Sr Director US CAR-T Operations Lead

Johnson & Johnson•Raritan, NJ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, US CAR-T Operations Lead is a critical leadership role responsible for leading US CAR-T Manufacturing Operations in partnership with Legend Biotech and serving as the primary Operations interface across Johnson & Johnson’s Advanced Therapies ecosystem. This leader will drive operational strategy to ensure a reliable, compliant, and patient-centric CAR-T supply chain, partnering across Manufacturing, MSAT, Quality, Planning, Regulatory Affairs, Procurement, External Manufacturing, R&D, and Commercial teams. The successful leader will strengthen internal and external partnerships, accelerate innovation, improve manufacturing performance, and advance scalability and supply reliability while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. This role requires a strategic, influential leader who can align diverse stakeholders, navigate a rapidly evolving cell therapy landscape, and ensure life-changing CAR-T therapies reach patients with speed, reliability, and quality.

Requirements

Advanced degree required, preferably in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
12+ years of progressive leadership experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences organizations.
Proven leadership experience in manufacturing, supply chain, and operations within complex, highly regulated environments.
Experience in cell and gene therapy, advanced therapies, biologics, or related manufacturing operations required.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale operations, external partnerships, and cross-functional organizations.
Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain, product lifecycle management, and commercialization.
Financial and business acumen with experience managing budgets, investments, and strategic initiatives.
Strong strategic thinking and execution skills.
Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional programs and influence senior stakeholders.
Exceptional collaboration, communication, and relationship management capabilities.
Deep knowledge of GMP and global regulatory requirements.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Strategic and business acumen.
Decision making in complex environments.
Innovation and continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to lead through influence and develop high-performing teams.
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and talent development skills.
Inspiring and inclusive leadership style.

Nice To Haves

Agile Manufacturing
Business Alignment
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Critical Thinking
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Industry Analysis
Innovation
Leadership
Package and Labeling Regulations
Package Equipment
Package Management
Plant Operations
Product Packaging Design
Program Management
Quality Assurance (QA)
Safety-Oriented
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Sustainability
Sustainable Packaging

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary Operations leader across the US CAR-T ecosystem, aligning senior stakeholders across Commercial, R&D, MSAT, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement.
Strengthen the strategic partnership with Legend Biotech to enable collaboration, operational alignment, and delivery to patients.
Partner with US Commercial teams to shape supply strategies, capabilities, and operating models that support a best-in-class customer and patient experience.
Contribute to enterprise strategy and long-term business success as a member of the Advanced Therapies CAR-T Platform Leadership Team.
Lead US CAR-T manufacturing operations across clinical and commercial supply in partnership with Legend Biotech.
Define the long-term manufacturing, innovation, and technology strategy for the cell therapy platform.
Engage early with R&D, MSAT, and Regulatory Affairs to shape future capabilities and next-generation processes.
Deploy scalable technology standards, business processes, and operating models for autologous cell therapies.
Lead lifecycle management and commercial manufacturing readiness for advanced and novel cell therapy technologies.
Lead Raritan site expansion to meet commercial demand and future portfolio growth.
Sponsor initiatives that improve manufacturing capacity, performance, quality, and supply reliability.
Drive end-to-end standardization, efficiency, quality, and customer service across functions.
Ensure the organization has the capabilities, infrastructure, and flexibility to support a rapidly evolving cell therapy landscape.
Lead and develop an expanding organization through direct and matrix leadership.
Building a diverse and sustainable leadership pipeline to support current and future business needs.
Coach and develop leaders and emerging talent while strengthening succession planning and organizational capability.
Holding leaders accountable for talent development, engagement, and performance outcomes.
Fostering a Credo-based culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion.
Build a high-performance environment focused on patient impact, continuous improvement, engagement, and operational excellence.
Inspire teams through visible leadership, agility, and a relentless focus on delivering for patients.
Represent Advanced Therapies Platform on external speaking engagements in North-America.

Benefits

Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year (varies by state)
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year