The Director - Cell Therapy Operations has a sizeable scope, including accountability for the operational design inputs to deliver the assigned program(s) as part of the product development team. Within a program, they maintain accountability for the delivery and reporting of clinical studies to time, quality, and cost. The Director - Cell Therapy Operations is a key member of the Global Project Team. This position demands strong collaborative communication skills, including the ability to engage with and influence a diverse range of stakeholders both within and outside of AstraZeneca.
The Director - Cell Therapy Operations is responsible for the design and implementation of a logistics model ensuring effective scheduling of patients and their cells (apheresis & final drug product) between investigating/treatment sites and the manufacturing facility. They will develop the tools and processes to ensure smooth execution of each step of the patient journey once the patient is either a) enrolled in a clinical trial or b) commercially when a patient is approved for treatment and beginning the treatment course.
The exact accountabilities will differ depending on the stage of the clinical program, so a high degree of flexibility and autonomy is required.
Typical Accountabilities:
Establish site qualification criteria and conduct operational certification for apheresis/treatment (e.g., FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) qualification). Track and maintain site certification and recertification needs
Manage the operational setup of new apheresis and treatment centers; ensure site training (compliance versus needs / requirements)
Ensure investigators and site staff have a thorough understanding of processes for treatment execution (e.g., scheduling portal, apheresis and infusion procedures, cell handling, shipping, etc.)
Build relationships with clinical / commercial site operations personnel (e.g., cell therapy operations managers)
Collaborate between the Investigator Site, couriers, and internal functions at AstraZeneca, namely Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Clinical Operations and Medical/Clinical Science to ensure that patient visits and cell product delivery are coordinated
Lead patient scheduling and cell management tasks, from confirming apheresis and subsequent dispatch to manufacturing, coordinating courier pick-ups and deliveries, as well as preparation of shipping documentation, communicating product manufacturing milestones to Clinical Sites & coordinating patient visits preparation prior to infusion (chemotherapy conditioning)
Develop, maintain, and evaluate key performance indicators for patient treatment execution
Ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place to deliver the treatment, including working with development and commercial leadership to establish and implement an apheresis and treatment center network strategy
Accountable for overall study or program deliverables, maintaining oversight throughout the life of the study or program by close interaction with individual study/program leaders or leadership of the study team as appropriate
Use relevant tools and communication with clinical sites, optimize patient and drug scheduling, to optimize the number of patients recruited per site per month/year.
Develop and manage effective risk management/mitigation plans to ensure timely delivery to quality, budget and time and escalate issues to stakeholders as appropriate
Responsible for planning and leading issue escalation and resolution
Provide input to forecasting and management of study/program delivery costs, resource and timelines
Accountable for the quality of study/program planning information into relevant planning systems
Mentor and support development of individuals within the organization
Manage a team of schedulers responsible for scheduling, logistics and support of all AZ cell therapy trials worldwide
Contribute to operational interactions with external entities including regulatory agencies, preferred partners/suppliers and external collaborators
Responsible for study or program level reporting of progress, risks, and issues
Lead the study delivery related activities associated with regulatory inspections/audits in liaison with Clinical functions
Responsible for provision to procurement clear specifications for study or program-specific outsourcing
Responsible for review and operational approval of study or program specific contracts or work orders.
Education, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Essential :
Bachelor's degree in related discipline, preferably in medical or biological science.
At least 10 years or equivalent experience in drug development leadership experience with progressive levels of responsibility.
Comprehensive knowledge of the clinical and pharmaceutical drug development process
Proven ability to develop programs to meet business goals and to assess business risk versus potential value; ability to understand global business requirements
Significant experience of program management and use of project management techniques in complex projects, including resourcing and financial management
Strong strategic influencing skills and ability to influence broadly within and outside the organisation
Significant experience and expertise in Clinical Trial methodology with a proven track record to deliver differentiated options based on a sound knowledge of operational delivery
Proven track record in problem solving and issues management that is solution focused
Extensive and proven experience in driving operational delivery to timelines, cost, and quality
Proven experience of leading delivery through collaboration with internal and external providers
Excellent knowledge of ICH-GCP principles
Experience in providing clear requirements for external contracts
Experience in selection and oversight of external providers and development/review of contracts
Desirable:
Higher degree e.g., PhD, MSc, MPhil
Program management qualification (e.g., MBA, PRINCE2, PMP)
Experience in variety of academic/CRO/Sponsor organizations and countries
Experience across the product life cycle and multiple therapeutic areas
Experience of early phase clinical delivery
At least 5 years global drug development experience within clinical function
Salesforce or other customer management software systems
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.
At AstraZeneca's Oncology R&D division, we push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer. We are a science-based, leading and decisive Oncology enterprise united in our vision to eliminate cancer as a cause of death. With one of the broadest and deepest Oncology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with new and novel drugs and help discover what's next. We believe in growing together and providing a place where everyone can have a voice. We are diligent and committed to our science-driven approach, with a sharp focus on outcomes.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to eliminate cancer as a cause of death!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
