Jeannette Rosolowich, Director, Contract Manufacturing
Basic Facts
Employer: Cangene Corporation
Typical Education: College Diploma
Salary Range: $65,000 - $100,000
Skill Type: Science & Technology (NOC 2)
Industry Sector: Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
NOC Code: 0212
NOC Occupation: Science and Architecture Managers
Useful High School Subjects (from NOC 0210):
- Math
- Sciences
- Business English
TOC
Created the Job
Created the Job(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"I've been able to make the job what it is. I've really been able to grow the Contract Manufacturing program at Cangene."
My Job
MY JOBTitle: Director of Contract Management
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
- meet with clients to assess needs
- establish timeline with client
- ensure required raw materials are ordered
- maintain weekly contact with client to keep them informed
- manage project by working with other functional groups
- troubleshoot any issues that arise
Started Job: 2000
Supervises: Two Contract Manufacturing Associates
Works with:
- all other Functional Groups including Logistics, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Product Development, Research and Development, Marketing, Business Development and Sales
Reports to: Vice-President of Operations TOC
Functional Groups
Functional GroupsWe deal with every department or 'Functional Group' within Cangene at some point in each project. For instance:
- Logistics coordinates the ordering and shipment of raw materials and delivery of the final product.
- Quality Control is responsible for the analysis of raw materials and in process and finished product testing.
- Quality Assurance ensures all procedures are followed and that records are kept of each test and procedure and they also handle internal and supplier audits.
From Start To Finish
From Start To FinishMany biotech companies develop a product but don't have the facilities required to manufacture a drug that will be administered into humans.
So we plan, direct and coordinate activities for their projects, from initiation, through execution, to close out.
Good Follow Through
Good Follow Through(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
'What you require for project management is very good organizational skills, very good follow through.
"You just don't assume that people will do what they say they are going to do. You have to make sure that it does happen.
"It's really about making things happen."
Starting the Process
Starting the ProcessAfter a new contract is signed we either have an initial conference call with the client or a meeting on site at Cangene.
This meeting is used to determine what the client's expectations are and inform them of our own procedures and timelines with the goal of aligning them to everyone's satisfaction.
These meetings are where the Sales Department hands the client over to Project Management.
Where I Work
Where I WorkCangene Corporation is a world leader in the development, manufacture, and distribution of speciality hyper immune plasma and biotechnology products.
Cangene has successfully served customers in the contract manufacturing and pharmaceutical product markets in over 20 countries worldwide and is one of Canada’s largest and most profitable biopharmaceutical companies.
About Me
ABOUT MEBackground
- lived in Winnipeg all my life
- married with one child
Interests/Activities
- spending time with family
- cooking and baking
- working out TOC
Supportive Husband
Supportive HusbandI'm very fortunate to have a great husband and he's been very, very supportive throughout my entire career. I think that's really the only reason I can do it.
Biggest Challenge
Biggest ChallengeThe biggest challenge I have faced in my career was when the company cut back staff and I was laid off. I'd worked here for over 12 years when that happened. That was pretty stressful.
But in the end it was one of the best things that could have happened to me because it made me stop and think about what was important and where I wanted to go.
Great City
Great CityI think Winnipeg is a great place to raise a family. The city is a good size; not too large. We also have a lot of great beaches within close proximity to the city.
The four seasons are nice. So long as you have mosquito repellent in the summer and a good parka and block heater in the winter, it's a great place to live!
Chose To Stay
Chose To Stay(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
“When the company downsized and I was let go, I had an opportunity to go east, and I had an opportunity to go west. And I chose neither.
"And the reason for that really is all of my family is here. So I chose to stay."
The Only Scientist
The Only ScientistI'm not sure why I was attracted to science. No one else in my family was interested in it but I always enjoyed it. It seemed only natural for me to pursue a career in that area.
