Production Manager

Introduction Company description Watchmaker Genomics is an early-stage life science company based in Boulder, Colorado U.S. of America with a local branch office in Cape Town, South Africa. Our team is passionate about innovation and values collaboration, creativity and scientific rigor. We believe the intersection of biology, engineering and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. Position Description Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Production Manager based in Cape Town, South Africa. This position reports to the Vice President of Operations and will be responsible for building and managing the Production Department in Cape Town. This individual will be accountable for creating departmental goals, developing and adhering to departmental budgets and managing daily departmental activities. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to grow and develop as a Production leader. Duties & Responsibilities Responsibilities Maintain compliance with QA and ISO 13485 requirements Motivate, support and provide guidance to production staff Support HR in hiring production operators to support manufacturing activities in Cape Town Ensure all safety and health standards are met Communicate regularly with upper management regarding problems or issues impacting production Evaluate machine resources to ensure continued production and minimal downtime Establish a balance between increased productivity and reduced costs of manufacturing operations Set productivity goals for manufacturing teams Develop workflow policies and procedures that improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality Ensure adequate scheduling of staff Lead the execution of manufacturing strategies that supports the department goals for growth Establish departmental goals to support robust manufacturing processes and continuous process improvement Track KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure and support quality objectives, supply chain, and department goals Assist in developing the manufacturing schedule and ensure adherence to the manufacturing schedule by actively collaborating with other manufacturing areas and promoting cross-functionality where needed and/or where practical Actively manage inventory requirements to ensure execution of the manufacturing schedule Respond to and escalate operational, process, equipment and maintenance problems to the VP of Operations to prevent operational upsets Participate in financial management of the Production Formulation & Fill/Finish Department, through development and monitoring of departmental budgets and inventory control Participate in the final stages of process development, formalization of work instructions, and transfer to the Production Team Work with QA and process development to update current work instructions and implement their use Drive manufacturing troubleshooting and escalate issues to the appropriate Subject Matter Expert (SME) when needed Verify accuracy of manufacturing records upon completion Possess proficient technical understanding of manufacturing methods and ability to carry-out product manufacturing as needed Promote a culture of high performance, execution, and quality Develop goals and objectives for each team member aligned with department goals and KPIs, onboarding and training of new employees, day plans, adherence to training logs, and ensuring team’s adherence to ISO operational standards established by the company Support the career development of direct reports through active mentorship Additional responsibilities as assigned Desired Experience & Qualification The candidate should have at minimum a BS in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline (MS/MBA preferred), with at least three years of relevant industry experience, including manufacturing, quality control, or project management. Broad technical knowledge of life science reagents, enzyme production, or genomics is a plus. The following skills and experience are requirements for the position: Exceptional leadership and cross-functional team-building skills Skilled at building and managing schedules, timelines, and resource allocation Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to read, write, and edit technical documents Education An undergraduate degree / Bachelors Degree in a relevant life science discipline is required; an advanced degree (MS/MBA) preferred. Minimum of (3+) years in biotech or related industry, including positions with broad functional scope across manufacturing, quality, and project management. Interested? To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format: Letter of motivation Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience. Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred. If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested. WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law. All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa. This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr