Director, DPF Site Operations

Piper Companies is seeking a Director, DPF Site Operations in Christiansburg, VA to lead operations at a highly specialized biologics production facility. This role requires a leader who can balance executive presence with hands-on operational leadership, effectively engaging with both senior stakeholders and frontline operational staff.

Location: Christiansburg, Virginia (100% onsite)

Compensation: $177,000 – $200,000 base salary bonus eligibility

Relocation: Fully supported

The Director will be responsible for overall site leadership, regulatory compliance, operational execution, and cross-functional coordination across quality, animal care, facilities, and materials management teams. The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader with deep cGMP experience who can effectively lead both technical specialists and operational staff in a highly regulated environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring the site operates efficiently, maintains regulatory compliance, and supports the organization’s broader biologics manufacturing goals.

The position reports to the Senior Director of Site Operations and will lead a growing team of approximately 20 employees across multiple functional groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and operational oversight for a designated pathogen free (DPF) biologics production facility
• Ensure site operations maintain full compliance with cGMP, regulatory, and quality standards
• Lead cross-functional teams including facilities, microbiology/logistics, veterinary staff, animal care technicians, and site operations personnel
• Drive operational excellence, process improvements, and right-first-time execution across the facility
• Manage site budget, resource allocation, and operational planning
• Oversee site quality activities including deviations, change controls, and compliance documentation
• Establish and maintain site policies, procedures, and validation documentation
• Lead safety initiatives and maintain a safe, compliant operational environment
• Interface with FDA and other regulatory authorities during inspections and audits
• Chair and support Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversight and compliance activities
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
• Develop and mentor team members through performance management, coaching, and leadership development
• Build strong relationships with external partners, vendors, and regulatory stakeholders
• Partner with leadership across other sites to ensure consistent operational standards
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field with 15 years of pharmaceutical, biologics, or biotech industry experience
• OR Master’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field with 13 years of relevant industry experience
• 8 years of people management experience
• Up to 2–3 years may include supervisory or mentorship responsibilities
• Leadership experience within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology production facility
• Strong working knowledge of cGMP compliance and quality systems
• Experience interfacing with the FDA and other regulatory agencies
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a regulated environment
• Experience working in advanced biologics manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with animal-based production systems, xenotransplantation, or organ transplantation programs
  
  

This job opens for applications on 3/16/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.