Summary
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Location: This role is based in Durham, NC, United States. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
Ready to lead the team that keeps a fast-paced Gene Therapies site running safely, reliably, and audit-ready every day? As a Senior Manager, Maintenance, you will shape and elevate the site’s maintenance program across critical manufacturing, utility, and laboratory assets—building strong systems, developing talent, and driving disciplined planning and execution. You will partner closely with operations, quality, and validation teams, strengthen vendor strategies, and ensure inspection readiness, making a direct impact on site performance and the patients who rely on our therapies.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and continuously improve the site maintenance strategy across manufacturing, utilities, quality control, and technical research & development (TRD) equipment
- Plan, execute, and document preventive and corrective maintenance activities to ensure asset reliability and compliance
- Develop, implement, and optimize site maintenance procedures and standards to support safe and consistent operations
- Oversee site shutdown planning and execution to minimize downtime and protect critical manufacturing schedules
- Manage maintenance budgets, track expenses, and drive cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or safety
- Establish, monitor, and improve key performance indicators for maintenance and calibration programs
- Serve as the site subject matter expert for maintenance and calibration during regulatory inspections and audits
- Build, train, and develop a high-performing maintenance team with strong cross-training and succession planning
- Own the site maintenance management system, ensuring accurate master data, work orders, and spare parts programs
- Partner with global engineering and external vendors to implement best practices and strengthen service strategies
Essential Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or related field, plus 9 years of relevant industry experience; or 13 years of equivalent industry experience in lieu of a degree (GMP biotech/biopharma industry preferred)
- Proven experience in maintenance leadership within a regulated biotechnology or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated people management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development
- Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations, including current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and resolve complex operational issues in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams including quality, validation, and manufacturing operations
- Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems, building management systems, and standard office software tools
- Demonstrated success partnering with external vendors and global engineering teams to implement maintenance best practices
Desirable Requirements:
- Experience leading maintenance programs within gene therapy, biologics, or advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities strongly preferred.
Novartis Compensation & Benefits Summary:
The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900 per year.
The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.
Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here
Company will not sponsor visas for this position.
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
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EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
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