(Sr.) Manager, Facilities

As the (Sr.) Manager, Facilities at Orca Bio, you'll be responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of our state-of-the-art facility in Sacramento, CA. Your responsibilities include ensuring all utility systems - such as HVAC, plumbing, and compressed air - are functioning optimally, managing vendor relationships and services, and maintaining compliance with GMP standards. Additionally, you'll work on budget management and participate in facility-related projects to enhance our operational efficiency. Your role is vital in creating an environment that supports our mission to improve the lives of patients with blood cancer.

To be successful as a (Sr.) Manager, Facilities at Orca Bio, candidates typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, you should have 7-10 years of experience in facilities management within a GMP environment, preferably in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Familiarity with building systems and proficiency in maintenance management software are essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are also required as you’ll be liaising with various teams and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

The (Sr.) Manager, Facilities at Orca Bio plays a crucial role in ensuring GMP compliance by developing and managing comprehensive preventive maintenance and calibration programs. Regular inspections and detailed record-keeping for facility operations and equipment maintenance help in identifying and mitigating risks. By working closely with other teams and following safety regulations, the manager ensures that the facility adheres to all relevant regulatory standards which are vital to delivering safe and effective therapies.

At Orca Bio, the work culture is vibrant, innovative, and driven by a shared passion for science and patient care. As a (Sr.) Manager, Facilities, you will find yourself in a collaborative environment that embraces an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging you to challenge the status quo. Our core values of passion, courage, and integrity guide our work, creating a camaraderie that fosters teamwork. This promotes an atmosphere where everyone's contributions are valued in our mission to transform the lives of patients fighting blood cancer.

The (Sr.) Manager, Facilities at Orca Bio collaborates closely with multiple departments to facilitate smooth operations. This includes working with Production Planning to coordinate maintenance activities, engaging with project teams for facility enhancements, and liaising with various service providers to ensure compliance with quality standards. This cross-departmental collaboration is crucial as it supports maintenance activities and project execution, ensuring that all operations align with the company’s goal of providing life-saving therapies.

For this question, highlight specific roles you've held that required GMP compliance. Mention the types of facilities you managed, the systems in place, and how you ensured compliance with regulations. Sharing examples of preventive maintenance or risk management that you implemented can also demonstrate your expertise.

Discuss your approach to establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, emphasizing communication and quality assurance. Share experiences of how you monitored service agreements, and managed vendor performance to ensure compliance with standards required in a biopharmaceutical setting.

Explain your budgeting process, including how you project costs for maintenance and repairs, monitor expenses, and make adjustments as necessary. Providing examples from your previous roles will showcase your ability to manage budgets effectively while also ensuring operational efficiency.

Share your strategies for task prioritization, perhaps mentioning tools or methodologies like CMMS or project management software. Explain how you assess urgency and importance, and how you communicate priorities to your team to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently.

Provide a concrete example of a safety hazard you encountered, detailing how you identified it, assessed the risk, and implemented corrective actions. Highlight collaboration with safety teams and tracking compliance with regulations as a key part of your response.

Discuss your understanding of environmental regulations and standards relevant to facility operations. Describe any initiatives or programs you have implemented to support sustainability and compliance, such as waste management strategies or energy efficiency projects.

Talk about specific projects you managed, including planning timelines, coordinating teams, and ensuring successful execution. Highlight your experience with project budgets and how you overcame hurdles to meet project goals within the stipulated time frame.

Answer this by mentioning any professional organizations you are a part of, training programs you have attended, or publications you follow to stay informed about regulations, technology, and best practices in facilities management, particularly in GMP environments.

Illustrate how you prioritize effective communication within your team and across departments. Provide examples of how you've ensured that all stakeholders are kept informed about maintenance schedules, project updates, and compliance issues to foster teamwork and accountability.

Discuss challenges related to maintaining compliance in a biopharmaceutical setting, such as managing complex systems and ensuring safety standards. Share how your experience allows you to navigate these challenges effectively, ultimately contributing to operational success at Orca Bio.