Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager of Planning and Scheduling who will contribute significantly to the growth of Cellares and our mission to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies.

The primary focus of this position will be leading the planning and scheduling process for the Integrated Development Manufacturing Organization (IDMO). As the Sr. Manager of Planning and Scheduling, you will be responsible for facilitating and leading management of material planning, demand planning, supply planning, supporting sales and operations planning (S&OP), and the master production schedule. The incumbent is responsible for setting goals and objectives that ensure overall integration of manufacturing and planning policies, processes, programs, and operational efficiencies for the IDMO.

This individual will have the highly impactful role of developing a world-class planning and scheduling process from the ground up. Your strategy, processes, and planning skills will ensure operational success for the company. This is a multidisciplinary role and this individual will interface across many parts of the company (with MSAT, Operations, Materials Management, Quality, Facilities, and Field Service) to develop the best plans and schedules possible. The successful candidate will be driven, motivated, and self-sufficient.

The successful candidate should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.

This role has supervisory responsibilities for a small team of planners and will require leading a successful and high performing team to support Cellares IDMO operations. Leadership responsibilities include people management of direct reports, support of their development, coaching, and performance management. It is expected to develop a high-performing, team-based organization, where colleagues are flexible, multi-skilled and empowered to make decisions that result in safe, agile, and compliant manufacture of Cell Therapies. An important level of initiative, energy and motivation are key requirements of success, as well as organizational and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Inventory Management: Leverage SAP (MRP), monitor inventory levels of raw materials, consumables, intermediates, and Finished Drug product to prevent shortages or overstock situations. Optimize inventory levels while considering factors like shelf life, lead times, and production schedules is essential
• Production Planning: Leverage a scheduling tool, develop production schedules and plans based on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacities. Coordinate with production teams to ensure timely manufacturing and availability of cell therapy products
• Supply Chain Coordination: Collaborate with Procurement and Logistics teams, suppliers, distributors, and logistics partners to maintain an efficient supply chain to ensure timely delivery of materials and products
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks in the supply chain such as delays in raw material delivery, regulatory changes, or quality issues. Develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks and maintain continuity in the supply chain
• Process Improvement: Continuously review and optimize supply chain processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. Implement new technologies or methodologies to streamline operations
• Compliance and Regulation: Ensure that all activities adhere to regulatory requirements and quality standards imposed by regulatory bodies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or other relevant agencies. This involves maintaining accurate records and documentation
• Sales and Operations Planning: Key business partner for monthly S&OP including demand planning, supply/capacity planning, assumptions, reporting of actuals and KPIs

• 8 years of experience in the cell therapy industry with experience in production planning/scheduling, supply chain, warehouse operations, and/or manufacturing operations
• Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and processes (SAP is preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and partner with other functional groups to achieve business objectives required
• Skillful application of KPI’s and metrics to manage business processes and support strong team performance
• Cell/Gene Therapy and CDMO experience preferred
• Advanced knowledge of cGMP/GDP/Pharmaceutical regulations
• Advanced knowledge of Quality and Compliance systems
• Must be able to manage shifting priorities to meet critical deadlines in a fast paced and dynamic, growing environment, while providing clear direction to team members
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Self-motivated and passionate about advancing the field of cell therapy
• Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company’s Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares’ Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.

The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.