Director - Cell Therapy Platform Development

With operations in 35+ nations and ~27,000 employees worldwide, CSL is driven to develop and deliver a broad range of lifesaving therapies to treat disorders such as hemophilia and primary immune deficiencies, and vaccines to prevent influenza. Our therapies are also used in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation and burn treatment.

CSL is the parent company of CSL Behring and Seqirus. CSL Behring is a global leader in the protein biotherapeutics industry, focused on bringing to market biotherapies used to treat serious and often rare conditions. CSL Behring operates CSL Plasma, one of the world's largest collectors of human plasma, which is used to create CSL’s therapies. Seqirus is one of the largest influenza vaccine companies in the world and is a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness and a major contributor to the prevention and control of influenza globally.

We invite you to take a look at the many career possibilities available around the globe and consider building your promising future at CSL by becoming a member of our team!

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1

• The Cell Therapy Platform Stream Lead is accountable for the development of the Cell Therapy Platform Strategy together with the Cell & Gene Therapy Platform Build Product Strategy Team
• Accountable for the development and oversight of Cell Therapy Platform including process, analytics and scale up to GMP
• Align Cell Therapy Platform Development Strategy with the Vector Platform Development Strategy
• Drives the portfolio of projects, contributes to the development of new ideas and prioritize activities to ensure alignment with Cell Manufacturing stream strategy and available resources
• Guide and mentor Activity Champions
• In liaison with Director Cell Manufacturing and Director Bioanalytics provides oversight to and co-ordinates distribution of work packages through Cell Manufacturing Expert Teams and Cell Analytics Expert Team
• Works together with Cell & Gene Therapy Program CMC Leads to ensure Process is aligned with Program Strategy and that implementation strategy is defined
• Identify and support sourcing external partnerships to enhance CSL’s Cell Manufacturing Platform

2

• Reviews relevant literature and emerging data to keep abreast of improvements and cutting-edge technology within the cell and gene therapy field
• Interprets and applies new technologies as appropriate, continually refining and optimizing the cell manufacturing process to optimize yield, efficacy and safety

3

• Creating and leading a high-performing, cross-functional team of global functional leaders responsible for the delivery of the platform strategic objectives.
• Coordinates, directs and manages the cellular manufacturing group in PKV
• Active role in development of talent
• Provides appropriate input to CGT functional areas as required
• If needed contributes to regulatory submissions including IND, MAA, BLA, IMPD, etc.
• Contributes to publications and conferences as needed
• When applicable actively pursues securement of intellectual property
• Inspires, builds, develops and retains key talent, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, communication and shared-learning and development

4

• Provides expertise and guidance for technology transfer to additional manufacturing sites
• Collaborate and build strong and effective relationships with colleagues within Recombinant Gene & Product Development and from other areas of the business (e.g., other functions including Research, Commercial, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Intellectual Property, etc.)

5

• Defines capital needs (e.g., new equipment, maintenance of existing facilities or design and build-out of new lab space, FTE/resource needs, budget forecasts and budget management
• Ensures overall schedules, budgets and performance standards are realistically set and attained
• Identifies and mitigates risks
• Manages information to ensure transparency regarding project(s) status with all key stakeholders

Reports To:

Executive Director, R&D Site Head Pasadena

Direct Reports:

This role will have global responsibility and at least three direct reports in Parkville, AUS

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education

• An advanced degree (MSc, PhD) in Science.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Cell and Gene Therapy, including cell processing
• 10+ years or more working experience in the Pharma and/or biotech industry
• 10+ years experience working within a matrix organization
• Expert knowledge in gene therapy, cellular engineering, and human hematopoietic stem cell biology
• Proven experience leading cross-functional, multicultural and international project teams (e.g. product development teams).
• Demonstrated track record as an independent biomedical researcher and strong independent global network of key leaders in the field of CGT

Competencies

• Experienced People Manager with proven ability to develop talent and achieve results through teamwork and leadership of others in a matrixed Business Unit environment, particularly in a Global business. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to develop constructive and effective relationships with direct reports, colleagues and senior management
• Strong technical, project management, intellectual property and commercial acumen
• Strong scientific expertise across broad therapeutic areas, preferably with the broad field of cell & gene therapy.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently or in a team setting, and to achieve goals by managing own timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, create innovative strategies, manage ambiguity and able to anticipate future trends and consequences
• Strong negotiation skills and can identify and engage internal and external expertise as needed
• Able to build and lead effective, well integrated, collaborative teams
• Proven networking, stakeholder management and influencing skills and ability to share knowledge and experience amongst colleagues
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills and excellent written and spoken English
• Cross cultural sensitivity demonstrating understanding and acceptance of different cultural parameters
• Able to build and lead effective, well integrated, collaborative teams
• Strong analytical skills