Manufacturing Manager

AstraZeneca•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$94,693 - $142,039

About The Position

The Manufacturing Manager leads a manufacturing team or assigned shift supporting TCR T, CAR T, and allogeneic cell therapy programs. The role is accountable for safe, compliant, and reliable execution on the direct manufacturing floor, including resource and workload management, right first time execution, schedule adherence, team development, Tier 2 performance management, and cross-functional escalation. The position translates manufacturing strategy into daily execution by managing staffing, scheduling, floor readiness, production flow, deviation support, training progress, and continuous improvement. It requires visible floor leadership, strong communication, coaching, regular one-on-ones, disciplined escalation, and standard work. The role is the direct leadership layer between on-floor execution and Associate Director-level strategy. The manager leads daily operations and team performance, supports production schedules and patient supply commitments, and partners across functions to resolve issues and maintain production flow. The role also develops team members and future leaders, supports workforce and capacity planning, controls expenses within its area of influence, and maintains GMP, audit, and inspection readiness. Work may take place in office and classified cleanroom environments, with possible exposure to biological materials, cryogenic materials, strong magnets, and specialized manufacturing equipment. Assigned shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required based on manufacturing schedules and business needs. Annual base pay ranges from $94,692.80 to $142,039.20. The role is eligible for short-term incentive bonuses and, for salaried roles, equity-based awards. Benefits include qualified retirement programs, paid time off, and health, dental, and vision coverage, subject to applicable plan terms.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma with significant relevant experience.
Minimum of 8–10 years of relevant experience, including 3–5 years of leadership experience.
Experience leading teams in a GMP manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of cGMP, SOPs, batch records, cleanroom operations, safety requirements, quality systems, and regulated manufacturing environments.
Experience with cell therapy, biologics, pharmaceutical, biotech, or vector manufacturing.
Demonstrated ability to manage daily operations, staffing, scheduling, resources, workload, and production readiness.
Strong people leadership, coaching, communication, organization, time management, and decision-making skills.
Ability to troubleshoot operational issues and assess risk to product, people, plant, and patient supply.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, complex, and changing manufacturing environment.
Ability to collaborate and influence across Manufacturing, Quality, MSAT, Process Development, Supply Chain, EHS, and Facilities and Engineering.
Working knowledge of FDP visual inspection qualification coverage and defect escalation processes, as applicable.
Ability to work in a cleanroom environment requiring gowning as needed and in an office environment with computer screens and artificial overhead lighting.
Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods and support manufacturing operations on the floor for moderate to extended periods.
Ability to follow safety, contamination control, gowning, documentation, and cGMP requirements.
Availability to support assigned shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on manufacturing schedule and business need.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in science, engineering, life sciences, business, or a related discipline.
Experience in cell therapy manufacturing.
Experience supporting clinical or commercial manufacturing, technology transfer, engineering runs, process validation readiness, or commercial readiness.
Prior supervisory or people management experience.
Experience leading deviation investigations, CAPAs, change controls, SOP revisions, batch record improvements, or inspection readiness activities.
Experience with electronic batch records, MES, inventory systems, quality management systems, or scheduling systems.
Experience implementing Lean, 5S, visual management, standard work, Tier 2 boards, problem solving, or other operational excellence tools.
Experience developing Leads or front-line leaders.

Responsibilities

Lead daily manufacturing operations for an assigned shift, area, or functional team, providing on-floor oversight and coaching focused on safety, quality, and execution discipline.
Ensure production activities follow approved procedures and are performed safely and compliantly.
Manage staffing, scheduling, work assignments, workload, and production readiness to meet patient supply demand.
Ensure personnel, materials, equipment, documentation, electronic systems, and cleanroom areas are ready before manufacturing begins.
Oversee execution of manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs, emphasizing right first time performance.
Maintain schedule adherence and cycle time expectations; identify risks early and escalate impacts to Manufacturing leadership.
Lead team communications, including shift huddles, Tier 1 and Tier 2 meetings, and shift handovers.
Own or support Tier 2 performance reviews, cross-functional boards, metrics, action tracking, and escalation to Tier 3 and site leadership as needed.
Support SQDCP or SQSCP communication by reviewing safety, quality, delivery or supply, cost, and people performance.
Ensure production updates, shift notes, and action items are clear, accurate, complete, timely, and inspection ready.
Partner with Quality, MSAT, Process Development, Supply Chain, EHS, and Facilities and Engineering to resolve issues and maintain production flow.
Create, own, or support deviation, non-conformance, OOS, CAPA, change control, and other manufacturing-related quality records as assigned.
Review and approve manufacturing documentation as assigned, including SOPs, batch records, logbooks, training materials, and operational procedures.
Lead implementation of new processes, technology transfers, engineering runs, process changes, and digital manufacturing tools in the manufacturing area.
Coach, mentor, and develop Associate Specialists, Manufacturing Specialists, and Lead Cell Therapy Specialists.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and maintain development plans for direct reports.
Conduct performance discussions, support career development, and address performance concerns with HR and leadership.
Develop future Lead Specialists and Manufacturing leaders through coaching, delegation, stretch assignments, and succession planning.
Support workforce planning, staffing models, capacity planning, and shift structure recommendations.
Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, schedule adherence, throughput, cost awareness, and team effectiveness.
Support audit and inspection readiness through compliant behaviors, documentation, cleanroom discipline, and visual inspection readiness.
Control expenses within the area of influence, including overtime, supplies, consumables, and resource utilization.
Perform additional responsibilities and project-based assignments as needed to support Manufacturing operations and business objectives.
Maintain visual inspection qualification coverage and visual inspection readiness within the assigned area.
Escalate safety, quality, schedule, staffing, material, equipment, facility, or patient supply risks in a timely manner.
Build a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, accountability, inclusion, and patient focus.