Summary
This role drives site productivity and site and global operations, externalization strategy, and partnership governance, ensuring alignment with ARD/TRD global priorities, regulatory standards, and portfolio delivery objectives.
About the Role
Key Accountabilities
Operational Excellence & Site Performance
- Define and execute site OpEx strategy aligned with ARD/TRD global objectives
- Drive continuous improvement (Lean, data analytics, digital enablement) to enhance productivity and reduce cycle times
- Establish performance management systems (KPIs, dashboards, governance reviews)
Technical Operations Leadership
- Provide strategic oversight of technical operations, analytical infrastructure, and service delivery (including instruments, samples, engineering, procurement, shipment)
- Ensure lifecycle management, reliability, and scalability of analytical capabilities
- Build sustainable technical capabilities and future-ready operations
External Partner Management (EPM) & Network Strategy
- Lead ARD externalization strategy, including partner selection, onboarding, and governance
- Drive performance management of external partners through structured reviews and KPIs
- Ensure seamless integration of external partners into project delivery frameworks
- Optimize global partner network for cost, quality, and speed
Quality, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with GMP, CFR 21, and Novartis quality standards across internal and external operations
- Accountable for QMS, audits, deviations, and inspection readiness
- Lead risk management for external partners and operational processes
Financial Stewardship & Value Delivery
- Accountable for site Capex/Opex and external spend optimization
- Drive value creation through strategic sourcing and make‑vs‑buy decisions
- Enable cost competitiveness while maintaining quality and timelines
Leadership & Organizational Impact
- Lead and develop high-performing teams across operations and EPM
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Act as a key member of Global ARD LT
- Influence global stakeholders and drive enterprise-wide alignment
Minimum Requirement
- Advanced degree (PhD / MSc) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field
- 18 - 20 years of extensive experience in R&D / Technical Operations with strategic mindset
- Proven leadership in Operational Excellence and continuous improvement
- Significant experience managing external partners (CMOs/CROs)
- Strong understanding of GMP/QMS and regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrated success in leading global, cross-functional teams
- Experience in managing lab operations setup.
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.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
Accessibility and accommodation
Novartis is 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 recruitment process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
