Director Site Operations And External Partner Management

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.

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)

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