertise to embed quality culture, reduce compliance risk, identify efficiencies, drive continuous improvement activities, and achieve business results. This role will ensure that processes, procedures, people, analytics and technology are being leveraged to maximize quality processes and compliance across the network.
The Quality Operations Specialist provides direction during high-risk and critical events that may have potential impact to product by applying their experience and judgement within defined policies. This individual will also influence investigation quality standards, documentation rigor, and work prioritization to promote consistent application of internal procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
In addition, the Quality Operations Specialist supports the Senior Manager of Quality Operations in maintaining the effectiveness of USPD’s Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with internal policies and applicable laws and regulations, including preparedness for emerging regulatory and operational changes. This role serves as an onsite technical resource to operational colleagues and cross‑functional partners without formal people‑management responsibility. Success in this role requires demonstrated expertise in regulated pharmaceutical distribution, strong analytical judgment, and effective collaboration across multiple internal and external stakeholders in a highly matrixed environment.
This is an onsite role located in Lakeland, FL (i.e. the Lakeland Pharma / FDC).
Compensation: The target salary for this role is between $100,000 and $105,000.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Quality Support and Collaboration
Serve as the primary Quality liaison to Operations at the Lakeland DC
Maintain a regular onsite presence to foster a culture of quality, compliance, and collaboration
Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders to address operational quality needs and risks
Promptly escalate critical events while planning the investigative approach based on event risk, urgency, resource availability, and potential business impact
Oversees critical investigation execution, coordinating cross‑functional input as needed to support timely and effective resolution
Quality System Execution and Oversight
Drive expectations for quality at the Distribution Center (DC) including, but not limited to:
Create, review and/or edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs) to enhance operational efficiency and compliance with corporate policies and regulations
Ensure operational compliance with DSCSA and implementation of National Standards
Supports the administration and completion of operational investigations, while coaching teams on root cause analysis tools, and the appropriate development and implementation of CAPAs to ensure regulatory defensibility.
Translates investigation data, trends, and business drivers into actionable recommendations that improve investigation outcomes and inspection readiness
Identifies operational pain points and emerging risks and translates them into system or procedural improvements while maintaining operational efficiency
Technical Resource Role
Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the following areas:
Documentation Management / Version Control / Good Documentation Practices
Change Control
Investigations / Root Cause Analysis
Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs)
Regulatory Inspection Management
Validation
Electronic Quality Management Systems (e.g. TrackWise and MasterControl)
Data Integrity
Quality Leadership, Coaching & Knowledge Development
Partners with the site Director of Operations to support training delivery to enhance Operations’ understanding and application of Quality principles and requirements
Acts as a technical and process expert for less‑experienced colleagues, providing guidance during critical events, and offering direction as appropriate without formal people‑management responsibility
Audit and Inspection Readiness
Support Operations to ensure continuous audit and inspection readiness
Assist with inspection preparation activities and post‑inspection responses as assigned
Participate in and support regulatory inspections, supplier/customer audits, and internal assessments as needed
NOTE: This is not an all-inclusive list. Other duties may be required based on business need.
Minimum Requirement
Degree or equivalent and typically requires 4+ years of relevant experience.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical, or quality‑related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
Critical Skills
3 - 5 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical / medical device quality, or regulated distribution environments.
Knowledge of cGMPs and Good Distribution Practices with a minimum of 2 years in a Quality Assurance role.
Experience working in a large, matrixed organization with cross‑functional exposure to Quality, Operations, Compliance, Technology, and external partners.
Ability to conduct complex initiatives in a self-directed manner, with minimal oversight, and to deliver superior results in a timely manner.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate and influence a broad spectrum of business segment personnel and senior management.
Ability to work effectively and professionally with internal and external personnel as a Quality ambassador.
Excellent decision making and judgment capability.
Ability to influence without formal authority.
Ability to follow established procedures and instructions.
Specialized Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge of FDA regulations and requirements applicable to pharmaceutical distribution, including the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR), Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), and industry standards for temperature excursion management (e.g., USP <659>, USP <1079>).
Demonstrates analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, including interpretation of data and regulatory standards to support sound and regulatory‑defensible conclusions.
Experience contributing to CAPA development and execution, quality system enhancements, inspection readiness activities, and execution of regulatory‑aligned investigation and documentation practices.
Practical expertise working within an electronic Quality Management System (eQMS), including supporting investigation workflows, documentation standards, user enablement, and data integrity.
Excellent prioritization skills to manage complex investigations and quality initiatives within a regulated environment.
Supports development and implementation of policies and procedures related to regulated activities in the distribution centers.
Oversees the development and implementation of corrective action plans in response to findings from audits and other monitoring activities.
Provide guidance in preparation for and during inspections by governmental agencies and monitors, and developing remediation plans.
Working Conditions
Environment (Office, warehouse, etc.)
Routine onsite presence required in an office and distribution center environment.
Interaction with warehouse operations as needed to support quality activities.
Ability to travel domestically overnight 10% of the time.
Physical Requirements (Lifting, standing, etc.)
General office requirements, including extended periods of computer and keyboard use.
Access to warehouse environment and activities as needed.
Ability to attend virtual meetings and training sessions.
Ability to work in refrigerated environments for short periods of time to support quality activities.
We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson,
Our Base Pay Range for this position
$79,100 - $131,900
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McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page.
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