Associate Director - Business Process Excellence
About the Role
Major accountabilities:
Process Re-engineering & Business Transformation
- Lead end-to-end process redesign initiatives using Value Chain Analysis and Zero-Based Process Redesign methodologies.
- Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and non-value-added activities across Development processes.
- Design future-state processes that leverage digital, technology, and AI-enabled capabilities.
- Drive simplification programs with measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, compliance, and productivity.
Strategic Program Leadership
- Lead and support enterprise-wide transformation initiatives including:
o Cycle Time Acceleration Programs
o Technology Transformation (e.g., ASCEND and Digital initiatives)
o AI-enabled Productivity Programs
o Operational Excellence and Process Simplification Programs
- Partner with stakeholders across Development to align transformation priorities and execute strategic change.
Structured Problem Solving & Facilitation·
- Apply Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Design Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, and other structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex business challenges.
- Independently facilitate workshops, process redesign sessions, and leadership discussions.
- Develop data-driven recommendations and business cases for senior leaders.
Stakeholder Engagement & Capability Building
- Influence stakeholders without formal authority and drive alignment across functions.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
- Coach teams on process excellence principles, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Promote a culture of process ownership, simplification, and continuous improvement
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering, Biotechnology, Business, or related discipline.
- 12-14+ years of experience in Process Excellence, Operational Excellence, Business Transformation, Continuous Improvement, or Management Consulting.
- Hands on Experience in Pharmaceutical R&D, Drug Development, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Process Management, Value Stream Mapping, and Business Process Re-engineering.
- Proven experience leading complex cross-functional transformation initiatives.
- Strong workshop facilitation, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills.
Desirables Skills
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD) preferred.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Master Black Belt certification.
- Agile, Scrum, SAFe, PMP, or Change Management certifications.
- Experience in digital transformation, process automation, AI adoption, and data-driven decision making.
Role Requirements
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
