Associate Production Scheduler

Vericel Corporation; New Jersey; On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vericel Corporation in Burlington, MA seeks an Associate Production Scheduler to join our manufacturing team, supporting GMP cell therapy production in a fast-paced environment. This onsite role operates Sunday–Wednesday, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM, with occasional work at the Cambridge, MA facility.

You will create next-day schedules using OpCenter APS and collaborate with multiple functions to balance capacity, materials, and priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, life sciences or related field with 1–2 years of relevant experience; or equivalent experience as listed.
• Experience using ERP, MES, CRM, production-planning, or scheduling systems; Dynamics 365, MFG/Pro, SAP, OpCenter Execution Pharma, or OpCenter APS preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare, finalize, and communicate the next-day production schedule for assigned product lines using OpCenter APS.
• Collaborate with Scheduling Supervisor and team to develop weekly and monthly production plans across Cambridge and Burlington sites.
• Analyze orders, demand priorities, capacity, resources, materials, and QA readiness to support scheduling decisions.
• Resolve routine conflicts within established parameters; escalate for cross-functional prioritization as needed.
• Support capacity and resource-utilization model development; provide data-driven recommendations.
• Monitor schedule execution and propose recovery options for deviations or downtime.
• Coordinate daily schedule alignment with Manufacturing, Quality Control/Assurance, Materials, and stakeholders; communicate changes.
• Suggest process improvements for scheduling, OpCenter APS, and reporting; participate in requirements/testing.
• Support scheduling projects, operational initiatives, and sales orders using ERP, scheduling, and CRM systems; ensure data accuracy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, supply chain, life sciences

Associate degree / biotech certificate with 2–3 years experience

High school diploma / GED with 4–5 years

Tools

OpCenter APS

ERP/MES/CRM systems

Microsoft Dynamics 365

SAP

MS Excel

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Associate Production Scheduler

Burlington, MA, US

Position Summary

At Vericel Corporation, we are pioneers in advanced cell therapies for sports medicine and severe burn care, transforming patient lives through cutting-edge regenerative medicine. Our commitment to innovation, patient-centered focus, and scientific excellence drives us to develop groundbreaking treatments including MACI (knee cartilage repair), Epicel and Nexobrid (burn care).

Schedule:

This position is onsite Sunday - Wednesday, primarily at our new Burlington, MA office. Some time will also be required as needed in our Cambridge, MA office. The hours are 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Independently prepare, finalize, and communicate the next-day production schedule for assigned product lines and operational activities using OpCenter APS (formerly Preactor), consistent with approved production plans and established scheduling parameters.
• Partner with the Production Scheduling Supervisor and other scheduling team members to develop and maintain weekly and monthly production plans across the Cambridge and Burlington sites.
• Analyze customer orders, demand priorities, available capacity and resources, equipment, Quality Control and Quality Assurance readiness, materials, cellular inventory, and cross-functional dependencies to support effective scheduling decisions.
• Apply independent judgment within established parameters to resolve routine scheduling conflicts, evaluate alternatives, propose schedule adjustments, and implement approved changes; elevate issues requiring cross-functional prioritization or decisions beyond the role's authority.
• Support the development and maintenance of capacity and resource-utilization models, perform scenario analyses, and provide data-supported findings and recommendations to the Production Scheduling Supervisor and operational stakeholders.
• Monitor schedule execution and assess the effects of deviations, downtime, shortages, or other changes; recommend recovery options and schedule updates to help protect the manufacturing plan.
• Coordinate daily schedule alignment with Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Materials Management, and other stakeholders; communicate schedule changes, tradeoffs, and operational impacts and obtain the inputs needed for execution.
• Recommend improvements to scheduling processes, OpCenter APS, and connected applications, and participate in defining requirements, testing enhancements, and developing useful reports and metrics.
• Support assigned scheduling projects, operational initiatives, and sales-order activities using ERP, scheduling, and CRM systems, ensuring accurate data and timely completion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, life sciences, or a related field with 1–2 years of relevant experience; or an associate degree or biotechnology certificate with 2–3 years of relevant experience; or a high school diploma/GED with 4–5 years of relevant experience. Experience in a cGMP biotechnology or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience using ERP, MES, CRM, production-planning, or scheduling systems. Microsoft Dynamics 365, MFG/Pro, SAP, OpCenter Execution Pharma, or OpCenter APS is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills; written and verbal.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with electronic scheduling in an EBR-based environment.
• Autologous cell therapies experience.
• Experience with materials planning in a complex manufacturing environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• This role will be based in our Burlington office, with requirements to travel up to one day a week to the Cambridge facility to work directly with stakeholders.
• Rotating holiday coverage.

Why Vericel?

Mission-driven Work: Help bring potentially life-enhancing cell therapies to patients with serious medical conditions.

Innovative Products: Work with a first-in-class therapy backed by clinical success and provider trust.

Career Growth: Be a part of a growing organization with opportunities to expand your impact.

Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive, cross-functional team that values passion, integrity, and excellence.

The salary range Vericel reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of this posting is $85,000 to $100,000 annually.

The actual salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skills. Bonus, incentive pay, equity and benefits may be provided in addition to the base compensation listed above.

In accordance with Massachusetts law, Vericel provides the pay range that it reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a particular and specific employment position at the time of posting or offer. This range is subject to change based on business needs, market conditions, and individual qualifications. Employees and applicants may request the pay range for their position or for a position to which they are applying. Retaliation for making such a request is strictly prohibited.

EEO Statement

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or protected veteran status and will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Vericel Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Vericel Corporation is VEVRAA federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans for job openings at all locations within the state.