My Day
MY DAY9:00 am: Answer emails, return phone calls
9:30 am: Meet with potential new client
11:00 am: Internal project meetings
12:00 pm: Walk/Lunch
1:00 pm: Conference calls with clients
2:00 pm: Answer emails, return phone calls
2:30 pm: Update project reports, identify issues
5:30 pm: Go home! TOC
Long Days
Long Days(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"A typical day can go from 9 till 6 very easily. I try and not take work home with me. Sometimes you can't get away with that.
"And I try on weekends definitely not to take work home with me. But that's not always doable."
Communication is Key
Communication is KeyAt the start of a new project we establish a communication tree of the new client's company so that we know who the key people are and how to get hold of them.
We need to know who has signing authority, who the decision makers are and how we can reach them by phone, fax or email.
Without this important information, a project can become stalled causing stress and frustration on both sides.
Pace
PaceIt's a pretty fast paced job. It depends on how many projects we have going in a particular week, for existing clients as well as for prospective clients, who often come here to do audits of our procedures before they choose our company for their projects. So it can get quite hectic.
Hosting Clients
Hosting ClientsMany clients travel to Winnipeg to see Cangene's facility first hand, before signing on to have their product made here. One of my tasks is to make them feel welcome while they're here.
It all adds up to making them feel comfortable in dealing with us. Though it's generally a pleasurable task, it can make for long days if there are meetings during the day and dinner meetings in the evening.
Me and My Job
ME AND MY JOBLikes
- meeting a lot of very interesting people from all over the world
- exposure to new technology
- the challenge of staying current with constantly changing regulations
- doing something that's very important; making drugs that save lives
Challenges
- balancing client's needs and expectations with Cangene's needs
- tight schedules or schedules with no buffer time built in TOC
Managing Specialists
Managing SpecialistsMy Project Management team isn't required to have intimate knowledge of the manufacturing process or the quality control testing.
Each functional group, be it Logistics, Quality Assurance, Quality Control or Manufacturing has to have the expert knowledge.
Our job is to coordinate each of the groups to make the project happen.
Building Relationships
Building Relationships(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"Dealing with customer expectations, making them happy and making sure that they come back to you is a big thing.
"So a lot of times companies will come to you and they will start with one project, one product, just to see what the experience is like.
"Project management is really about relationship building; long term relationships."
Learning from the Client
Learning from the ClientMuch of the newest technology is brought to us by clients. If a project requires special techniques or technology, then by taking on the job, Cangene benefits from the new experience.
The client does all of the research and brings it, along with the technology, so that we can manufacture and deliver their product.
Stress
StressFor our clients, getting to the finish line first is really critical. Being the first one there with a new drug or therapy has a great impact on their revenue and market share. They don't want the competition to get in there first.
Sometimes they don't factor in any buffer time in their schedule and if things get delayed, they don't necessarily understand. The schedule is really important to clients but it can be a source of stress and pressure for us.
Job Satisfaction
Job SatisfactionWe make life-saving drugs. We've landed two of the largest contracts in Cangene's history in the last year for the US Centres for Disease Control.
It's important work and there's great job satisfaction in that.
My Resume
MY RESUMEEducation
2002: Masters Certificate in Project Management, U of W/York University
2002: Project Management, HCPAM/Project Managers Institute
1998-2002: Various Computer Courses
1978: Bio-Chemical Technology Diploma, Red River
Experience
2000-Present: Director of Contract Manufacturing, Cangene
1998-2001: Manager, Contract Manufacturing, Cangene
1996-1998: Production Manager, Vita Health
1984-1990: Production Manager, Winnipeg Plasma Laboratory
1980-1984: Production Manager, Winnipeg Rh Institute
1978-1980: Production Technologist, Winnipeg Rh Institute TOC
Excellent Training
Excellent TrainingWhen I got my degree, my plan was to work in a laboratory setting. But my first job was as a production technologist and I did all aspects of the manufacturing of a product, from making buffers to filling the product and labelling it.
It was very good exposure and excellent training for where my career has taken me.
