What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager, Instruments position at Cytek Biosciences, Inc.?
At Cytek, we're building advanced instrument manufacturing capabilities that support cutting-edge science and global growth. As the Manager of Instrument Operations, you'll be a key driver of excellence-ensuring our operations are precise, scalable, and continually improving. If you thrive leading teams, optimizing processes, and making measurable impact, this is an opportunity to stretch yourself and shape the future of a dynamic biotech company.
What You'll DoAs a hands-on leader, you will:
Drive the production floor: Ensure Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) targets are met every shift.
Lead and develop people: Supervise & mentor supervisors, leads, and associates across multiple shifts; foster accountability and ownership.
Use metrics to win: Monitor key performance indicators (ontime delivery, yield, labor efficiency, cycle time, downtime, inventory accuracy) and act swiftly on gaps.
Build reliability in inventory: Establish a daily cyclecount program targeting 99% or higher inventory accuracy.
Improve operations: Champion Lean/5S/6S/continuous improvement; lead rootcause analysis, corrective actions, and "Right the First Time" initiatives.
Collaborate crossfunctionally: Work with R&D, Quality, New Product Introduction, etc., to drive manufacturability, ensure smooth launches, and embed quality.
Scale smartly: Help prepare operations for growth-both through better productivity and possibly through oversight of warehouse/materials flow as we expand globally.
Operate with compliance and rigor: Enforce regulatory and safety standards (ISO 13485, FDA, OSHA), maintain cost discipline, and deliver a budgetaware operation.
Build team culture: Create an environment of safety, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous learning; provide career development and address performance with fairness and clarity.
We'd love someone who brings:
| MustHaves | NicetoHaves |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field (MBA a plus) | Six Sigma / Lean certification |
| 8 years of leadership experience in a fastpaced manufacturing/operations environment | Experience with clinical/cGMP manufacturing |
| Proven track record driving improvements in productivity, quality, inventory & financial performance | Technical engineering experience or exposure |
| Experience managing multishift teams of ~50 employees | Experience scaling warehouse or material operations |
| Strong data / KPI mindset; comfortable making decisions based on metrics | Exposure to global operations or international supply chains |
| Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills | |
| Skilled at juggling multiple priorities and executing with accountability |
Here's what makes working with us a great move:
High impact role: Your leadership will directly influence product quality, throughput, cost effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
Growth opportunity: As Cytek scales, there's potential to expand scope (warehouse/materials flow, inventory control) and broader leadership.
Innovative environment: We value continuous improvement, datadriven decision making, and applying Lean principles in a biotech/medical device context.
Collaboration & visibility: You'll partner with multiple functions and report to senior leadership, gaining exposure to strategic operations.
Mission driven: You'll help deliver instruments that enable scientific discovery, diagnostics, and better health outcomes.
Instrument operations teams (supervisors, leads, associates) across multiple shifts
Quality, R&D, NPI, Regulatory functions
Senior Leadership (Operations, CFO, etc.)
Warehouse / materials teams (as role expands)
Innovative Culture
Be part of a team that champions creativity, teamwork, and scientific excellence. Cytek thrives on collaboration, customer focus, and an entrepreneurial spirit grounded in integrity and shared success.
Meaningful Impact
Contribute directly to a biotech pioneer-recognized as the 2024 BioTech Company of the Year for advancing Full Spectrum Profiling technology, which is reshaping flow cytometry and accelerating research in immunology, oncology, and beyond.
Growth & Development
Cytek invests heavily in employee training and development-fostering career progression and innovation. Employees are encouraged to stretch their skills, and growth opportunities are built into the company's DNA.
Comprehensive Benefits & Equity
Enjoy competitive compensation, a full package of benefits, and a workplace committed to inclusion and ethical practices. Cytek welcomes diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, ensuring all team members are supported and respected.
Cytek is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-MM1
Cytek Biosciences, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that’s committed to diversity and inclusion. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
