Associate Director, External Mfg

Manager: Senior Director, External Manufacturing

Department:  External Manufacturing, Technical Operations

Location: Brisbane, CA

Sangamo Therapeutics is a genomic medicine company building value with cutting-edge work across four distinct but complementary technology platforms – gene therapy, cell therapy, in vivo genome editing, and in vivo genome regulation. Using its deep scientific expertise and proprietary zinc finger genome engineering technology, Sangamo is working to create genomic cures for patients suffering from severe genetic diseases for which today’s medicines can only treat symptoms. At Sangamo, we are passionate about transforming lives by building a robust, sustainable, differentiated, innovative, and high value genomic medicine pipeline that addresses patients with life-limiting conditions. Sangamo takes pride in being the first to edit endogenous human genes, first to treat patients with gene edited T cells, and first to treat patients with in vivo genome editing. Our top priority is to meet the needs of patients with commitment and compassion. Along with our commitment to science and to our patients, we also endeavor to create an inclusive environment that promotes and values diversity. Sangamo is a company where individuals can flourish, grow and develop their expertise.

We are seeking top talent to join our mission. Let’s build a better future together.

JOB SUMMARY:   

The Associate Director, External Manufacturing, will be responsible for managing activities related to the GMP production of early and late phase clinical materials produced at contract manufacturing organizations (CMO) for the Company’s in-house and partnered programs. This role is primarily focused on CMO(s) for gene therapy and cell therapy manufacturing.  As programs advance, the role will may also be responsible for managing commercial supply at CMO(s).   This role will manage scopes of work at the CMO(s) per established contracts and act as primary contact with the CMOs.  This individual contributor role will also be responsible for working with internal and CMO staff for the oversight and coordination of activities related to scheduling, manufacturing, quality, finances, supply chain and regulatory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Act as primary relationship manager and point of contact with LONZA, the CMO(s) for mRNA and cell therapy (TX 200) manufacturing while working closely with Technical Development, Quality/Compliance, Quality Control, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Legal and Finance.

• Serve as SME to support the HEK293 AAV team as well as provide primary support to the 3 Kite/Gilead projects receiving priority in 2022/2023.  

• Develop timelines, budgets and co-ordinate execution of activities for all elements related to the GMP production, testing and release of products manufactured at CMOs.
• Lead and facilitate the meetings between Sangamo and the CMO(s) project team members.
• Coordinate the generation, review, execution and completion of scope of work (SOW) documents, corresponding purchase orders, invoicing and any necessary change orders. Ensure adherence to the contract and the SOW.
• Track project activities, deliverables and completion relative to budgets and Company objectives. 
• Identify risks and assumptions in plans, anticipates problems and plans for contingencies. Removes obstacles to move work forward and/or to get efforts back on track.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's, Masters or PhD degree in life sciences, bioprocessing, chemical engineering or other related discipline.
• Minimum of 10+ years related experience in the biotechnology or pharma industry with a primary focus on GMP manufacturing operations for biologics, ideally for Advanced-therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) including cell and gene-based therapies
• Experience in clinical development stage projects and/or additional experience in commercial manufacturing and supply
• Demonstrated skills in project management and working with vendors
• Proven track record of managing CMO GMP production operations and budgets
• Proven ability to effectively develop, communicate, and gain support for execution plans with a wide range of stakeholders
• Knowledge of cGMP Quality Systems including change control, discrepancy management, CAPA, lot release and validation
• Strong background in FDA, ISO, EMA, GMP and ICH requirements ideally for ATMP's a plus
• Advanced knowledge of drug development process and experience with gene therapy or cell therapies is highly desired
• Strong planning and tracking skills, able to see big picture, well-organized, focused on results, capable of managing multiple projects, excellent time management with respect to priorities and self-management
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• May require travel up to 15% of the time.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Outstanding organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong focus on customer service
• Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment that will require management of several competing priorities while driving all projects forward and meeting program/project deliverables
• Self-reliant, a good problem solver and results-oriented
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive; a leader who can positively and productively impact initiatives.

Sangamo is an equal opportunity employer
The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The above duties are representative only; management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Note to External Recruiters: Please understand that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than from the candidates themselves. Any agency or independent recruiter must have a signed copy of our agency agreement before presenting candidates. Submission of unsolicited resumes without our signed agreement will not create any implied obligation on our part.

If you wish to be considered for the presentation of candidates, please contact us through Recruiting@sangamo.com. Attach your contact information, your area of specialty, and any marketing information you wish to provide. Someone from the Talent Acquisition Department will contact you directly if there is a business need for your services.

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