Site MS&T Head SMO - Drug Substance

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the site MS&T DS organization, setting vision, priorities, and technical strategy aligned with site objectives.
• Ensure end-to-end product stewardship and technical oversight throughout the commercial product lifecycle.
• Drive process robustness, continuous improvement, and manufacturing excellence across products, processes, and technologies.
• Oversee technical changes, validation programs, and compliance activities to maintain inspection readiness.
• Lead technology transfers, product launches, and scale-up activities to deliver successful implementation outcomes.
• Partner with site and global teams to resolve technical challenges and strengthen process capability.
• Develop technical talent, succession plans, and knowledge-sharing programs to build organizational capability.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree Required. Master’s degree in Science, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, or equivalent scientific discipline preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing. Additional specialist experience is preferred (e.g., pharmaceutical formulation, process development, manufacturing technology).
• Proven experience driving quality and compliance in an organization.
• Strong working knowledge of applied statistics, quality systems and regulatory requirements across multiple health authorities.
• Fundamental understanding of standard pharmaceutical analytical testing. .
• Demonstrated leadership experience building, developing, and leading high-performing technical and scientific teams.

Desirable Requirements

• Diverse pharmaceutical experience needed.  Specifically, Small Molecule experience - API/Drug Substance/Oligonucleotide is highly preferred.   

The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

#LI-Onsite