Job Description
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.
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.
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
