Lead and develop a manufacturing team to execute cGMP cell therapy production (autologous/allogeneic), ensure compliance, oversee tech transfer, process validation, documentation, audits, continuous improvement, and cross-functional coordination to deliver quality product on schedule.
Position Summary
We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated Manufacturing Supervisor for Cell Therapy Operations to join our team who will be responsible for ramp-up and oversight of the cGMP operations 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 partner with other functions to produce cell therapy products through safe and compliant manufacturing operations according to cGMP requirements. As such, the role will require proven leadership to drive effective communication, coordination, and collaboration across relevant cross functional groups to ensure robust production, testing, and release of product to patients.
This is a multidisciplinary role & this individual will need the ability to interface with all levels of the organization, including Manufacturing, Quality, MSAT, QC, Process/Analytical Development, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Training, Engineering/Facilities and EH&S.
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.
Responsibilities
- Lead, direct, coach, and develop an effective manufacturing team responsible for daily clinical and commercial/clinical production of autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products, while ensuring safe and compliant operations according to cGMP requirements
- Provide technical and managerial leadership by effectively interfacing and collaborating with key stakeholders and functions across the organization to successfully manufacture and disposition products to patients in a timely manner
- Lead and oversee manufacturing processes including engineering runs, PPQ and APS
- Ensure manufacturing processes in both an R&D and GMP environments are following appropriate protocols and/or standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Responsible for on the floor operation performance, overall performance of aseptic technique and process execution, ensuring compliance with standards
- Responsible for and has the authority to make spot corrections and provide feedback on process and procedure adherence to employees in the cleanroom
- Operate in a controlled GMP environment and perform gowning as per procedure
- Perform routine procedures following written instructions (SOPs, batch records, solution documents, protocols, etc.)
- Execute manufacturing processes in both an R&D and GMP environments, following protocols and/or standard operating procedures (SOPs)Understands all operations, functions, capability of equipment and ancillary support to equipment, is able to operate said equipment and is able to perform complex troubleshooting
- Review in-process and completed documents for accuracy including SAP issuance of materials and assure documentation is turned in to area management within specified days of completion
- Initiate, investigate, and support the closure of Deviation Reports, CAPAs and Change Controls
- Responsible for revising and originating production records, standard operating procedures, protocols and reports
- Accountable for schedule preparation, adjustments and performance of work assignments for team
- Coordinate and perform routine cleanroom and laboratory activities including ordering, cleaning, restocking, and equipment qualification/maintenance
- Oversee the hiring, development, and performance management of staff within team
- Follow compliance and regulatory requirements and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and understand ‘why’ behind the regulations. Able to coach and mentor others to do the same
- Train and mentor new manufacturing associates on procedures, aseptic techniques, equipment and trouble-shooting skills
- Responsible for team’s training status to be compliant
- Actively participate in all health authority, customer, and internal audits of the facility
- Work closely with other functional areas to execute against the strategic plan for the manufacturing site
- Monitor, and improve production metrics related to Safety, Quality, Compliance, Cost, Delivery, and People Identifies process and method gaps and opportunities and implements improvements
- Identifies, participates, suggests solutions and options and leads complex technical problem solving, cGMP compliance and regulatory gap closure and continuous improvement ideas
- Participates on and performs technical transfer activities e.g. provides feedback for facility fit, is able to recommend and identify improvements as the process develops during phases of technical transfer
- Provide feedback to engineering and process teams, support with requirements gathering and review
- Assist in the execution of process and equipment qualification and validation
- Establish key stakeholder relationships with internal stakeholders and clients
- Work with Quality Control, Facilities, Materials Management, Quality Assurance and Validation to complete assignments
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field required
- A minimum of 6+ years of operations experience within a cGMP environment in the biotech/biopharma industry with a minimum of 3 years leadership experience. Cell/Gene Therapy experience required, CDMO experience preferred. With experience in tech transfer, process validation, and change management
- Previous experience interacting directly with the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Substantial knowledge of Quality Systems, GMP, FDA, GAMP, ISO and other applicable standards
- Demonstrated experience in managing GMP manufacturing operations and on time delivery of quality products
- 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
- Develop and build 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
- Ability to execute and deliver results
- Strong 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
- Desire to be part of a rapidly evolving organization, with compelling technology, and take products and processes to the next level
- Experience with Operational Excellence and/or Lean Manufacturing. Lean Six Sigma certification preferred
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- 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.
Cellares South San Francisco, California, USA Office
345 Allerton Ave, South San Francisco, CA, United States, 94080
Similar Jobs
2 Days Ago
Big Data • Cloud • Hardware • Software
Lead a 30-45 person wafer production team on shift, manage staffing, training, and performance, resolve tooling/process issues with engineering and maintenance, drive throughput and quality improvements, implement lean/Six Sigma practices, and use process data and shop-floor systems to meet production goals.
Top Skills:
DmaicExcelLean ManufacturingMesaPowerPointProject Management ApplicationsShop Floor Control SystemsSix SigmaSQLStatistical Process ControlVBA
Hardware • Security
Lead post-clean-room manufacturing operations to ensure compliant, on-time product delivery. Supervise teams, apply Lean methods (5S/Kaizen), track KPIs, remove bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement with cross-functional partners.
Top Skills:
5SClean Room ProcessesKaizenLeanValue Stream Analysis
Hardware • Healthtech • Robotics • Manufacturing
Lead day-to-day implant manufacturing operations and supervise technicians to meet production schedules, quality, and safety goals. Drive workforce planning, training, metrics (throughput, yield, labor utilization), investigations (NCRs, deviations), root cause analysis, corrective actions, and Lean Six Sigma process improvements supporting R&D, validation, and clinical builds.
Top Skills:
CleanroomLean Six SigmaNonconforming Reports (Ncrs)Root Cause AnalysisSpecial Manufacturing Authorization (Sma)
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine



