Manufacturing Specialist

Kite Pharma • Frederick, MD

1d

About The Position

We’re here for one reason and one reason only – to cure cancer. Every moment is dedicated to developing treatments and every action moves us one step closer to our goal. We’ve made incredible scientific breakthroughs and our pioneering personalized CAR T-cell therapies have changed the paradigm. But we're not finished yet. Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows. Job Description The Manufacturing Specialist supports the Manufacturing organization by leading operational excellence initiatives, driving process efficiencies, and managing key workforce and departmental initiatives. This role requires strong project management capability, cross‑functional collaboration, and a structured, results‑oriented approach. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional weekend or on‑call coverage Department: Manufacturing Reports to: Manufacturing Associate Director

Requirements

• MA/MS with 3 or more years of cGMP Manufacturing, Manufacturing Leadership, or Operations experience, or
• BA/BS with 5 or more years of related experience, or
• Associate degree with 7 or more years of related experience, or
• High school diploma with 9 or more years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences with project management or production experience required; logistics or planning certification preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of pharmaceutical industry experience with demonstrated project management capability.
• Strong process‑optimization mindset and technical aptitude.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Smartsheet.
• Critical attention to detail and strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Experience with performance management systems and workforce planning.
• Proactive, adaptable, and willing to take on responsibilities outside of initial scope.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence initiatives across the Manufacturing department.
• Manage the Manufacturing project review board and drive cross‑functional process improvements.
• Develop project plans, schedules, governance structures, communication plans, and documentation standards.
• Oversee project timelines, risks, deliverables, and stakeholder updates.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to complete project tasks and milestones.
• Create planning and logistics tools using MS Project, spreadsheets, and Smartsheet.
• Manage workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, and goal setting for the department.
• Support full‑cycle recruiting activities, including role definition, interviewing, selection, and onboarding.
• Track and manage annual and quarterly departmental goals aligned to business strategy.
• Translate business objectives into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Monitor manufacturing metrics and KPIs, adjusting priorities and resources as needed.
• Drive accountability for results across the team.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional leaders to align goals and dependencies.
• Communicate department priorities, progress, and challenges to senior leadership.

Benefits

• This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
• Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level