Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Manager, Program Management who will be responsible for supporting the launch, ramp-up, and production activities within a state-of-the-art multi-product cell therapy manufacturing facility that will be utilized to manufacture autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products.

This individual will be responsible for leading a team of functional project and program management professionals, tasked with overseeing a complex portfolio of programs and projects and will develop and structure the overall governance of cross functional programs for the manufacturing facility. This leader must have proven experience to successfully deliver on a diverse portfolio that will include both site and network projects and requires significant leadership capabilities to ensure the site can deliver on the needs of our partners.

This individual will support business and compliance objectives by ensuring projects and programs are aligned with the organization’s goals and strategies. Using broad industry knowledge, supports and enhances the Site PMO process, as well as advises Project Management professionals on career development and Project Management best practices. As a strategic role and key player for the organization, this position will closely collaborate with the Site Leadership Team and cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of functional project and program managers, which could be individual contributors or people leaders responsible for driving the site portfolio. Ensure team excels in leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, collaboration, professionalism, work ethic, organization, and communication skills
• Establish, sustain, and continuously improve the site project governance program, in alignment with network processes and best practices
• Provide clarity to the organization about the prioritization and resource commitment required across the portfolio in alignment with the site strategy and objectives
• Ensure consistent utilization of proven project management structure which will include, at a minimum, gating for initiation, planning, execution, and closure
• Oversee the development of project tracking and KPI dashboards and tools to support project managers and site KPIs, including scope, budget, and resources
• Accountable for the efficient and effective facilitation of regular and highly visible PMO governance mechanisms
• Train, coach and set expectations for all dedicated and functional project managers to improve project management capabilities of the site
• Ensure proactive identification and response to program and project risks and opportunities
• Build a culture within the PMO team that aligns with Cellares’ core values and enables peer to peer accountability
• Establish the pathways for escalation of program and project issues within the organization to provide the right level of awareness and decision-making
• Contribute to the establishment and improvement of the network PMO operating model and ensure connectivity with the network regarding implementation of best practices and lessons learned
• Ensure close partnership with various site and global stakeholder functions such as Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, Supply Chain, and the Network PMO
• Work closely with other functional areas to develop and execute against the strategic plan for the manufacturing site
• Establish key stakeholder relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field required
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly preferred
• 10 years of experience within a cGMP environment in the biotech/biopharma industry with specific roles in project management, PMO leadership, and operational excellence
• Cell/Gene Therapy and CDMO experience preferred with a high understanding of biopharma manufacturing processes, cGMP practices, and regulatory authority CMC requirements
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task several objectives in parallel and to work independently with a high level of accountability
• Experience with the start-up, validation, and licensure of new biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities
• Ability to build strong partnerships and effectively integrate with external collaborators to drive projects/programs forward in a matrixed environment
• 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
• History of developing and building cohesive, high performing teams with a strong sense of mission, providing training and mentoring to build sufficient management depth throughout the organization and ensure strong succession planning
• Advanced analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills and the ability to lead as a change agent to promote flexibility, creativity, and accountability
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and build strong working relationships at all levels within the organization
• 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.