Manager QA Operations (m/f/d)

We are a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases addressing unmet medical needs.

We have leveraged our expertise and capabilities both to commercialize three vaccines, including the world’s first and only chikungunya vaccine, and to rapidly advance a broad range of vaccine candidates into and through the clinic, including candidates against Lyme disease, Shigella and Zika.

Responsibilities

As Manager QA Operations, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and compliant execution of our Quality Management System (QMS) at the Vienna site. You will lead a motivated team and help maintain the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance (cGxP), while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Your key responsibilities will be:

• Lead and inspire the QA Operations team to ensure high performance, motivation, and stability
• Oversee and continuously improve day-to-day QA operations, including batch record review, quality event handling, and CMO oversight — ensuring timely and compliant execution
• Ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of the local QMS in alignment with global standards and applicable GxP regulations (GMP/GDP)
• Act as lead host during regulatory and customer inspections, representing Valneva with professionalism and confidence
• Collaborate closely with the Head of QA and other key stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and ensure lean, best-practice quality operations
• Function as lead auditor for both internal and external audits
• Ensure full cGxP compliance in all QA operational and QMS-related processes
• Promote lean and efficient quality operations aligned with industry best practices
• Drive proactive stakeholder engagement across departments
• Provide support to the Director QA Operations on strategic initiatives, projects, and quality improvements as needed
• Collaborate closely with QA Systems, QA Center of Excellence (CoE), and other cross-functional teams

• Academic degree in Natural Sciences or equivalent (e.g. BSc, MSc, Mag., CTA/HTL, MTA) and significant experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry required

• Several years of hands-on experience in Quality Assurance and/or Quality Control in a GxP-regulated environment
• Deep understanding of EU, US, and Canadian GxP regulations (GMP, GDP, GCP, GCLP)
• Proven experience in leading internal and external audits, and hosting health authority inspections
• Strong knowledge of quality systems and QMS processes, including SOP development and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, with strong organizational and project management skills
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a high sense of accountability and integrity
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills - comfortable working cross-functionally and internationally
• Fluent in English (written and spoken), German is an asset

Working with Valneva means being part of a global biotech company with a clear vision to make a meaningful impact in the world. At Valneva, you can expect a dynamic and innovative work environment characterized by an open, appreciative company culture and exciting, impactful assignments. Enjoy the benefits of flat hierarchies, an international atmosphere, and regular company events that foster collaboration and connection.

Additionally, we offer:

• Work Life Balance: Flexitime & Compensation days
• Financial perks: Performance-related bonus & Lunch vouchers
• Lifelong learning: Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning & German/English courses for free
• Health & Wellbeing: Free access to sports and fitness activities via myClubs & Office Massages

Join us and shape the future of biotechnology!

Due to legal reasons we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary for this position, which is € 60.000 gross per year based on full-time employment. However our salaries are market oriented and in line with your qualifications and experience.