At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Cell Delivery programme, driving innovation in cell and gene therapy.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation at the forefront of advanced therapy medical products.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with strong mentorship and collaboration opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapy.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject and experience in project management and cell therapies.
The predicted salary is between 66582 - 77368 £ per year.
For CGT Catapult to continue to deliver on the innovation and technology needs of the advanced therapy medical product (ATMP) industry for the next decade, the Programme Head of Cell Delivery is responsible for collaboratively shaping, leading, and delivering the Cell Delivery programme, bringing industry engagement, strong technical expertise, and a delivery‑focused approach across the business and wider sector within a matrix structure. The role will be high profile both within the company and externally to the global sector.
The position of Programme Head of Cell Delivery for the CGT Catapult is an important and highly visible role focused on delivering an impactful, coherent and financially viable programme within the Scale Enabling Technology (SET) business stream. The role reports into the Director of Automation and Digital Innovation and requires a close working relationship with adjacent Programme Heads to align strategy and delivery. The role also requires a close working relationship with Heads of Departments to identify and secure the appropriate resources to deliver the projects within the programme, working within a matrix, in a smooth and efficient manner.
The Programme Head of Cell Delivery will be responsible for ensuring the activities in which the CGT Catapult engages are sourced, selected, transacted, and reported in a way that is consistent with our mission, values and our strategic goals, revolving around accelerating the growth of technological innovation within the UK cell and gene therapy industry.
Key Responsibilities- Programme Head of Cell Delivery is accountable for setting and delivering programme priorities and milestones across the following key areas:
- Programme Strategy and Sector Engagement
- Strategy & Vision: Shape, own, and deliver the Cell Delivery programme strategy in the allogeneic and autologous cell fields, defining and delivering milestones and priorities with key stakeholders.
- Network & BD collaboration: Utilise a strong sector network to work with Business Development (BD) and external partners to shape impactful, highly collaborative commercial proposals and government grant applications (e.g. Innovate UK).
- Sector insights: Monitor global cell therapy trends and drivers and translate them into actionable initiatives with the Cell Delivery programme strategy, inform adjacent programmes, and share with the wider team.
- Project and Financial Delivery
- Programme Oversight: Act as project sponsor across projects in the programme, as well as technical lead ensuring the delivery of key projects against financial targets, scope, quality assurance, and timelines.
- Operational Health: Work closely with the Cell Delivery Programme Manager and matrixed programme team to maintain programme health, manage risks/escalations, oversee budgets, and prioritise dissemination/marketing activities.
- Reporting & compliance: Report on milestones and priorities – including surfacing risks, issues, and mitigations in senior leadership forums – and ensure robust compliance back to funding bodies such as Innovate UK.
- Matrix Leadership & Capability Building
- Resource Management: Collaborate with Heads of Department to secure the technical resources and departmental oversight required for project delivery.
- Mentorship & Team Building: Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to project teams within a matrix management structure (without direct line reports).
- Innovation & Operations: Drive innovation by developing game‑changing capabilities and service offerings aligned with market needs, while supporting business operations and EHS.
- Clear evidence of working with broader cell therapies, bridging the gap between early‑stage science and the commercial space (essential).
- Demonstrable project management and technical leadership experience across concurrent, complex projects, effectively managing internal and external stakeholders through often new or ambiguous territory (essential).
- Track record in securing commercial work and R&D grants in a highly competitive environment, shaping impactful proposals in collaboration with large consortia across international boundaries (essential).
- Demonstrable extensive experience in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) therapy scale‑up, translation from lab, and deployment within a Pharma/biotech environment (strongly advantageous).
- Proven experience leading and delivering complex projects, managing budgets, and steering cross‑functional teams within a matrix environment (strongly advantageous).
- Experience in implementing state‑of‑the‑art digital systems for automation of cell characterisation and process control.
- Highly motivated, pragmatic, and practical to support the mission of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult to accelerate the development of a commercial cell and gene‑based therapy industry in the UK.
- Expert understanding of PSC expansion, differentiation approaches, and associated technical scaling challenges.
- Deep knowledge of allogeneic and autologous cell manufacturing technologies and associated analytical methodologies.
- Understanding of development requirements in pre‑clinical stages in the run up to full in‑human trials as well as broader GMP compliance.
- Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD) approaches, Design of Experiment (DoE) tools, and GMP standards.
- Strong strategic thinking with a solid understanding of commercial barriers in the ATMP sector and how to address them.
- Financially literate with the ability to manage significant budgets, identify risk, and evaluate project viability.
- Well‑respected in industry and academia with an established network, particularly with early‑stage developers and university labs.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑influencing skills to maintain harmony across internal departments and external collaborators.
- Ability to inspire, energise, and mentor cross‑functional project teams without formal line management authority.
- Resilient and highly organised, with the capacity to manage competing priorities autonomously in a fast‑paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications and general IT systems.
- A positive attitude towards learning, personal and professional development.
- Keeps up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and best practice.
- Willingness to travel as required by the role.
- Degree level education in a relevant subject required.
Programme Head of Cell Delivery in London employer: Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
At CGT Catapult, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our London location within Guy's Hospital. Our culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship in the cutting-edge field of cell and gene therapy. With a commitment to advancing technology in healthcare, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values work-life balance and continuous learning.
Contact Details:
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Head of Cell Delivery in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Head of Cell Delivery in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. This shows your passion for the industry!
