Manager, Manufacturing- Swing Shift

Everyone at Kite is grounded by one common goal – curing cancer. Every single day, we seek to establish a direct line between that purpose and our day-to-day work. Would you like to join us in this mission? 

Kite is seeking a highly effective Manager, Manufacturing Operations to work in this exciting new area of cancer immunotherapy. The Manufacturing Manager will report into the Director of the Manufacturing Operations and be responsible for supporting and executing the manufacturing strategy for operating a new commercial manufacturing facility.  

The Manufacturing Manager will collaborate cross-functionally with other Technical Operations Team members such that strong communication skills are essential. The Manufacturing Manager must have an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing processes to ensure safe and reliable operations while meeting all quality requirements.  Using project management tools, the Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for driving execution of continuous improvement and operational excellence activities. 

Shift: Monday- Friday 2pm- 11pm 

Job Responsibilities 

• Directs activities within the manufacturing group to meet company goals including production schedules, budgeting, training, and performance reviews. 

• Plans, executes and tracks a variety of manufacturing projects. 

• Contributes to the development of department strategies. 

• Regularly review and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal manufacturing performance, with a focus on reducing deviations and human performance errors. 

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing labor hours per batch while maintaining high-quality standards and production efficiency during assigned shifts. 

• Foster a positive team culture and morale by providing clear communication, support, and recognition, ensuring a collaborative and motivated work environment. 

• Exercises judgment within generally well-defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.  Normally receives no instruction on routine work, and general instructions on new assignments. 

• Collaborate effectively across departments to ensure alignment on goals, streamline processes, and drive cross-functional initiatives that enhance overall site performance. 

• Dedicate at least 20% of time on the manufacturing floor to monitor operations, engage with team members, and collaborate with Quality and other supporting functions to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. 

• Collaborate with other shift managers to drive consistency in operations and implement best practices across all shifts. 

• Responsible for initiating and directing the implementation of manufacturing changes on multiple projects. 

• Ensure all manufacturing and quality documentation  (e.g., batch record reviews, deviation initiation, and CAPA records) is completed in a timely and accurate manner. Act as the primary departmental signatory on deviations, CAPAs, and change controls, ensuring all actions are properly documented and compliant with regulatory standards. 

Basic Qualifications 

PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Life Sciences with 3+ years of biotech experience or 

Master’s Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Life Sciences with 5+ years of biotech experience or 

Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Life Sciences with 7+ years of biotech experience or 

High School Diploma with emphasis in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology or Life Sciences with 11+ years of biotech experience 

 
Preferred Qualifications  

• Knowledge of cell therapy, pharmaceutical manufacturing of biotechnology products and process development. 

• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and FDA regulations. 

• Ability to provide solutions to moderately complex to semi-routine problems. 

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Strong computer, organizational, and project management skills. 

• Ability to recognize deviation from accepted practice. 

• Ability to apply knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) on a daily basis. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with peers in organization. 

• Ability to successfully supervise and support junior staff. 

The work you do at Kite will help change how cancer is treated and ensure patients and their families have more time together. Ready to create more tomorrows with us? Hit apply.