01Overview
Job Description Summary The Director, Site Operational Excellence & External Partner Management leads the integration of Operational Excellence, Site and Global Operations, and global External Partner Management (EPM) to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective solutions across internal and external networks. 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. Job Description 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 makevsbuy 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. Skills Desired Budget Management, Coaching Skills (Inactive), Data Science, Experiments Design (Inactive), Laboratory (Inactive), People Management, Problem Solving Skills (Inactive), Process Simulation, R&D (Inactive), Waterfall Model Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing peoples lives. Novartis is aware of employment scams which make false use of our company name or leaders names or recruiters names to defraud job seekers. Novartis does not make job offers without interview and never asks candidates for money. If you have encountered a job posting or been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond, send money or personal information. Novartis is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, or expenses resulting from scams. In the context of China Cross-Border Data Transfer (CBDT) policy, if you need to apply for a position in China, please go to the local Recruiting System TaleNov . .
