Job Description

The Vice President, Operations has overall responsibility for GMP supply chain and manufacturing operations to ensure reliable clinical and commercial product supply, CMC strategic planning and CMC portfolio management.

Reports to: Chief Technology OfficerLocation:  Thousand Oaks, CA (Hybrid/Flex)Travel: Travel may be required (up to 30%)

Responsibilities• Directs and provides technical and business leadership for the manufacturing, supply chain, operations strategic planning and CMC portfolio management group.• Manages all budgeting and resourcing requirements related to the GMP manufacturing and supply network.• Oversees Quality System execution for Atara’s manufacturing and supply network• Oversees the network of global manufacturing and supply operations, including external (CMOs) sites.• Designs, implements and owns the global systems required to ensure patient-specific fulfillment accuracy.• Defines the organizational structure and resources needed to be successful across the CMC operations team• Ensures a sufficient number of trained resources are available to support GMP compliance requirements of the Operations team• Develops, hires and trains a specialized cell therapy Operations management team and create a core competency to be best-in-class in the industry.• Develops operational strategies focused on providing a secure and reliable supply chain for the delivery of finished product to patients.• Creates Operations strategies for reliable cost-effective manufacturing and supply that consider supply chain design, product life cycle management, near and long-term capacity planning, product launch and commercialization.• Partners with Finance, to develop a business process to optimize physical and financial flow (considering COGS and Tax).• Participates in due diligence for in-licensing and business development opportunities, as required.

• Role model for Atara TRAIT values (Transparency, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Trust).

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Science, Engineering or related field required.• Technical Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent experience preferred.• APICS, CSSP or CPIM certification preferred.• 15 years’ relevant biologics leadership and management experience.• General Technical Operations experience including clinical development, commercialization supply operations, product life cycle management, regulatory and compliance experience, direct plant management, and exposure across all Technical Operations functions.• Experience in contract negotiation with or as a CMO• In-depth technical knowledge of manufacturing operations.• Previous leadership experience with matrix cross-functional groups.• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well orally and in writing.• Experience operating a multi-product manufacturing plant.• Strong financial management acumen.• Ability to balance strategic awareness and direction setting with consistent tactical results.• Leadership experience in Operations strategy and risk management.

Personal QualificationsLeads with a patient-centric, company-first and global strategic mindset, focused on the following:• Business Acumen: Has a strong understanding of the key business drivers of the industry/organization. Leads with data to evaluate and persuade others of business situations.• Setting Strategy: Makes decisions that balance a variety of factors (e.g., quality, cost, risk, short-term v. long-term impact, etc.). Sets a clear direction for others in times of uncertainty and change. Constructively challenges conventional wisdom or accepted ways of doing things.• Executing for Results: Maintains high standards of performance for himself/herself and others, and follows through on commitments. Demonstrates integrity, and sticks to core values and principles. Takes the long view, and when faced with challenging obstacles, persists over a significant period to achieve his/her shared agenda. Conveys a sense of urgency, and drives issues to closure. Makes timely decisions when a quick response is required and several possible alternatives are available.• Leading Teams: Holds people accountable. Identifies and keeps others focused on the most important metrics to drive the business. Forges strong, diverse and inclusive teams of people with multiple perspectives and talents. Includes direct reports and key stakeholders in setting goals, developing plans and making decisions to build commitment and create alignment. Serves as a strong mentor and builds organizations of effective leaders. Has a “Roll up your sleeves” attitude.• Building Relationships and Using Influence: Establishes credibility and earns respect with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders including senior executives, commercial, finance, manufacturing and other functional leaders, contractors and other partners. Is highly articulate, and makes arguments in a clear and compelling manner. can “get things done” without compromising principles. Has excellent negotiating skills, and achieves win-win outcomes in difficult situations. Able to work well as a team player in a collegial environment. Is a role model for Atara Bio values.

More about Atara Bio

We launched Atara Biotherapeutics in August 2012 to help patients with serious diseases and few therapeutic options. We are considered a leading off-the-shelf T-cell immunotherapy company (Nasdaq ATRA) developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases.

Our mission – “Transform the lives of patients with serious medical conditions through pioneering science, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.”

Our vision - “T-Cell Immunotherapy for every patient, any time.”

Atara offers a competitive benefits packages that includes medical/dental/vision benefits, life and disability, retirement and stock program, as well as a generous paid time off and wellness plan that supports the well-being of our staff. Visit www.atarabio.com/careers to learn more.

The health of our employees and the people we serve is a top priority. Atara Bio has made the decision to require all U.S. employees regardless of location to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exemptions to this requirement in accordance with applicable law. 

Atara Bio is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit and other lawful factors. In accordance with applicable law, the Company prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, expression or dysphoria, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, transgender status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or because of the individual’s association with a member of a protected group or connection to an organization or group related to a protected group.We comply with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must have authorization to work for Atara Bio in the United States.