Senior Manager, Automation (Onsite)

SENIOR MANAGER, AUTOMATION (ONSITE)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, Automation is responsible for hands-on support and troubleshooting as well as leading a team of automation engineers and external consultants, ensuring execution and availability of production systems at Partner Therapeutics' (PTx) cGMP manufacturing plant. PTx manufactures Leukine (sargramostim), a therapeutic glycoprotein at its Lynnwood, Washington facility.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional:

• Ensures capabilities and capacity are in place to effectively deliver on all departmental commitments and performance targets.
• Manages the support and troubleshooting of the PTx's automation processes, implementation of software changes using cGMP systems, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Leads cross-functional efforts and provides subject matter expertise in the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of the manufacturing information network (equipment includes multiple networked Windows servers, historian databases, batch report generation system, network infrastructure, etc.)
• Leads cross-functional efforts and provides subject matter expertise in the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of the following control systems: Allen-Bradley PLCs, SLC 500, ControlLogix, CompactLogix with Controlnet, Devicenet, Ethernet, Modbus and Lontalk communications, AVEVA PI, SQL servers and other vendor-specific control systems using primarily iFIX SCADA software and AB Panelview systems
• Follows cGMP standards and procedures to accurately document the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems in the cGMP production environment using the Asset Management System (AMS) database and other applicable data repositories.
• Recommends/specifies instrumentation for various processes at this facility. Works with the Manufacturing, Quality, Facility Services, and Production departments in representing the Engineering Automation department on cross-functional teams.
• Responsible for specification and design of implementations or modifications to automation and control systems for commercial and development manufacturing processes, equipment, and systems.
• Oversees equipment repairs, modifications, or installs by outside service contractors.
• Provides training to operations staff as required for new implementations and modifications and training of automation staff as needed in support of implementations and modifications.
• Participates in the development and prioritization of PTx's Life Cycle Management Plan.
• Resolves issues by ensuring timely escalation to Leadership and cross-functional teams: Applies learning from these events and leads the creation of new/updated systems, processes, programs to prevent similar situations in the future.
• Through self-education and external networking/participation in industry and professional organizations keeps abreast of current industry trends, compliance requirements, and best-of-class technologies relating to area of responsibility. Actively applies learned best practices, knowledge, and benchmarking to PTx projects and solutions.
• Pursues participation or leads project teams outside normal course of work (i.e. "collateral duties") as they become available to support personal growth, connection, and business needs.
• Adheres to all applicable regulations and requirements including compliance with internal SOPs, GMP, Health and Safety, WISHA/OSHA, regulatory compliance, company policies, and employment-related laws and statutes.
• Successfully completes all required Quality and Compliance training within required timeframes.

People Leadership:

• Builds, develops, inspires, motivates, and leads a diverse, professional team of Partners and external consultants. Sustains high performance that is strongly aligned and coordinated with other functional groups across the organization; ensures Partner engagement by creating a culture of inclusion, execution, and an environment within which they can excel and continuously improve.
• Manages and develops the performance of direct reports by setting clear SMART goals, provides and seeks timely performance feedback, recognizes and rewards high achievers, and holds team members accountable for underperformance. Leads by example and promotes PTx's core Values: Learn, Prepare, Innovate, Collaborate, Lead to continually improve the Quality Culture at PTx.
• Holds Team accountable for compliance to all safety and quality regulations, ensures all team members directly or indirectly support cGMP activities, and have the necessary education, knowledge, and skills to perform their job in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations.
• Works pro-actively and in close collaboration with upline Leadership Team and People & Culture to recruit, hire, grow, and retain a diverse team of talent.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Partners may be required to perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Required:

• Experience working with CMMS or AMS systems.
• Skilled at managing multiple projects and resources simultaneously.
• Understands GMP quality systems such as change control, deviation reporting, and working in an environment governed by SOPs.
• Possesses strong organizational and prioritization skills to maintain a high level of productivity, innovation, and priority-setting in order to complete assignments on-time and on-budget; experience with the principals of operational excellence. Demonstrated ability to delegate successfully.
• Proven ability to contribute to and create policies, procedures, standards, and controls that would enhance the support and adherence to U.S. and applicable international GMP regulatory requirements.
• Expert in fostering trust and collaboration by providing outstanding service while balancing individual and collective needs.
• Resourceful with proven ability to lead, manage and leverage an extensive internal network of stakeholders, team members, and external resources to plan and resolve issues. Strong, collaborative relationship management and interpersonal skills required to quickly gain confidence of stakeholders and team members.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the proven ability to formulate strategic solutions to propel the organization forward.
• Excellent soft skills including a bias towards action, the ability and willingness to give and receive constructive feedback, is comfortable working within a diverse team and across multiple functions, exhibits a consistently positive attitude, and is adaptable and at ease with handling unexpected changes and challenges.
• Strong written and oral English communication skills are required for this highly collaborative role. Proven ability to make clear, effective, and persuasive presentations to audiences at various levels of expertise required. Skilled at leading effective meetings.
• Solid software skills essential including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; ability and willingness to quickly adopt other job-specific applications will be necessary.

Preferred:

• Preferred automation process knowledge and experience includes utility operations (pure water systems, compressed air, steam and clean steam, etc.), building automation systems (HVAC, dynamic room pressurization, chillers, etc.), Autoclaves, CIP systems, fermenters, TFF, Centrifuge, LC, HPLC and or other filtration systems.
• Preferred control system software experience includes Allen Bradley: ControlLogix, CompactLogix, SLC500, FactoryTalk View ME, PanelBuilder; GE Fanuc: iFix, iHistorian; AVEVA: PI System.
• Formal project management training.
• Recent experience with workforce planning and operational budgeting.
• Software application experience with Smartsheet, MS Project, and SharePoint.

PEOPLE LEADERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering the professional growth and development of others especially technical personnel such as highly skilled engineers and early stage technicians.
• Strong leadership skills including demonstrated ability to drive accountability and build a culture of trust, compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Skilled at active listening, conflict resolution, and team building.
• Proficiency in standard recruiting and hiring protocols; recent practical experience with the hiring processes as both a hiring manager and interviewer.

Preferred:

• Formal people leadership training including advanced coaching and giving-and-receiving-feedback skills.
• Formal interview training.
• Experience working collaboratively with HR/People & Culture functions to recruit, hire, grow, and retain talent.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 12+ years progressively responsible experience as a practicing professional involved in the support, design, and/or implementation of instrumentation and control systems, preferably in the biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, food or other batch processing industries. (Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field may substitute for 2 years of professional experience.)
• 5+ years in People Leadership roles. People Leadership qualification includes experience in recruiting, making hiring decisions, setting SMART Goals, growing high performers, and addressing performance concerns.

Preferred:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering (preferred) Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a combination of technical training and relevant work experience.

PTx is committed to the principles of competitive and pay equity for all of our Partners. The current pay range for this position is $160,200 - $206,000: Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time. Your salary will vary depending on several factors including your qualifications and experience.

In addition to medical, dental, vision, FSA/DCA, HRA, disability, and life insurance coverage, all full-time, regular Partners enjoy a casual, and Hybrid or Remote workplace program for many roles. We offer a terrific compensation/benefits/perks package which includes pre-IPO options, annual cash bonuses, 401k matching, free parking or Seattle-area ORCA pass, tuition assistance, plus rewards for achievement and contribution. To support a healthy work-life balance we also provide a gym subsidy, wellness participation programs, and a generous vacation, sick, and holiday paid time off program in addition to a paid shutdown between the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Partner Therapeutics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or any other category prohibited by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities, and termination.