Associate Director, OT (Operational Technology)

Work with us
Our team are passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and Autoimmune disease to deliver life-changing treatments to patients.

Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork – together we are ONE Autolus.

Job Description:

Job Title: Associate Director, Operational Technology

Reports to Executive Director, IT Operations

Department: IT

Hours: Full time

Location: Stevenage

About Autolus

Autolus is a biopharmaceutical company, advancing innovative therapies at both clinical and commercial stages of development, focused on next-generation, programmed T cell therapies for the treatment of cancer. Using a broad suite of proprietary and modular T cell programming technologies, the company is engineering precisely targeted, controlled, and highly active T cell therapies designed to better recognize cancer cells, break down their defence mechanisms, and eliminate these cells. Autolus has a pipeline of product candidates in development for the treatment of haematological malignancies, solid tumours, and autoimmune diseases.

Why Autolus

Our team is passionate in the pursuit of excellence and in pushing the boundaries of cancer therapy and autoimmune diseases to deliver life-changing treatments to patients. Whilst working at Autolus you will enjoy a flexible, diverse, and dynamic working environment which actively promotes creativity, leadership and teamwork. In addition to this Autolus is proud to offer a competitive salary, performance related bonus as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

Our Promise

Autolus is developing complex, breakthrough therapies for a globally diverse market and equally recognises that diversity amongst our people is critical to our mission. As we draw on our differences, what we’ve experienced, and how we work, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Role Summary

The Associate Director, Operational Technology at Autolus will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the company’s operational technology infrastructure. This includes ensuring the security, reliability, and efficiency of systems that support manufacturing processes, laboratory operations, and IT environments.

The primary objective of this role is to lead a team of engineers and collaborate with internal teams, (QC, Engineering, Production, R&D, QA, Validation) and external vendors to deliver robust and secure operational technology solutions. This includes managing the integration of advanced technologies, maintaining high standards of operational excellence, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The Associate Director, Operational Technology

will play a critical role in driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing system performance, and supporting the company’s strategic goals through effective technology management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operational technology engineers.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure team effectiveness and efficiency.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
• Monitor vendor performance and address any issues promptly.
• Develop and implement operational technology strategies to support manufacturing, laboratory, and IT operations.
• Ensure all technology systems and infrastructure are secure, reliable, and efficient.
• Oversee the maintenance and improvement of operational technology systems.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and operation of technology systems.
• Ensure operational technology systems comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.
• Implement security measures to protect systems from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify and mitigate risks.
• Lead and manage technology projects from inception to completion.
• Develop project plans, allocate resources, and monitor progress.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Implement best practices and innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies.

Demonstrated skills and competencies

E – Essential

P – Preferred

Experience

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Demonstrable project management abilities.
• Strong understanding of operational technology systems
• Strong understanding cybersecurity principles/frameworks and best practices for operational technology environments.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to operational technology, such as FDA regulations for pharmaceutical manufacturing and ISO standards.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships effectively.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in operational technology or a similar role.
• Proven experience in managing teams and vendors.
• Relevant certifications in operational technology or project management (e.g., PMP, CISSP) are a plus.

Autolus Core Competencies

Focus on Results: Works to meet business goals set by management and leaders

Builds Trust and Relationships: Ensures trust with internal and external partners by delivering on commitments

Resilience: Has the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness

Communicates and Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet objectives

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations where appropriate.  

Autolus is committed to the protection of the personal information that we collect & process and we are fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Autolus is committed to providing an inclusive and fair workplace for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We also provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

Autolus’ success is driven by equality and inclusion; we believe all voices are of equal value and must be heard. Whilst operating with focus and integrity, we are committed to improving diversity and inclusion within our business and our industry.