Job Description

Role Summary

We are seeking an operationally experienced and strategically minded Associate Director to join our Cell Manufacturing team.


Working as part of a team of two Associate Directors, Production, you will provide leadership and oversight across our 7-day manufacturing operations. Together, you will be responsible for the smooth and consistent running of our production activities.


The Production team consists of over 80 team members working across a range of shift patterns to support clinical and commercial manufacturing demands.


This role is accountable for the day-to-day management of operations within the current manufacturing facility, driving the successful scale-up of cell manufacturing capabilities, and preparing the team for expansion into a new commercial facility. In addition, the role plays a key part in the operational implementation of lean manufacturing initiatives and will ensure effective cross-functional collaboration with Quality, MSAT, Engineering, Training, Operational Excellence (OPEX), and Supply Chain teams.


The role is based on-site at the Autolus manufacturing facilities in Stevenage, with occasional travel to London-based sites as required. Please note that this is a shift-based role working Sunday - Thursday, 9AM - 5PM.

Key Responsibilities

Accountable for day-to-day management of a 7-day cell manufacturing operation across multiple shifts. Expected annual volumes of 2000+ batches in multiple manufacturing suites. Accountable for maintaining staff / equipment capacity to support clinical and commercial patient demand, as well as managing risk mitigation when required. Accountable for training and development planning for operational staff, providing feedback (and development plans) for all team members. Accountable for monitoring of work productivity, reporting on operational trends, and recommend / implement changes to continually improve work productivity and processes. Accountable for prioritisation of cell manufacturing lean / continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing new ones as needed.

Demonstrated skills and competencies

E - Essential

P- Preffered

Experience

Experienced within a similar level position in a manufacturing environment, with over 5+ years management experience A strong leader of teams and an inspiring people manager who can lead and motivate a high performing team. Data-driven and have an ability to implement improvements after analysing key metrics. Project Management and Change Management experience in a large operational team. Experience with implementation of MES (or other) computerised systems within an operational environment.

Qualifications

Degree qualified in a technical field (P) Lean Manufacturing / Green Belt (E) IOSH (P)

Skills/Specialist knowledge

Significant experience with manufacturing operations, ideally in a GMP environment (E). Strong leadership experience of 24/7 shift operations (E) Mastery of Good Manufacturing Practices (E) Strong verbal and written communication skills (E) Strong demonstrated success on setting team objectives and driving these to completion (E) Flexible, self-motivated (E) Understanding of cell biology and immunology (P) Understanding of and familiarity with regulatory guidance governing pharma / cell-based biopharmaceutical manufacture (E) * Strong Excel skills, including macros and pivot tables (P)