Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell, T-cell receptor (TCR-T), and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide.

Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta-cel). Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Global Director of Platform Innovation as part of the Technical Operations team based in Raritan, NJ.

Role Overview

Legend Biotech is seeking a Global Director of Platform Innovation within our Global MSAT organization to drive the next generation of manufacturing advancements and commercial process platform for our Cell Therapy programs. Based in Somerset, NJ, this critical leadership role will focus on identifying, developing, and implementing innovative process technologies and solutions that enhance manufacturing robustness, scalability, and cost-efficiency resulting in improved commercial manufacturing processes and outcomes.

The Director will build and lead a high-performing small team of technical experts, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity, execution excellence, continuous improvement and data driven decision making. The role requires strong collaboration across Site MSAT teams, Manufacturing, Quality, Process Development, and Engineering to ensure that innovative solutions are successfully transferred into GMP manufacturing sites.

This position is also a critical contributor to the technical leadership function in the global MSAT organization. Additionally, this individual is required to drive the success and overall sustainability of global commercial process platform by adhering to industry best practices and sound cell therapy technical principles. Strong collaboration and partnering is required to implement process improvements, optimization, capacity expansion, and cost of goods / non-conformance reduction efforts worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Lead innovation programs focused on enhancing cell therapy manufacturing processes through advanced processing, automation, digital technologies, and platform optimization.
Build, manage, and mentor a small, agile team of engineers and scientists dedicated to process innovation initiatives.
Seek out, propose, evaluate, and implement novel technologies to improve yield, consistency, scalability, and reduce cost of goods (COGS) across autologous and allogeneic platforms.
Design and oversee proof-of-concept studies, process characterization efforts, and critical parameter definition for late-stage and commercial manufacturing.
Develop technology and process platform roadmaps
Develop key event milestones as part of project planning / oversight in support of tech transfer activities
Drive cross-functional collaboration with Site MSAT, Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Process Development, and Regulatory to facilitate seamless implementation of process changes and solutions.
Present proposals and projects to various technical forums like CMC
Develop strong business cases for new technology adoption, articulating operational, financial, and compliance benefits to leadership.
Lead or support process validation, regulatory submissions, and regulatory inspection readiness related to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to drive global process platform improvements and cost reduction initiatives
Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert during regulatory engagements (FDA, EMA) on manufacturing innovation topics.
Foster a culture of innovation, data-driven decision-making, and proactive problem-solving across Global MSAT.
Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

Requirements

B.S. required, Ph.D. preferred in technical discipline: engineering, science, or related field.
12+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical process development, MSAT, or manufacturing, with a strong focus on cell and gene therapy.
Demonstrated success in leading process improvement and technology integration initiatives within process development or GMP environments.
Experience building and managing technical teams in matrixed, cross-functional environments.
Expertise in scaling cell therapy technologies, process validation, and regulatory filings (IND, BLA).
Candidate must have extensive experience in Cell Therapy process development, tech transfer and/or MSAT.
Strong leadership and people development skills.
Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple departments and global sites.
Strategic and operational thinker with excellent execution capability.
Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Direct experience with CAR-T therapy manufacturing and/or autologous workflows.
Strong background in cell processing automation (e.g., Prodigy, Rotea, CliniMACS) and closed-system technologies.
Experience leading technology transfers and implementing process changes and/or new process versions in a regulated environment across a global manufacturing network.
Familiarity with digital manufacturing systems (e.g., MES, SCADA) and data analytics platforms.

#Li-JK2

#Li-Hybrid

The anticipated base pay range for this is: $163,468 - $224,769 USD.

Benefits:

We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can thrive - both professionally and personally. To attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that supports well-being, financial stability, and long-term career growth. Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match that vest fully on day one. Equity and stock options are available to employees in eligible roles, we offer eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes 15 vacation days, 5 personal days, 5 sick days, 11 U.S. national holidays, and 3 floating holidays. Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance, and supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance. We also provide commuter benefits, family planning and care resources, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs - demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a culture where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

EEO Statement

Legend Biotech is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is Legend's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice by the employee or the company. Legend may adjust base salary or other discretionary compensation at any time based on individual, team, performance, or market conditions.

Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.