Master Scheduler

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 Master Scheduler will create Manufacturing and Quality Control testing schedules to ensure efficient operations and maximize available capacity at Iovance Cell Therapy Center (iCTC), located in Navy Yard, PA and third-party manufacturing contractors as required. A key aspect of the position is to monitor schedule adherence and identify optimal future practices, thus evaluating success to further streamline all processes. The Master Scheduler will collaborate with numerous departments inside and outside the organization, to ensure full alignment with company objectives and priorities.

The Master Scheduler will follow business rules that govern lot sizes, Manufacturing and Quality Control testing lead times, head count, equipment availability and other parameters that influence scheduling constraints. The Master Scheduler will also take responsive action as a result of revisions to patient scheduling, product development and subsequent implementation strategies, and business continuity risks.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and revise Master Production Schedules (MPS) for Manufacturing and Quality Control testing in accordance with a sales forecast and an agreed planning horizon, accounting for existing unconstrained clinical and commercial demand as well as new business opportunities and tech transfer pipeline products.
• Actively collaborate with Manufacturing and Quality Control personnel and perform Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP), considering all potential constraints, ultimately proposing an optimized operational plan back to the organization that effectively allocates available capacities (FTEs, Equipment and Materials), defining feasibility with daily/weekly/monthly details.
• As business conditions evolve with actual patient demand, continuously evaluate opportunities to modify the MPS within defined constraints (manpower, equipment, protocols, QC testing, etc.) in order to maximize patient opportunity based on peaks and valleys in demand either based on surgery day of the week, holidays, week of the month, etc.
• Own the Capacity Planning for the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) monthly process including gathering details, identifying roadblocks, working with cross functional teams to develop alternative plans, facilitating the meeting, gaining alignment for decisions, documenting and communicate the results of the meeting.
• Periodically compare current and future demand with validated equipment assets and trained head count and provide recommendations to address potential constraints through various activities including accelerated purchasing efforts, CAPEX requests, resource management and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support facility project schedules for shutdown work, tech transfers, R&D, equipment modifications, commissioning, validation, change-over, associated documentation, training, and routine/non-routine facilities maintenance activities.
• Collaborate with other internal and external scheduling resources, including contract manufacturers
• Update planning models as needed based on process or equipment modifications.
• Support improvement projects to optimize production and laboratory planning methodologies and associated information technology software systems and processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams as appropriate.
• Participate in periodic planning meetings with sales, production, shipping, purchasing, and customer service staff.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for and liaison with sales, logistics, manufacturing and quality control departments in the master schedule and S&OP window
• Must adhere to Iovance Biotherapeutics’ core values, policies, procedures, and business ethics.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned. 

Travel

• Less than 5% annually 

Required Education, Skills, and Knowledge

• 1-2 years scheduling experience in a high-volume cGMP production or manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Engineering
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is an asset.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills, effective communication (both written and verbal), proactive problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Possess the ability to bridge relationships between various departments, levels of the organization, supplier and customer organizations.
• Excellent organization skills and an ability to prioritize effectively to deliver results within reasonably established guidelines.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities with a strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends.

Preferred Education, Skills, and Knowledge 

• 3-5 years scheduling experience in a high-volume cGMP production or manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Engineering
• Working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is an asset.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Experience using SmartSheet
• Experience using Claude or other AI tools
• Facilitated collaborative discussions/meetings across disciplines including with multiple levels of management resulting in actions for the teams to take to improve results/performance.
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills, effective communication (both written and verbal), proactive problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Possess the ability to bridge relationships between various departments, levels of the organization, supplier and customer organizations.
• Excellent organization skills and an ability to prioritize effectively to deliver results within reasonably established guidelines.
• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with minimal direction and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities with a strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends. 

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.

#li-onsite