Manufacturing Manager
AstraZenecaLocation Los Angeles, California, United States Job ID R-263726 Date posted 05/11/2026 Job Description / Capsule The Manufacturing Manager leads a manufacturing team or assigned shift supporting TCR T, CAR T, and allogeneic cell therapy programs. This role is accountable for safe, compliant, and reliable execution on the direct manufacturing floor, with responsibility for resource management, workload management, right first time execution, schedule adherence, team development, Tier 2 performance management, and cross-functional escalation. Purpose and Scope The Manufacturing Manager translates manufacturing strategy into daily execution. This includes managing staffing, scheduling, floor readiness, production flow, deviation support, training progress, and continuous improvement. The role is expected to lead through presence on the floor, strong communication, coaching, one-on-ones, disciplined escalation, and standard work. This role serves as the direct leadership layer between on-floor execution and Associate Director-level strategy. Typical Accountabilities Lead daily manufacturing operations for an assigned shift, area, or functional team. Provide on-floor support and oversight as a meaningful portion of the role, with a focus on safety, quality, execution discipline, and team coaching. Ensure production activities are executed safely, compliantly, and according to approved procedures. Manage staffing, scheduling, work assignments, workload management, and production readiness to meet patient supply demand. Ensure personnel, materials, equipment, documentation, electronic systems, and cleanroom areas are ready before manufacturing activities begin. Oversee successful execution of manufacturing batch records, work instructions, and SOPs with a focus on right first time performance. Maintain schedule adherence and cycle time expectations by identifying risks early and escalating impacts to Manufacturing leadership. Lead daily communication to team members, including shift huddles, Tier 1 and Tier 2 meetings, and shift handover expectations. Own or support the Tier 2 manufacturing performance review process, cross-functional board, metrics, action tracking, and escalation to Tier 3 and site leadership when required. Support SQDCP or SQSCP communication by reviewing safety, quality, delivery or supply, cost, and people performance. Ensure production updates, shift notes, and action items are clear, accurate, complete, timely, and inspection ready. Partner with Quality, MSAT, Process Development, Supply Chain, EHS, and Facilities and Engineering to resolve issues and maintain production flow. Create, own, or support deviation, non-conformance, OOS, CAPA, change control, and manufacturing-related quality records as assigned. Review and approve manufacturing documentation as assigned, including SOPs, batch records, logbooks, training materials, and operational procedures. Lead implementation of new processes, technology transfer activities, engineering runs, process changes, and digital manufacturing tools within the manufacturing area. Coach, mentor, and develop Associate Specialists, Manufacturing Specialists, and Lead Cell Therapy Specialists. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and maintain development plans for direct reports. Conduct performance discussions, support career development, and address performance concerns in partnership with HR and leadership. Identify and develop future Lead Specialists and Manufacturing leaders through coaching, delegation, stretch assignments, and succession planning. Support workforce planning, staffing models, capacity planning, and shift structure recommendations to meet current and future demand. Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality, schedule adherence, throughput, cost awareness, and team effectiveness. Support audit and inspection readiness by ensuring the team maintains compliant behaviors, documentation, cleanroom discipline, and visual …