About the role

Manager, Operational Excellence at Novartis responsible for process simplification and performance management in Medical Affairs. Collaborating with leadership to enhance organisational priorities and impact.

Responsibilities

Engage with user communities to identify gaps and high-priority improvement areas, aligning with leadership to frame business optimisation rationale and assess project feasibility.
Support projects to optimise business processes from initiation to transition, ensuring requirements are met and resources are used efficiently.
Provide operational oversight of medically led business processes, including monitoring project execution, managing risks, and facilitating resource planning.
Engage and communicate with stakeholders to drive change management and ensure uptake of optimised ways of working.
Support the build and management of platforms, systems, processes, and tools to align internal stakeholders for execution and communication.
Support the setup, maintenance, and closure of work packages for existing systems and processes.
Define impact indicators and key performance indicators (KPIs) for business process optimisation and measure their effectiveness.
Ensure initiatives are visible and effectively communicated across the organisation.
Present to leadership on key strategic and operational aspects, opportunities, progress, and risks of programmes and initiatives.
Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by supporting change management efforts and driving accountability.

Relevant educational background in life sciences/healthcare (ideally a Bachelor’s degree or above) or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
At least 5 years in drug development or related experience, with familiarity with operational aspects of drug development; experience in Medical Affairs preferred.
At least 3 years of matrix management experience, supporting complex international multidisciplinary teams.
Experience in global organisations with project management expertise.
Understanding of business processes, Good Clinical Practice, and drug development processes.
Organisational awareness, including experience working cross-functionally and in global teams.
Ability to think strategically and visualise potential future scenarios based on business needs.
Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken.
Experience utilising digital tools and demonstrated digital savviness in support of operational excellence initiatives.
Proven ability to influence without authority in highly matrixed organisations, with strong interpersonal, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict management skills.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.