Exec Director, Viral Vector Process Development

Description

This role is accountable for end-to-end viral vector development, from construct design through clinical and commercial manufacturing support, and serves as a key partner across Research, Product Teams, Technical Operations, and Analytical functions.

The leader will balance deep technical expertise with executive-level influence, ensuring robust, scalable vector platforms while building a high-performing organization capable of supporting both ex vivo and emerging in vivo applications.

Reporting & Location

• Reports to: SVP, Global Head of Process Development
• Location: Santa Monica, CA Or Oceanside, CA
• On-site presence required

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Scientific Leadership

• Accountable for technical strategy for viral vector platforms across clinical and commercial scale, including complex tech transfers, external manufacturing partnerships, and late‑stage manufacturing readiness.
• Provide deep expertise in lentiviral vector (LVV) design, including construct architecture, promoter selection, and transgene optimization
• Lead viral vector process development, including:Upstream production systems (transient and stable)Downstream purification and recovery operations
• Drive process scale-up and technology transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites (internal and external)
• Oversee LVV life cycle management and manufacturing support capabilities
• Lead initiatives to improve viral vector productivity, robustness, and cost of goods
• Advance next-generation capabilities, including:In vivo viral vector developmentPlatform innovations and emerging delivery technologies

Cross-Functional & Product Development Leadership

• Ensure viral vector development decisions are optimized across the full cell therapy value chain, from transduction efficiency and cell performance to manufacturing robustness and CMC sustainability.
• Provide strategic leadership for viral vector on cross-functional Product Teams
• Partner closely with:Research to translate early concepts into developable and scalable vector designsT cell process development to align vector performance with cellular outcomesAnalytical development to ensure appropriate characterization and control strategies
• Contribute to integrated product development, ensuring vector design and process decisions align with clinical and commercial objectives
• Drive alignment across functions in a matrixed environment, balancing competing priorities while maintaining product focus

CMC & Regulatory Engagement

• Strong working knowledge of cGMP regulations and compliance systems related to viral vector development, including inspection readiness, audit support, and direct engagement with regulatory agencies.
• Contribute to LVV CMC strategies, including phase-appropriate viral vector development and scale-up approaches
• Support regulatory filings and health authority interactions as a technical expert
• Provide input into comparability strategies for process changes, site transfers, and lifecycle evolution of LVV

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Provide leadership oversight for viral vector development laboratories and GMP‑adjacent environments, ensuring facility readiness, compliance, and operational excellence in support of clinical and commercial programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading large organizations within a highly matrixed cell and gene therapy environment.
• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing viral vector development organization
• Recruit, develop, and retain top scientific and leadership talent
• Coach and develop future leaders, ensuring depth and succession within the organization
• Foster a culture of:Scientific rigor and accountabilityOwnership and executionCollaboration and transparency

Leadership, Communication & Executive Influence

• Demonstrate strong executive presence, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Influence decision-making at senior leadership and governance levels, providing clear, balanced perspectives on risks, trade-offs, and options
• Drive clarity in ambiguity, enabling teams to make timely and well-informed decisions
• Communicate effectively across:Technical teamsCross-functional stakeholdersExecutive leadership
• Build credibility as a trusted partner and advisor, both internally and externally
• Represent the organization in external collaborations, partnerships, and industry forums

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Virology, or related field with 15+ years of experience (or MS with 18+ years)
• Extensive experience in viral vector development and manufacturing support for cell and/or gene therapy
• Demonstrated expertise in LVV and/or RVV systems
• End-to-end experience from early development through commercialization
• Strong understanding of:Viral vector development across phasesAnalytical characterization strategiesManufacturing and tech transfer considerations for viral vector
• Experience leading cell therapy programs (e.g., CAR-T)
• Proven ability to lead in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment
• Track record of influencing portfolio and strategic decisions for successful drug development

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to in vivo gene delivery platforms
• Sound knowledge in RVV development and CMC aspects

Leadership Attributes

• Enterprise mindset — prioritizes product and patient impact over functional optimization
• Technical depth with judgment — knows when to go deep and when to elevate
• Clarity and decisiveness — simplifies complexity into actionable direction
• Talent builder — develops leaders, not just teams
• Strong influencing skills across matrixed environments
• Ability to integrate strategy with execution

The salary range for this position is: $255,425.00 - $330,550.00. Kite considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

Kite is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies with a goal of providing rapid, long-term durable response and eliminating the burden of chronic care. The company is focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered cell therapies designed to empower the immune system's ability to recognize and kill tumors. Kite is based in Santa Monica, CA.