Chief Manufacturing Officer, Medicines

Chief Manufacturing Officer, Medicines for All

Medicines for All (M4

ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute dedicated to dramatically improving global access to lifesaving medicines. We achieve this through synthetic process innovation and advanced technology deployment to reduce costs and waste in small molecule drug substance manufacturing. Our work supports treatments for diseases such as TB, malaria, HIV, oncology, metabolic diseases, CNS, and immunology.

The Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO) is a core member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), working in close partnership with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Business Officer (CBO) to ensure the organization’s infrastructure and operations are mission-aligned, resilient, and scalable. The CMO provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organization’s enabling functions including Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT), Facilities & Safety, Project Management Office (PMO), and Information Technology ().

The incumbent will provide strategic direction, technical guidance, and long-range planning for small molecule API development and manufacturing in a multipurpose plant environment. This role is ideal for a systems-oriented leader who thrives in dynamic, mission-driven environments and can translate strategic goals into operational capabilities.

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Stewardship – Serve as a key member of the ELT, contributing to organizational strategy, governance, and long-term planning, including defining and setting organizational goals and objectives.
• Partner with CSO & CBO – Ensure scientific, business, and operational strategies are integrated and mutually reinforcing.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives – Improve efficiency, scalability, and organizational resilience.
• Strategic Oversight of Operational Functions – Provide strategic direction and alignment across core operational functions: MSAT, Facilities & Safety, Program Management Office, IT.
• Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT) – Provide strategic oversight of MSAT capabilities, ensuring alignment with scientific priorities, partner needs, and regulatory compliance; deliver on-time, compliant, high-quality manufacturing solutions; develop new partnership opportunities; review and approve client-bound CMC sections; serve as lead liaison with regulatory authorities; manage API manufacturing-related risks.
• Facilities & Safety (F&S) – Establish strategic vision for facilities management, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance; manage operations & inventory; ensure physical infrastructure supports scientific and business operations.
• Project Management Office (PMO) – Oversee PMO’s strategic role in driving execution, prioritization, and accountability across programs and initiatives; ensure project governance frameworks fit for purpose.
• Information Technology (IT) – Lead the build-out and define IT strategy, ensuring systems, data architecture, and digital tools support operational excellence and innovation; partner with university offices to ensure data security and regulatory compliance.

• Degree (BS/MS/PhD) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields.
• 10+ years of senior operations leadership experience in small molecule drug substance manufacturing, in pharmaceutical services or pharmaceutical innovator contexts.
• Proven track record of small molecule API manufacturing success, leading small molecule drug development and manufacturing from IND‑enabling, to first‑in‑human drug substance delivery and NDA submission.
• Proven success in leading complex operational functions and cross‑functional teams.
• Experience overseeing facilities, safety, project management, technical operations, or IT in a regulated environment.
• Strong systems thinking and ability to design scalable processes and infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and influence across functions and levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect,…