Director - Project Management

Summary

-Management TrackThis is a universal job description meant to capture some of the primary duties of this role that are common across functions or divisions. It is not intended to represent all of the specific responsibilities of the position. Lead global function for the development of pharmaceutical/biological/cell-gene therapies through multidisciplinary units and GMP facilities. Shape and develop its strategic direction and drive operational excellence in line with TRD vision and strategy. Ensure full portfolio support in line with GDD, Sandoz, NTO and NIBR plans. -Scientific / Technical Track Influence, lead and manage all project/network/platform activities and apply scientific/technical expertise and leadership to address complex RandD issues/topics. Support development function by initiating and leading scientific programs or projects/networks/platforms; co-ordinating interdisciplinary projects and teams; acting as member of advisory boards for scientific issues. -SANDOZ: -Lead Formulation department for the development of generic drug products, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary units and GMP facilities. Shape and develop the departments strategic direction and drive operational excellence in line with Sandoz' vision and strategy. Ensure full portfolio support in line with the plans of Sandoz and our partners.Department Head leads a group of associates and manages allocated resources (laboratories, archives, instruments, project budgets, etc.) to achieve the departmental objectives according to cross departmentally agreed project plans, timelines and standards..

About the Role

Key Accountabilities

. Portfolio & Project Management Leadership

Lead the ARD India portfolio of Analytical Project Leads (APLs) analytical development projects across early and late phase programs spanning across the modalities, viz., oral, xRNA, radio-ligand therapy, parenterals.

Ensure robust project planning, tracking, and delivery in alignment with global timelines and regulatory requirements

Drive proactive risk identification, mitigation strategies, and escalation mechanisms

Implement standardized project management methodologies, tools, and best practices

. Governance & Decision Framework

Establish and lead project governance structures (reviews, portfolio boards, dashboards)

Provide data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making and prioritization

Ensure transparency of project status, risks, milestones, and resource utilization

Align governance processes with global ARD project management standards

Cross-functional Integration & Stakeholder Management

Act as key interface between ARD scientific teams, TRD, global project leaders, and cross-functional partners

Ensure alignment of analytical development activities with overall program and CMC strategies

Facilitate effective communication across geographies (India, Switzerland, China)

Strengthen collaboration with functions such as Regulatory, Quality, Supply, and External Partners

. Resource & Capacity Management

Lead demand and capacity planning across ARD project portfolio

Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient utilization and delivery against priorities

Partner with functional heads to balance portfolio demands and capability development

Drive workforce planning aligned with future pipeline needs

. Operational Excellence & Digital Enablement

Drive continuous improvement in project execution through lean principles and digital tools

Implement data analytics and dashboarding to enhance performance visibility

Standardize reporting, KPIs, and performance tracking across projects

Promote automation and digitalization in project management processes

. People & Capability Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Analytical Project Leads

Build strong project management capabilities within ARD India

Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and innovation

Support talent development, succession planning, and capability building

Minimum Requirements

15–18+ years in Analytical R&D / Pharmaceutical Development

Proven experience in project / portfolio management within drug development

Strong understanding of end-to-end development lifecycle (early to commercialization

Experience in global, matrixed organizations with cross-functional leadership

PhD / Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemistry

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Division

Development

Business Unit

Development

Location

India

Site

Hyderabad (Office)

Company / Legal Entity

IN10 (FCRS = IN010) Novartis Healthcare Private Limited

Functional Area

Research & Development

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Regular

Shift Work

No

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.