Senior Director, External Manufacturing

About Us… Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our CytoDriveTM technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and other solid tumors. We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our brand-new facility in Bedford, MA. Obsidianites enjoy a highly collaborative culture, competitive salary and benefits, and potential for ownership through stock options. Our Opportunity… This position is responsible for leading the oversight of Obsidian's network of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) inclusive of cell therapy drug product, viral vector drug substance, and custom biologic ancillary materials production in support of Obsidian’s clinical phase program. Reporting to the Head of Technical Operations, the Manufacturing Head provides the leadership, strategic thinking, and results focus to reliably meet and/or exceed the company's manufacturing goals while maintaining high levels of quality. Partnering with internal and external operations teams, you will drive direct production activities as well as support activities including batch record / SOP management, production scheduling, deviation investigation, change management, and process training all according to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). This position requires an individual proven record of establishing strong partnerships internally and externally to manage a complex autologous engineered cell therapy manufacturing network and deliver transformative medicine to patients. This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor to a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need. This is a hybrid role based at our Bedford, MA site, with onsite responsibilities at our CDMOs requiring 20-40% travel. You will… Define and lead overall governance system for CDMOs from strategic to daily management oversight ensuring processes and practices are compliant with global current good manufacturing practices. Partner with technical teams and program management to facilitate technical transfer of processes to new CDMOs including development and revision of batch records and procedures, management of change controls, and establishing comprehensive product specific process and equipment training programs. Review and/or author technical and project protocols and plans and reports in support of technical studies, stage gate reviews, and global regulatory filings. Acting as virtual Plant Manager and value stream team leader, partner with MSAT, QA, QC, and Supply Chain to oversee external production of clinical cell therapy products and ensure timely disposition of product. Develop and build a high performing manufacturing team to execute department responsibilities and achieve corporate and department objectives. Ensure effective engagement, integrated and collaborative execution, and robust development.  Establish department, CDMO, and individual goals and key performance indicators in alignment with company and operational goals; maintain and report applicable department and delivery metrics and partner with Supply Chain and Quality to conduct periodic business reviews with each CDMO. Drive continuous improvement and Operational Excellence culture through self-detecting and self-correcting processes and systems and instilling strong ownership and accountability. Develop and manage department’s annual operating budgets; partner with Finance to analyze variances and implement adjustments. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational, quality, and organizational risks escalate key risks and issues. You bring… Core Qualifications Bachelor's degree and 15+ years of related biopharmaceutical work experience or a master's degree and 12+ years of work experience. 8+ years in management / leadership positions of increasing scope and responsibility. Minimum of 5 years successfully leading late stage and/or commercial cGMP operations team in fast-paced internal and/or external manufacturing environments. Experience in cell and/or gene therapy operations (strong preference). Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills; great attention to detail and the ability to drive timely and fact-based cross functional decision making in complex, high consequence scenarios.  Excellent written and oral communication skills both internal and external.  Proven ability to thrive as a leader in a complex and fast-paced dynamic environment, successfully building, motivating, developing, and retaining high performing teams.   A leadership approach that inspires confidence, credibility, and trust internally (within and across teams) and externally. You’re adept at inviting different perspectives, resolving issues in a constructive manner, facilitating data-based decision making, and building buy-in. Exceptional organizational skills and record of delivering results, including robust risk management and transparent communications. Ability to grow and navigate cGMP manufacturing areas. Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed for on-site oversight and meetings Bonus qualifications Preference for experience in start-up of new manufacturing capabilities / capacity. Cultural Competencies... Cultivates collaboration, transparency, and accountability within and across teams; recognizes success requires interdisciplinary thinking and partnership. Inspires confidence, credibility, and trust internally and externally; recognized for high integrity. Adept at building buy-in and driving alignment within and across teams, senior leadership, and external partners. Exceptional communication skills in verbal, written, and visual formats, and adapted to the audience. Tenacious and resilient – has navigated significant challenges (scientific and business) and is not easily daunted. Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple tasks of varying degrees of complexity in parallel. Remains calm under pressure and leads others through complex situations. Seeks the data, information, and support needed (internally and externally) to make efficient and informed decisions and meet objectives.  Builds followership by being transparent, persuasive, excited about the work, and willing to work hard together to get the job done. Continuous learner – actively follows innovations in area of expertise, fosters innovative thinking, and adopts novel approaches that are fit for purpose. Reflective and self-aware; leads by example with a growth mindset. Obsidian is committed to equitable and transparent pay practices. The anticipated base salary range for this role is below. The actual base salary offered will be determined based on a combination of factors, including applicable qualifications, level of education, the depth of experience, unique skills, geographic location, internal equity, and/or business needs. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with federal, state, and/or local wage requirements for the role’s location. Our competitive compensation package includes an annual incentive bonus as a percentage of actual base salary and long-term incentives in the form of employee stock options, both of which are commensurate with the role’s level. We also offer a generous benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; company contributions to health savings and retirement accounts; ample paid time off; access to wellness programs; and rich career growth opportunities. Anticipated Base Salary Range $1—$2 USD Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.