Cell Therapy Operations Manager

Summary

• The primary responsibility of this CTOM (Cell Therapy Operations Manager) role is to lead the APAC regional pan-TA on-boarding, continued operations, and maintenance of CAR-T centers in compliance with local health authority and internal regulations. Ensuring on-time supply of high-quality starting material for manufacturing personalized CAR-T products and providing seamless end-to-end operational customer support.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Setting: Manage CAR-T center operations, coordinate key staff, ensure safe and efficient patient treatment, and lead continuous operations improvements.
• Clinical Trial Setting: Guide trial site selection, set up new ways of working, ensure site readiness, and manage CAR-T center operations to ensure proper timelines and quality standards.

Major Accountabilities

• Center Qualification: Lead onboarding of CAR-T centers, support site selection, and drive consistent rollout of site training plans.
• Center Operations Excellence: Ensure high-quality supply of human cells and tissues, drive site maintenance, and lead continuous operational improvements.
• Deviation Management: Evaluate, investigate, and document issues related to cell collection, handling, or processing, and provide feedback and training to improve outcomes.

Key Performance Indicators

• Guarantee proper CAR-T site network through effective onboarding and site maintenance.
• Deliver operational projects on time and reduce deviations.
• Support customer satisfaction and success of manufacturing.
• Impact on the Organization: Significant impact on ensuring safe and effective use of Novartis Cell & Gene therapies by treatment centers.

Ideal Background

• Education: University degree in Science, Medical or Nursing (bachelor’s degree minimum).
• Experience: Several years in external partner-facing roles or leadership in healthcare, with experience in hospital stakeholder management, pharmaceutical or hospital GxP environment, and project management.
• Skills: Strong communication, emotional intelligence, business acumen, negotiating and scientific skills, and ability to operate in high technology environments.

Languages

• Required: English (fluent)
• Preferred: One other language (e.g., Korean or Chinese)

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?