Vice President, Compliance

Houston, Texas


Employer: Empower Pharmacy
Industry: Legal
Salary: Competitive
Job type: Full-Time

Company Overview

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.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Compliance at Empower is a critical leadership role, entrusted with architecting and executing a robust compliance framework that aligns with the complex regulatory landscape of the 503A and 503B industries. This executive, reporting to the General Counsel, is the cornerstone of ensuring that Empower's operations adhere to the rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, DEA, OSHA, HIPAA, and State Boards of Pharmacy.

The essence of this role transcends traditional compliance oversight; it's about embedding a culture of integrity and ethical practice across all facets of Empower's operations. The VP of Compliance is tasked with developing and refining policies and procedures that meet regulatory requirements. This involves spearheading internal audits, fostering a proactive risk management approach, and implementing a comprehensive training program that empowers employees to uphold and advocate for Empower's commitment to compliance.

Collaboration is pivotal in this role. The VP will liaise with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including vendors, clinics, and internal teams, to ensure that compliance strategies are effectively integrated and responsive to the needs of our diverse partnerships. This requires a nuanced understanding of the regulatory environment, an ability to anticipate and adapt to regulatory changes, and a strategic mindset to navigate challenges and opportunities that arise.

This position demands not just legal and regulatory expertise but also visionary leadership to inspire a team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of compliance. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of educational background, extensive experience in compliance roles, and a proven track record of fostering an ethical, compliant, and dynamic organizational culture. In essence, the VP of Compliance will be a key driver in upholding Empower's mission, ensuring that we continue to deliver innovative healthcare solutions with unwavering integrity and excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Works with vendors and clinics to ensure that the compliance program meets the needs of the partnerships, with a focus on quality compliance, prescriber licensure compliance, pharmacy compliance, controlled substance inventory count, and records management.
  • In conjunction with the General Counsel, develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory rules and regulations governing commercial matters.
  • Creates standard operating procedures (SOP's) for audits, disseminates audit findings, develops a compliance workplan, and gains buy in from leadership to achieve compliance goals.
  • Assists in building and executing the enterprise-wide compliance training and audit program.
  • Interacts with the Board and the Committees of the Board to ensure that all are adequately informed on the Company's compliance matters.
  • Ensures pharmacy labeling, shipping, and manufacturing compliance in all jurisdictions.
  • Manages relationships with regulators including the FDA, DEA, and Boards of Pharmacy in all 50 states.
  • Assists in investigations related to the Company's compliance program, following through on rectifying issues identified during the audit process.
  • Revises and implements privacy policies for the Company as domestic and international regulations evolve, ensuring patient communication processes satisfy state, federal, and DEA requirements and breach of privacy incidents are addressed appropriately.
  • Scales the existing compliance team to support growing business needs.
  • Responds to and addresses alleged violations of rules, regulations, policies, and procedures by assisting in investigations, informing executive management and the Board, and recommending the necessary actions to prevent further violation.
  • Monitors the state, federal and international legislative landscape to stay informed on proposed laws, rules, and regulations that the Company must follow.
  • Reviews and interprets the proposed new laws or rules and regulations and provides frequent updates and summaries to executive management and the Board on identified risk areas or red flags, setting a tone of compliance at the top.
  • Establishes and chairs a compliance committee to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the Company's compliance program and any alleged violations of such program.
  • Ensures proper reporting of violations to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
  • Fosters a creative and collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork, professional growth, and knowledge sharing among team members.
  • Monitors and evaluates employee performance. Provides constructive feedback as necessary.
  • Evaluates department headcount needs, conducts interviews and selects qualified candidates.
  • 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 accommodation 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. The noise level is the office environment is typically quiet but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud noises. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Skills-Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, clear, concise, persuasive writing and presentation skills.
  • Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and congenially with employees at diverse levels, with proven experience contributing to an enterprise-wide culture of compliance.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team to achieve goals.
  • Decisive and exercises good judgment under pressure.
  • Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables, understanding the acceptable grey.
  • Ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload.
  • Ability to build strong customer relationships and deliver customer centric solutions.
  • Know the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  • Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently.
  • Makes sense of complex, high quality, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
  • Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments and objectives.


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.

Experience and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Political Science or Economics, required. Juris Doctor degree from accredited law school, preferred.
  • Ten (10) + years' experience in a compliance function with a minimum of five (5) years' experience as VP of Compliance.
  • Enterprise Risk Management experience preferred.
  • Pharmaceutical/pharmacy industry experience preferred.
  • Experience working with healthcare compliance software preferred.

Employee Benefits, Health, and Wellness

  • 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.

Created: 2024-05-05
Reference: 2492
Country: United States
State: Texas
City: Houston
ZIP: 77069


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