Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations

ProKidney • Winston-Salem, NC

2d

About The Position

The Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading GMP manufacturing operations while developing and sustaining a highly capable, compliant, and production-ready workforce. This role integrates strategic operational leadership with end-to-end ownership of manufacturing programs, ensuring alignment with GMP, aseptic processing, and regulatory expectations. This leader oversees daily manufacturing execution, material readiness, and production support activities while designing and driving robust training strategies that ensure continuous operational readiness. The role serves as a key business partner to Manufacturing, Quality, and cross-functional teams to enable safe, compliant, and efficient production while fostering a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. ProKidney is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant because of race, creed, color, age, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, veteran status,military status, application for military service or any other class protected by state or federal law. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for work visa or residency sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of direct manufacturing experience in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotech, or cell therapy manufacturing
• 5+ years of managerial experience directly managing people and leadership experience leading teams.
• 5+ years of GMP training program development, instructional design, and LMS management
• Demonstrated leadership experience in manufacturing operations, training, or both
• Experience with batch records, deviation management, CAPA, and working in controlled/aseptic environments
• Minimum 5 years of direct, hands-on manufacturing experience in a GMP-regulated environment, including managerial responsibilities and proven leadership in operational settings.
• 5+ years of experience developing GMP training programs, instructional design, and managing learning management systems, preferably with a background in manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, GDP, and global regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA)
• Expertise in aseptic processing and manufacturing compliance standards
• Familiarity with ERP/MES/eQMS systems (e.g., SAP)
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
• Expertise in training program development, instructional design, and management
• Excellent technical writing skills (SOPs, deviations, training materials)
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

• relevant GMP or instructional design certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for GMP manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, and production targets are consistently achieved while driving right-first-time execution.
• Oversee material readiness, batch preparation, labeling verification, and production coordination to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Own audit readiness of cleanrooms and minimize equipment downtime for schedule adherence of manufacturing activities
• Own and lead the manufacturing training strategy, including onboarding, OJT programs, aseptic qualifications, and continuous workforce development.
• Partner with Quality to lead deviation investigations, CAPAs, and change controls, ensuring strong documentation practices and sustained audit readiness.
• Oversee aseptic and controlled environment operations, ensuring all personnel are properly trained, qualified, and compliant with GMP standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations and training by identifying gaps, optimizing processes, and enhancing efficiency and compliance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees