Manager, Manufacturing- Swing Shift

The Manager, Manufacturing Operations at Kite is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing team to meet production schedules, manage budgets, and conduct performance reviews. Additionally, they will plan and execute various manufacturing projects, contribute to department strategies, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to continuously improve manufacturing performance and uphold quality standards.

To qualify for the Manager, Manufacturing position at Kite, candidates should possess a PhD, Master’s, or Bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences, along with a certain level of biotech experience (3-7+ years depending on the degree). Preferred qualifications include knowledge of cell therapy and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and FDA regulations.

The Manager, Manufacturing role at Kite emphasizes continuous improvement by driving initiatives that aim to reduce labor hours per batch while maintaining production efficiency and high-quality standards. This entails regularly reviewing processes, analyzing performance metrics, and engaging with team members to identify and implement best practices.

The Manager, Manufacturing Operations at Kite works a Monday to Friday schedule from 2 PM to 11 PM. This shift allows for effective oversight of the manufacturing processes while contributing to team morale and productivity during peak operational hours.

The Manager, Manufacturing position at Kite plays a vital role in ensuring that our innovative cancer therapies are produced safely and reliably. By overseeing the manufacturing process and striving for operational excellence, this role directly impacts the quality of therapies provided to patients, ultimately supporting our mission of giving them more time with their loved ones.

When answering this question, share specific examples of biotechnological manufacturing processes you've worked with. Highlight any relevant projects, your role in those projects, and the outcomes achieved. Discuss your familiarity with GMPs and how you've applied this knowledge in past roles.

In a fast-paced manufacturing setting, effective prioritization is key. Explain your approach to assessing urgency, project scopes, and deadlines. Provide examples of techniques you've used in the past, such as developing a task matrix or using project management tools, and how they helped you successfully meet production goals.

To maintain high-quality standards in manufacturing, discuss the strategies you implement, including thorough documentation, regular equipment maintenance, and staff training. Share specific examples of how you have addressed deviations in quality and the proactive measures you've taken to prevent them from reoccurring.

When addressing personnel conflicts, emphasize the importance of open communication. Describe your approach to understanding each party's perspective, facilitating a constructive dialogue, and working towards a resolution. Providing a specific example of a past conflict and how you resolved it can strengthen your response.

To track manufacturing performance, share the metrics you focus on, such as KPIs, production rates, and deviation reports. Discuss software or tools you have utilized to gather and analyze data, and explain how you leverage this information to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Discuss specific project management methodologies you have utilized, whether they're Agile, Lean, or Six Sigma. Highlight instances where you've led manufacturing projects, what methodologies you used, how you coordinated cross-functional teams, and the outcomes of those projects.

Explain that motivating a manufacturing team involves clear communication, recognizing achievements, and fostering an inclusive environment. Share strategies you’ve successfully employed, such as team-building activities, performance incentives, or regular feedback sessions, and how these strengthened team dynamics.

Provide a specific instance where you successfully implemented a process change in manufacturing. Discuss the reasoning behind the change, the steps you took to engage the team, how you managed resistance, and the overall impact of the change on productivity or quality.

To ensure compliance with regulatory standards, narrate your familiarity with industry regulations like cGMP and FDA requirements. Mention the importance of training programs, documentation practices, and regular audits, as well as how you actively stay informed about ever-evolving regulations.

Data analysis is crucial in making informed decisions. Describe how you leverage data to identify trends, measure performance, and inform your strategies. Provide a specific example of how data analysis led to a valuable decision in a past manufacturing role.