Associate Director, Manufacturing Operations

Bristol Myers Squibb • Bothell, WA

3d

About The Position

The Associate Director of Manufacturing Operations provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple teams responsible for executing the end‑to‑end CAR‑T cell therapy manufacturing process, including Apheresis Receipt, Drug Product Packout, Cryopreservation, and Kitting. This role ensures that operations are carried out in compliance with cGMP requirements in both clinical and commercial settings. As a senior site leader, the Associate Director partners cross‑functionally with Global Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, MS&T, EHS, and Operational Excellence to optimize business processes, enhance production capacity, strengthen compliance, and drive technical and organizational scalability. The role is responsible for developing front‑line leaders, setting strategic direction, enabling site readiness, and building a high‑performance culture that ensures safe, effective, and reliable delivery of therapies to patients. This role serves as a key member of the Bothell Manufacturing Leadership Team and helps shape strategic priorities for the broader organization.

Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Demonstrated success in leading leaders and developing high‑performing teams.
• Deep understanding of cGMP operations in biologics or cell therapy manufacturing.
• Strong technical aptitude with manufacturing systems, automation, and complex processes.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and lead through ambiguity.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline required
• 8+ years of experience in biologics, cell therapy, or related manufacturing operations.
• Minimum 6 years of leadership experience, including managing leaders and large teams.
• Proven experience influencing cross‑functional and global teams.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Organizational Development Provide strategic leadership to Manufacturing Operations, leading multiple teams through front‑line managers and supervisors.
• Hire, mentor, and develop leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Establish organizational structure, capacity planning, shift models, and career pathways to meet evolving business needs.
• Champion a strong safety and compliance culture aligned to cGMP, BMS policies, and behaviors that support audit readiness.
• Operational Execution & Oversight Oversee execution of manufacturing unit operations and ensure readiness of personnel, equipment, materials, documentation, and automation systems.
• Ensure right‑first‑time execution and support investigations, deviations, CAPA, change controls, process transfers, and validation activities.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to remove barriers, manage risks, and ensure consistent manufacturing performance.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to resolve complex operational issues and improve workflow efficiency.
• Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement Define and execute strategic initiatives that strengthen site production capability, throughput, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Drive implementation of systems and processes that support operational scalability and lifecycle management.
• Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Contribute to long‑term workforce planning, technology integration, resource modeling, and capital planning.
• Site & Global Collaboration Collaborate with site leadership and global teams to align on priorities, share best practices, and support network initiatives.
• Represent Manufacturing Operations during regulatory inspections, audits, and key cross‑functional forums.
• Influence global CAR‑T network processes, business systems, and operational standards.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include: Paid Time Off US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees) Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays Based on eligibility, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

What This Job Offers

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