About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for an Associate Director focused on leading projects related to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) in a pharmaceutical context. You'll manage project delivery, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that solutions meet operational goals and quality standards. It's primarily a management role with a strong emphasis on project execution and user experience.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have at least 5 years in the process industry, especially pharmaceuticals, and 3 years in IT/OT project management. A collaborative working style and a solid understanding of digital technologies will help you thrive here.

Worth noting

The role requires a mix of technical and managerial skills, with a focus on user experience and operational excellence. Be prepared for a fast-paced environment where you must juggle multiple projects and stakeholders.

Job Description Summary

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with a top-performing team, and contribute to transformative manufacturing solutions? Join the Novartis Global ITOT Manufacturing Execution team as an Associate Director and play a pivotal role in implementing and maintaining Manufacturing Execution Systems that streamline operations and drive business success.

Job Description

Major Accountabilities:

Project Planning & Execution

Lead end-to-end Manufacturing Execution System (MES) project delivery aligned with strategic goals.
Collaborate with business and ITOT stakeholders to analyze processes and requirements, evaluate solutions and develop comprehensive project estimates—including resources, costs, timelines, statements of work, savings, and business case elements such as value creation and operational improvements.
Ensure timely preparation and approval of Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR).
Establish governance across business, technical, integration, vendor and other relevant workstreams.
Manage project timelines, risks, budgets and financials, quality standards and interdependencies with other projects or programs.
Provide regular reporting on project status and outcomes.

Operational Excellence

Ensure on-time, within-budget, compliant, secure, and high-quality delivery of MES solutions.
Track and report performance against agreed success factors, SLAs, and KPIs.
Collaborate to define deployment and business value metrics to measure successful rollout and adoption.
Drive Manufacturing Execution Business process standardization.

User Experience & Innovation

Prioritize user experience in solution design, deployment, and steady-state operations.
Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging practices to drive automation, agility, speed, and efficiency.
Ensure all services, platforms, and products are fit for purpose and deliver measurable business value.

Minimum Requirements:

University degree or various degrees in business, computer science, information technology discipline or equivalent.
Fluent English written & spoken.
At least 5 years of experience in the process industry, preferably in pharmaceuticals, with exposure to digital technologies and global operations.
At least 3 years of proven experience in IT/OT project management.
Minimum 3 years of experience in Computerized System Validation (CSV) within the pharmaceutical industry.
Deep understanding of MES capabilities—from master batch record design to execution and approval—and their value to manufacturing operations.
Deep understanding of processes related to Manufacturing Execution, Material Flow as well as Warehouse Management within the connected ERP systems.
Advanced skills in business analysis, requirements management, financial modeling, and stakeholder communication.
Ability to provide authoritative technical and professional guidance to stakeholders.
Experience interacting with diverse internal and external audiences and communicating complex information effectively.

Skills Desired

Budget Management, Business Acumen, Digital capabilities, Effective use of technology, Influencing Skills, Operational Excellence Projects, Performance Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Service Delivery Management, Strategic Planning

Aplyr's read

Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
•The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
•Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.

What to watch

•Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
•High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
•Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.

Why Novartis

•Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
•The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
•Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Novartis

Novartis

novartis.com

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Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.