Head of Cell Therapy Customer Operations

Global Head Cell Therapy Operations

The Executive Director, Global Cell Therapy Operations will lead the Cell Therapy Operations global team, US and Ex-US, to advance existing and future clinical cell therapy programs and prepare for commercial launch. This role will define the strategy for the Global Cell Therapy operations team to effectively provide field subject matter cell therapy support and expertise across therapeutic areas from the clinical stage through the commercial transition to support the delivery of ground breaking cell therapies.

AstraZeneca endeavors to lead the cell therapy space across hematology, solid tumors, rheumatology, and rare diseases. We are developing novel manufacturing approaches and armoring strategies and advancing multiple assets into the clinic across a variety of clinical indications.

Role Overview:

The Global Head Cell Therapy Operations will:

• Be accountable for establishing, growing and maintaining a global network of clinical sites that serve as key clinical study partners across the AZ cell therapy portfolio (Hematology, Oncology, Biopharma, Rare Disease)
• Lead and grow a high-performing global Cell Therapy Operations team to support AstraZeneca’s growing cell therapy pipeline;
• Define and develop processes and ways of working to offer excellent patient and customer support. Improve operational performance with regard to training, streamlined processes to support quality and safety, and customer satisfaction. Identify opportunities and areas to facilitate outpatient treatment and increase community referrals.  
• Drive the development of relationships with treatment center’s physicians, nursing, lab, pharmacy, and quality personnel.
• Works closely will cell therapy site specialist team to ensure coordinated white glove cell therapy delivery, site training, and seamless V2V journey
• Define the strategy to systematically gather customer cell therapy site intelligence during clinical trials and leverage insights to develop a customized ATC onboarding program appropriate to each therapeutic area.
• Ensure appropriate qualification and oversight of treatment centers, in the inpatient setting, and develop capabilities to support outpatient treatment and cell therapy in disease areas beyond hematology

• Establish innovative programs with streamlined processes for qualifying and authorizing treatment centers across hematology, solid tumors, rheumatology, and rare diseases. Global standardized authorized treatment center onboarding program for cell therapy centers will deliver training and prepare for audits to qualify, and authorize ATCs for apheresis, COI/COC, cell transport logistics, product receipt and handling, storing, thawing, preparation for infusion, infusion and post infusion monitoring
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, treatment center operations, and commercial teams to develop commercial Chain of Identity (COI) and Chain of Custody (COC) processes.
• Facilitate alignment on development and onboarding plans with partners in Clinical, Commercial, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, QA, and Medical Affairs.

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Advanced degree (master’s degree, NP, MHA, MPA, MBA) required; relevant certifications (e.g., CPHQ, PMP) are strongly preferred.
• Over 10 years of progressive experience in a medical or pharmaceutical setting, preferably including nursing, and transplant/infusion centers.
• Great understanding of technical detail in cell therapy and transplant/infusion centers, supporting both customer needs and deep understanding of manufacturing and supply chain requirements.
• Ease in developing and maintaining relationships with external key collaborators responsible for establishing the Cell Therapy Service line and internal stakeholders involved in the E2E delivery.
• Proven ability to deliver persuasive and impactful oral presentations in a variety of settings including to senior leadership.
• Strong management and operational capabilities, and lead a diverse group of individuals to achieve a common goal.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $262,857 to $394,286. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca's Biopharmaceuticals R&D division, we are nimble and agile, always harnessing our diverse knowledge. We are part of the solution, turning our drug development strategies into reality. Work at all stages of development to translate our life-changing science into medicines to get the best results for AstraZeneca, patients in need and healthcare professionals. We are a diverse and open-minded team harnessing our different skills and experiences. Our differences enable us to explore new ideas and ways of doing things. It keeps us on our toes and excited for what's next.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to create life-changing medicines!

So, what’s next?

Are you ready to bring new ideas and fresh thinking to the table? Brilliant! We have one seat available, and we hope it’s yours.

Where can I find out more?

Check out our landing page for more information on our BPD group https://careers.astrazeneca.com/bpd

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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.