Toxic Culture and Extreme Lack of Communication/Maturity/Leadership - Cell Therapy Specialist Kite Pharma Employee Review

2.0
Oct 19, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

In manufacturing, processes usually do not go on for the full 10 hour shift. There is a lot of freedom post-processes which is a pro, and includes a gym if individuals choose to exercise during those times. Manufacturing peers (strictly only fellow CTS's) are extremely positive, uplifting, and do their best to look out for other individuals to the best of their abilities, setting everyone up for success.

Cons

If you are in manufacturing, your word, experience, suggestions, and existence is despised amongst other departments. Although manufacturing are hands on with the patient product, following SOP guidelines with good communication when issues arise, it is near impossible to be able to suggest edits or process changes to other departments as you will promptly be ignored or brushed away. There is also an extreme lack of communication across shifts, departments, managers, leads, and supervisors as it is extremely rare that manufacturing will adequately receive the proper information to execute processes. Changes will be made last minute, or there will be a large gap in information conveyed to us until we are on the floor. Supervisors are not adequate enough to manage a team, let alone having 4 for one shift, when none of them are able to support the team. Escalations take 10 mins-1 hour to be resolved (let alone even get a response) . There is rarely (if ever) supervisors on the floor as well to help expedite escalations or to set the team up for success by relaying information in person, or overseeing processes. Oftentimes supervisors will offload their work and responsibilities to other CTS's who are not responsible for supervisor level duties, and if CTS's do not accept that work, then they are often looked down on by supervisors. Supervisors and managers also do not look after their team or the individuals under them. Victims of workplace harassment will be punished by simply being the victim and exposing that information to HR. Individuals who try and voice wanting to improve on certain processes due to not being placed on them are punished by having their promotion denied, with the logic of "By the next promotion cycle, we hope that you are more comfortable on this process." which is extremely backwards, as CTS do not make the schedule or have a say on what they want to do that day. Supervisors allow toxic mentality to spread, playing favorites and egging on other individuals as well as creating false narratives to get their way vastly shows within a couple months of working at the site. Their extremely vulgar and sarcastic comments are often brushed off due to the power play that if any individual comments on it, they will be punished in one form or another.

Explore other reviews about Kite Pharma

5.0
Feb 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing staff and growth potential

Cons

Like most companies hard to understand exactly what upper management goals are

3.0
May 17, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great benefits including 401K matching, tuition re imbursement, HSA matching, stock/bonus awards, and wellness awards. - Excellent campus with onsite/subsidized food court, gym, volleyball/pickle ball/volley ball court, zoom enables conference rooms, and shuttle service. - Company shutdown in July and December. - Laboratory spaces stocked with new equipment. - Utilizes electronic batch record system instead of paper.

Cons

- Poor collaboration between site leadership resulting in distractingly competitive environment focused more on positive optics rather than continuous improvement. - Poor short term and long term planning, often resulting in inconsistent operations schedule and unclear deadlines/objectives.

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