Advice
AdviceStudying sciences, math, language arts and computer applications like Excel, Word and Project in high school will give you the basics for a career in project management.
It's also important to gain some experience in working with people and problem solving as well as working in a lab, in research or in manufacturing.
The main thing is to take opportunities as they present themselves, work hard and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
My Path
My PathSciences were always my strong point in school so I naturally looked to a career that would use those skills. I took chemistry, biology, physics, and math.
I chose a Red River diploma over a university degree because it was a more hands-on method of study. I think that 'doing' is a very important part of learning.
College vs. University
College vs. University(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"We've had a lot of success with college graduates. They tend to have a lot more lab experience than university students.
"Of course, for your higher level positions, once you get into the Research and Development, you need people with PhD's and degrees. But we've had a lot of success with college students."
What It Takes
What It TakesPeople Skills
The most important people skill for this job is to be a good listener, especially when there are problems and emotions are running high. Being a good, clear communicator is also a key skill.
Job Skills
Being detail oriented and organized is essential for project management. Following through is also important. There are always a hundred tasks and people to juggle in the course of a project and it's my job to make sure things get done.
My Future
MY FUTUREFuture Training
I may write the exam for the certification for Project Management Professional. I don't really need it but it would provide some personal satisfaction. TOC
No Dull Moments
No Dull MomentsThe Contract Manufacturing sector of our business is really growing. We have a new fermentation facility down the road which will be bringing in new clients.
With growth like that my job will become more interesting with more responsibilities. So there's never a dull moment.
Business is Growing
Business is Growing(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)
"We're one of the most profitable bio-tech companies in Canada. Our business continues to grow as other bio-tech companies develop new products and require a facility to manufacture their products.
"We can take a client and make their product from the beginning right through to the end."
Useful Links
MORE INFOThere are many sectors and industries that require project managers. The common thread for pursuing a career in any one of them is to have:
- background education in your chosen field
- 5 years of lab, research or manufacturing experience and
- 2 to 5 years experience in dealing with people.
Gaining this experience will allow you to progress into higher level management positions.
The links and information given below are more specific to the bio-tech manufacturing sector but can be used to link to other specialties. TOC
Job Market Info
Job Market InfoThe links below take you to federal and regional government information on employment, education, salary ranges and long range prospects for this career.
The official name for Jeannette's occupation is “Architecture and Science Managers” and its *NOC code is 0212.
Job Futures
Manitoba Labour Market Information
(Select Manitoba, the Area in Manitoba, NOC code #0212, then click Search)
Human Resources Development Canada
*Each occupation has an official name and unique number called the ‘National Occupational Classification’ code or 'NOC'.
Education
Education
Useful High School Subjects*
- Math
- Sciences
- Business English
*Source: Job Futures.ca (NOC 0210)
Below are links to various programs and courses that will put you on the path to a career in Contract Manufacturing Management.
Red River College
Full Time Programs
(then choose 'Chemical and Biosciences Technology' or 'Chemical and Biosciences Technology Co-op')
University of Manitoba
Faculty of Science - Chemistry
Faculty of Medicine - Biochemistry
Asper School of Business
University of Winnipeg
Faculty of Biology
Faculty of Chemistry
Brandon University
Faculty of Chemistry
Industry Association
Industry AssociationThe Health Care Products Association of Manitoba (HCPAM) focuses on the development of the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Medical Device industry in the province.
They provide training, networking and information on many issues and programs that create opportunities for better market access and the achievement of quality standards.
Related Careers
Related CareersOther careers from the Job Futures web site:
Chemical Technologists and Technicians (NOC 2211)
Technical Occupations in Physical Sciences (also NOC 2211)
Managers in Manufacturing and Utilities (NOC 091)
Professional Associations
Professional AssociationsThe Project Management Institute offers professional development courses and seminars so you can keep up on the newest ideas and skills. Its membership is drawn from all sectors and industries from over 125 countries worldwide.