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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee a dynamic 7-day cell manufacturing operation.
- Company: Join Autolus Therapeutics, a diverse employer committed to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving innovation in cell manufacturing and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing management; degree in a technical field preferred.
- Other info: Shift-based role, working Sunday to Thursday, with occasional travel.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
This job is with Autolus Therapeutics, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
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)
#LI-DNI
Associate Director, Production employer: Autolus Therapeutics
Contact Detail:
Autolus Therapeutics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Production
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific manufacturing processes and technologies used in cell manufacturing. Understanding the nuances of GMP environments and lean manufacturing principles will give you an edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the biopharmaceutical industry, especially those who have experience in operational roles. Engaging with current employees at Autolus or similar companies can provide insights into their culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in a shift-based environment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven productivity and implemented improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Autolus Therapeutics and their recent projects or initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their operations and future plans will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company during any interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Associate Director, Production position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your management experience in manufacturing environments, particularly any roles that involved leading teams in a 24/7 operation. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership and operational skills.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your technical qualifications and any relevant certifications, such as Lean Manufacturing or Green Belt. Highlight your data-driven approach and project management experience, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of cell biology and GMP practices, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to Autolus Therapeutics' mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autolus Therapeutics
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in a manufacturing environment. Highlight your experience in motivating and developing team members.
✨Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles
Since the role involves implementing lean manufacturing initiatives, brush up on your knowledge of these principles. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've applied lean methodologies to improve processes and productivity in previous roles.
✨Be Data-Driven
This position requires a data-driven approach to decision-making. Familiarise yourself with key metrics relevant to manufacturing operations and be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis to drive improvements in your past experiences.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
The role involves working closely with various teams such as Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments to achieve common goals, and be ready to share these during your interview.
