Team Lead, Cell Therapy Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

At Vericel Corporation, we are pioneers in advanced cell therapies for sports medicine and severe burn care, transforming patient lives through cutting-edge regenerative medicine. Our commitment to innovation, patient-centered focus, and scientific excellence drives us to develop groundbreaking treatments including MACI (knee cartilage repair), Epicel and Nexobrid (burn care). 

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Team Lead is responsible for leadership and oversight of Cell Therapy Manufacturing activities at Vericel, ensuring all scheduled daily operations are completed on time and in accordance with all applicable Quality and Regulatory requirements.

Schedule: This position is in-office Wednesday-Saturday in our new Burlington, MA office, but will be required to spend some days in our Cambridge office as we transition to our new facility.

Position Scope:

Management & Oversight

• Provide consistent, ethical and responsible leadership to manufacturing teams to meet production demands consistent with cGMP and company corporate quality governance.
• Ensure staff receive effective training and qualification on department processes and procedures.
• Accountable for team performance of manufacturing procedures inside an ISO Class 7 cleanroom in accordance with established SOPs, cGMPs, and safety regulations.
• Monitor cleanroom activities to ensure compliance to all Vericel SOP and cGMP requirements and all areas and operations are always maintained in an audit-ready condition.
• Lead and coach manufacturing technicians, ensuring that all scheduled daily operations are completed on time and in compliance with approved procedure while meeting or exceeding productivity performance standards.
• Develop work plans, assign tasks, and coach and mentor team(s).
• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide regular feedback based on goals.
• Perform culture checks to drive engagement and retention within our teams.
• Routinely observe activities performed by team members and provide constructive feedback to support technician development and operational success.
• Report any inconsistencies or events to management when problems occur. Receive and implement guidance from management regarding remediation.
• Partner with management to freely exchange ideas, recommend and develop ideas for improvement in operating methods and procedures and to review daily cleanroom activities as well as participate in the development of manufacturing policies (including operational, safety and quality).
• Work closely with management to implement and maintain the cross-training program within all Manufacturing teams.
• Reconcile and approve time detail for direct reports in the time system and partner with manager to keep OT expenditures within budget.
• Input data from production batch records to existing databases.
• Assist in deviation investigations, CAPA’s, risk assessments and change controls.

Clean Room Activities:

• Be present in the Clean Room for the majority of daily operations, carrying assigned day-sheet, and ensure coverage of early morning and/or closing duties at the end of the day, including lab monitoring responsibilities.
• Serve as a technical resource for questions and / or investigate manufacturing issues.
• Daily performance of aseptic cell culture manipulations as required to produce cell therapy products with own day-sheet activities to maintain mastery.
• Document all production operations in electronic batch records and/or paper log sheets according to cGMPs and established SOPs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Life Sciences or related field) or equivalent with 2 - 4+ years of experience working in a cGMP environment in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Biotechnology certificate with 4 – 6+ years of experience working in a cGMP environment in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry or GED or equivalent plus 8-10+ years of cGMP experience
• Demonstrated proficiency with aseptic operations – recognized among peers and management for their process competence and training skills (QT).
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of workers to build and sustain a positive, supportive, team-focused environment.
• Hands-on experience performing aseptic operations in a cGMP environment.
• Qualified as an On the Job Trainer in at least one aseptic process.
• Proficient in Quality Events management software systems such as TrackWise or equivalent.
• Must possess solid working knowledge of MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recognized by peers and leaders for their mastery of aseptic processing and continuous improvement mindset and implementation.
• Experience within a regulated environment that is frequently audited by FDA, ISO and other internal and external Agencies.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

Why Vericel?

• Cutting-Edge Science: Work with a leading regenerative medicine product that is transforming patient care.
• Career Growth: Be a part of a growing organization with opportunities to expand your impact.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about improving lives.

The hourly wage range Vericel reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of this posting is $32.00 to $39.00 per hour.

The actual salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skills. Bonus, incentive pay, equity and benefits may be provided in addition to the base compensation listed above.

In accordance with Massachusetts law, Vericel provides the pay range that it reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a particular and specific employment position at the time of posting or offer. This range is subject to change based on business needs, market conditions, and individual qualifications. Employees and applicants may request the pay range for their position or for a position to which they are applying. Retaliation for making such a request is strictly prohibited.

EEO Statement

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status and will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Vericel Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Vericel Corporation is VEVRAA federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans for job openings at all locations within the state.