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.

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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.