Manufacturing Operations Manager

Cell Culture Company; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cell Culture Company in Minneapolis is looking for a Manufacturing Operations Lead to manage production and operational planning for their bioreactor systems. This role is vital in overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring quality control, and collaborating with various teams to improve manufacturing processes. Candidates should have a degree in a related scientific field and over 5 years of experience in biotechnology manufacturing. A competitive salary between $90,000 and $100,000 is offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology manufacturing or bioprocess operations.
• Experience with hollow fiber systems or biologics production strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational or manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day production operations for hollow fiber bioreactor systems.
• Develop production forecasts and inventory planning strategies.
• Collaborate with sales and scientific teams to assess customer needs.

Skills

Operational leadership

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Inventory planning

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology or related field

Tools

ERP or manufacturing planning systems

Job description

For over 40 years, Cell Culture Company has supported biotechnology, diagnostic, therapeutic, and research organizations worldwide through custom cell culture solutions, contract manufacturing, and advanced bioprocess technologies. In addition to our Cell Line Development and CDMO services, C3 manufactures and supports the ACU SYST hollow fiber perfusion bioreactor platform, including the Maximizer, Accelerator, Primer, and proprietary consumable cultureware systems utilized for high-density cell culture and protein production applications. As our business continues to grow, we are seeking a technically strong and operationally driven leader to oversee our Instrument & Bioprocess Operations division.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Operations Lead will oversee production, operational planning, customer support, and process improvement initiatives for C3’s hollow fiber bioreactor product line and associated consumables.

This individual will serve as a key cross-functional leader responsible for manufacturing oversight, forecasting and inventory planning, technical customer support, quality and troubleshooting investigations, operational reporting, and process automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong bioprocess knowledge with hands‑on operational leadership experience in a biotechnology manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day production operations for hollow fiber bioreactor systems and consumable cultureware
• Develop production forecasts and inventory planning strategies based on sales pipeline and historical demand
• Collaborate with sales and scientific teams to assess customer needs and recommend appropriate bioprocess solutions
• Troubleshoot technical, manufacturing, and quality‑related issues
• Lead continuous improvement and automation initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency and scalability
• Develop and refine SOPs, operational workflows, and reporting systems
• Monitor KPIs related to manufacturing performance, fulfillment, quality, and operational efficiency
• Coordinate cross-functionally with scientific operations, procurement, quality, and executive leadership
• Support customer onboarding, training, and technical communications as needed
• Assist in strategic planning for future product expansion and operational growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Cell Biology, or related scientific field
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in biotechnology manufacturing, bioprocess operations, cell culture systems, or related field
• Experience with perfusion bioreactors, hollow fiber systems, cell therapy manufacturing, or biologics production strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading operational or manufacturing processes
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and organizational skills
• Experience with inventory planning, forecasting, and process optimization
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills
• Experience implementing automation or operational improvement initiatives preferred

Preferred Experience

• ISO 9001 and/or ISO 13485 regulated manufacturing environments
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• ERP or manufacturing planning systems
• Technical customer support or applications experience
• Salary range: $90,000-$100,000 depending on experience
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing biotechnology organization
• Collaborative and mission‑driven environment focused on advancing cell culture innovation