Associate Director of Manufacturing
Location: Hertfordshire
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic Associate Director of Manufacturing to join a leading biopharmaceutical company specializing in next-generation T cell therapies for cancer treatment. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact in a cutting-edge field, driving manufacturing excellence in an innovative and rapidly growing environment.
Role Overview
As Associate Director of Manufacturing, you will be responsible for leading and managing shift-based manufacturing teams in a 24/7 operation. A key aspect of this role is driving lean manufacturing improvements whilst ensuring efficient collaboration with Quality, MSAT, Engineering, Training, OPEX, and Supply Chain teams.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage shift-based teams in a 7-day cell manufacturing operation, ensuring effective performance across multiple shifts and maintaining high operational standards.
* Oversee the daily management of a large-scale cell manufacturing process, supporting an expected annual volume of 2000+ batches in multiple suites.
* Maintain staff and equipment capacity to meet clinical and commercial patient demand while managing risk mitigation strategies.
* Develop and implement training and development plans for operational staff, including performance feedback and development initiatives.
* Monitor work productivity, analyze operational trends, and implement continuous improvement processes.
* Drive and prioritize lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring seamless execution across shift teams.
Why Join?
* This company is committed to pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy, delivering life-changing treatments to patients. Their work environment is flexible, diverse, and dynamic, fostering creativity, leadership, and teamwork. They also offer a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical insurance, life assurance, pension, and access to an employee share scheme.
Skills & Experience Required to be successful:
Essential:
* Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of leading and managing shift-based teams.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate high-performing teams across multiple shifts.
* Data-driven mindset with the ability to implement process improvements based on key operational metrics.
* Project and change management experience in a large operational team.
* Experience with MES or other computerized systems in an operational setting.
* Strong knowledge of GMP manufacturing operations.
* Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams.
* Proven ability to set team objectives and drive results in a shift-based environment.
Preferred:
* Degree qualification in a technical field.
* Lean Manufacturing / Green Belt certification.
* IOSH certification.
* Understanding of cell biology and immunology.
* Familiarity with regulatory guidance governing cell-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
* Strong Excel skills, including macros and pivot tables.