Senior Manager Operational Excellence

Major accountabilities:

• Lead comprehensive diagnostics of complex processes, including As-Is mapping, pain point analysis, root cause identification, and To-Be process design. 

• Identify process simplification, automation, and standardization opportunities. 

• Apply structured problem-solving tools (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Value Stream Mapping).  

• Coach business teams on OpEx methodology and foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

• Analyse operational performance metrics, cycle times, compliance KPIs, and process health indicators.  

• Influence senior stakeholders through structured problem solving, clear storytelling, and evidence-based recommendations. 

• Independently manage high quality cross functional projects with minimal supervision. 

• Act as a trusted thought partner to senior leaders, influencing decisions through data driven insights and structured problem solving. 

• Partner with Technology Transformation and digital teams to enable automation, analytics, and digital solutions that reduce manual effort and improve decision making. 

• Identify and shape AI, automation, and advanced analytics use cases to simplify clinical and operational processes 

• Facilitate and drive the culture of continuous improvement and process first mindset. 

• Contribute to building a strong OpEx culture and capability within SPPO through knowledge sharing and best practice adoption. 

Key Performance Indicators   

Business Results: 

• Process simplification  

• Savings generated  

• Improvement of quality of outcome  

• Processes Efficiencies and Effectiveness 

• Lead times and Productivity. 

Strategy/Customer Focus: 

• Business value generated 

Capabilities & Expertise: 

• Team culture (OurVoice) 

• Capability development 

• Improvement of culture of continuous improvement and process first mindset 

Soft Skills: 

• Level of collaboration – typically works at across Development and R-D-C Continuum. 

• Strong ability to develop and manage internal stakeholder relationships at all levels. 

• Ability to take control of ambiguous situations and drive practical change. 

Job Dimensions   

Number of associates: 

• Up to 10 people 

Financial responsibility: 

(Budget, Cost, Sales, etc.) 

• - 

Impact on the organization:  

• Impact across Development team. The BPE team supports all LFs and GPOs across the value chain in prioritized projects 

Ideal Background   

Education (minimum/desirable): 

• Minimum:  

• University degree  

• Desirable: Further education and experience in 

• Understanding of Novartis business, Pharma industry 

• High Level understanding of drug development and clinical research 

• Lean & Six Sigma Certification (Master Black Belt) 

• Project management, change management, agile, data analytics are recommended. 

Languages:  

Proficient in English (read/write/speak) 

Experience:  

• 8-12 years’ experience Operational Excellence, Process Excellence, Business Transformation, or related roles, preferably within pharma, life sciences, or regulated environments. 

• Strong hands on expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, process reengineering, agile and continuous improvement methodologies  

• Proven experience of working successfully in a collaborative team environment across different cultures, operating with and influencing others to achieve a common objective. 

• Experience with digital transformation, automation, analytics, or technology enabled process improvements is highly desirable 

• Ability to network, collaborate and lead work with involvement from Operations senior management and customer leadership teams of various functions at Global, Region and country level. 

Competencies:  

Managing complexity – Decision quality – Balances stakeholders – Global perspective – Cultivates innovation – Strategic mindset – Resourcefulness – Plans and aligns – Drives results – 

Courage – Manages ambiguity