Senior Production Planner

Cellares

Cellares

Software Engineering, Product
South San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Jul 31, 2024
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Production Planner who will contribute significantly to the growth of Cellares and our mission to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies.
The primary focus of this position will be leading the planning and scheduling process for the Integrated Development Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) in South San Francisco. As the Senior Production Planner, you will be responsible for facilitating and leading management of material planning, resource planning, demand planning, supply planning, supporting sales and operations planning (S&OP), and the master production schedule. The incumbent is responsible for setting goals and objectives that ensure overall integration of manufacturing and planning policies, processes, programs, and operational efficiencies for the IDMO.
This individual will have the highly impactful role of developing a world-class planning and scheduling process from the ground up. Your strategy, processes, and planning skills will ensure operational success for the company. This is a multidisciplinary role and this individual will interface across many parts of the company (with MSAT, PD, AD, Operations, Materials Management, Quality, Facilities, and R&D) to develop the best plans and schedules possible. The successful candidate will be driven, motivated, and self-sufficient.
The successful candidate should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows. You will also be able to quickly contribute and create structure, processes, planning and modeling tools from the ground up.

Responsibilities

  • Inventory Management: Leverage SAP, monitor inventory levels of raw materials, consumables, intermediates, and Finished Drug product to prevent shortages or overstock situations
  • Optimize inventory levels while considering factors like shelf life, lead times, and production schedules is essential
  • Production Planning: develop production schedules and plans based on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacities
  • Coordinate with production teams to ensure timely manufacturing and availability of cell therapy products
  • Supply Chain Coordination: Collaborate with Procurement and Logistics teams, suppliers, distributors, and logistics partners to maintain an efficient supply chain to ensure timely delivery of critical materials and products
  • Process Improvement: Continuously review and optimize processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance
  • Implement new technologies or methodologies to streamline operations
  • Compliance and Regulation: Ensure that all activities adhere to regulatory requirements and quality standards imposed by regulatory bodies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or other relevant agencies
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation
  • Sales and Operations Planning: Key business partner for monthly S&OP including demand planning, supply/capacity planning, assumptions, reporting of actuals and KPIs

Requirements

  • 2+ years of experience in the cell therapy or related industry with experience in production planning/scheduling, supply chain, warehouse operations, and/or manufacturing operations
  • Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems and processes (SAP is preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and partner with other functional groups to achieve business objectives required
  • Skillful application of KPIs and metrics to manage business processes and support strong team performance
  • Cell/Gene Therapy and CDMO experience preferred
  • Knowledge of cGMP/GDP/Pharmaceutical regulations
  • Knowledge of Quality and Compliance systems
  • Must be able to manage shifting priorities to meet critical deadlines in a fast paced and dynamic, growing environment, while providing clear direction to team members
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Self-motivated and passionate about advancing the field of cell therapy
  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset