Senior Project Manager

Iovance Biotherapeutics aims to be the global leader in innovating, developing and delivering tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for people with cancer. We are pioneering a transformational approach to treating cancer by harnessing the ability of the human immune system to recognize and attack diverse cancer cells in each patient. The Iovance TIL platform has demonstrated promising clinical data across multiple solid tumors. We are committed to continuous innovation in cell therapy, including gene-edited cell therapy, which may be a promising option for patients with cancer.

Overview

The Senior Project Manager will play a key role in the development, management, and execution of Iovance’s manufacturing sites’ project portfolios in Philadelphia, PA, reporting to the Senior Director, Operational Excellence.  This experienced individual will shape project management processes and standards and provide guidance to less experienced project managers.  The role will be responsible for planning, leading, and managing the successful execution of complex cross-functional projects aligned with site and company objectives and priorities.  This role will also be responsible for establishing and reporting on key portfolio and project metrics in support of on time and within budget project deliverables.

 As a member of the Operational Excellence department, this individual will act as a change agent to instill a culture of continuous improvement and support building capabilities to enable individuals and teams to identify opportunities for improvement and independently implement solutions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Shape project management processes and standards and provide guidance to less experienced project managers. 
• Engage with senior leaders, sponsors, and stakeholders to ensure alignment of projects with organizational strategy.
• Identify and mitigate risks at a portfolio level and develop strategies for risk management that affect multiple projects or the organization.
• In collaboration with cross-functional teams, create, establish, and maintain integrated project plans.
• Lead and facilitate complex cross-functional projects with minimal oversight through all life cycle phases: initiation and feasibility, planning and design, execution, and closing.
• Deliver timely, high-quality output on multiple projects simultaneously by utilizing project management skills including clear project charters, timeline and budget management, data collection and analysis, and communication plans. Utilize escalation plans and countermeasures when outcomes, timelines, or budgets are at risk.
• Identify interdependencies, critical path and at-risk activities, anticipate bottlenecks, and help remove barriers to progress against department or corporate goals.
• Establish, monitor, and report on portfolio and project progress to senior leadership utilizing status / dashboard reports.
• Act as a subject matter expert coaching all levels of the organization in project management concepts, best practices, and tool application to increase the capability of the business.
• Build productive internal and external working relationships with stakeholders in a matrix organization.
• Identify and initiate process improvements as appropriate.
• Support the vision of Operational Excellence and act as a change agent to instill a continuous improvement culture throughout the organization.
• Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned. 

Travel 

• May require travel based on business needs 

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business, or other related field.
• Project Management Professional or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of industry and supervisory experience.  At least 8 years of experience managing and leading multiple complex projects effectively and efficiently in a matrix organization.
• Ability to use predictive, agile and hybrid approaches to determine which way of working is best for each project.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, influencing, change management, and people leadership skills.
• Proactive, results oriented, self-starter with attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities and ability to manage ambiguity.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Visio, and project management software including timeline visualization.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• Manufacturing experience, ideally in a Biopharmaceutical environment and/or Cell and Gene Therapy.
• Change Management / Agent Training
• Lean or Lean Six Sigma certification or training
• Proficient with Smartsheet 

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.

Physical Demands and Activities Required

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to move about inside an office and exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must have visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.
• This position requires repetitive motion, substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information. 

Mental

• Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines 

Work Environment

• This job works in a professional office environment and a manufacturing lab setting.
• Potential exposure to latex, bleach, loud noise, lab equipment hazards, strong odors, and chemical/biochemical is possible.  
• Requires operating standard office equipment and keyboards.

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