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Project Director and Operations Head

Band

Level 5


 

Job Description Summary

The Project Director is responsible for leading a new state of the art manufacturing facility in achieving all objectives in key areas such as Safety, Supply, Cost, Quality, and People for a GMP Radioligand Therapies Production Site. The leader is responsible to translate Novartis Manufacturing and Supply and Country strategies into actionable action plans including preparation and execution of capital projects; constantly improve operational efficiencies at the site; ensuring the site has adequate resources and capabilities to ensure CGMP compliance, quality, service to patients, and people development.

We are seeking a highly qualified professional with strong experience with sterile manufacturing operations. The position requires experience as a Project Director or with excellent skills in project management and execution.


 

Job Description

Possible locations: Halle, Dresden, Leipzig.

Major Accountabilities:

  • Direct and manage Production, HSE (Safety), Engineering, Supply Chain and Manufacturing Science & Technology activities.
  • Lead the site leadership team comprised of department heads from each function, monitoring team performance to company goals and objectives through use of established metrics, driving cross-site collaboration within their respective functions.
  • Ensure the site, people, operations, and processes are compliant with cGMP, safety rules and other applicable regulations
  • Coordinate site activities through planning to ensure the overall manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner.
  • Collaborate with other Site Heads to determine processes and procedures, which can be used across sites and where variances are needed to meet the unique needs of the site.
  • Develop and communicate the site strategic plan to achieve company short-term and long-term objectives.
  • Provide leadership to site employees including appropriate direction, mentoring and development opportunities. Maintain a positive work environment that supports positive team relations and teamwork.
  • Plan and lead site meetings to ensure compliance with site policies, safety regulations, procedures, and processes. Also ensures compliance with company policies and provides a forum for questions and discussion about impact to the site of company initiatives.
  • Investment projects and project management from construction to product launch.

Obligatory requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with at least 5 years in leadership roles, including experience with sterile manufacturing operations or relevant experience as site head or large scale PU. 
  • Experience as a Project Director / extensive project management background, especially in capital project execution.
  • Strong strategic thinking with an enterprise focus.
  • Excellent collaboration skills with experience working in a matrix organisation and solid communication skills.
  • In-depth knowledge of cGMP regulations.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and inspire a large organization to achieve shared objectives.
  • Fluent English and German, written and spoken.

Desirable requirements:

  • Experience with Health Authorities and inspections is highly desirable.

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

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

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

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards


 

Skills Desired

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Average salary estimate

$125000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$100000K
$150000K

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What You Should Know About Project Director and Operations Head, Novartis

As the Project Director and Operations Head at Novartis Business Services GmbH in Nuremberg, you will play a pivotal role in leading the operations of a brand new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility focused on GMP Radioligand Therapies. In this exciting position, you'll be tasked with achieving key objectives in safety, supply, cost, quality, and the development of our people. Your extensive experience in sterile manufacturing operations will be critical as you translate strategic goals into actionable plans, managing capital projects and continuously improving operational efficiencies. You'll lead a talented site leadership team, driving performance through established metrics while fostering collaboration across all functions. Compliance with cGMP and safety regulations will be at the forefront of your activities, ensuring our operations not only meet but exceed industry standards. A core part of your role will involve developing and communicating the site’s strategic plans to align with both short-term and long-term company objectives. You'll be responsible for mentoring and providing growth opportunities to site employees, maintaining a positive working environment that promotes teamwork. With a focus on cross-site collaboration, you’ll coordinate site activities to meet manufacturing goals efficiently and effectively. If you have a proven track record of project management, especially in capital project execution within the pharmaceutical industry, we’d love to hear from you. Join us at Novartis to help shape the future of patient care through innovative breakthroughs and dynamic teamwork!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Project Director and Operations Head Role at Novartis
What are the key responsibilities of the Project Director and Operations Head at Novartis Business Services GmbH?

The Project Director and Operations Head at Novartis Business Services GmbH is responsible for leading a new manufacturing facility focused on GMP Radioligand Therapies. This includes overseeing production, safety, engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing science activities, ensuring compliance with cGMP regulations, and developing strategic plans to achieve company objectives.

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What qualifications are required for the Project Director role at Novartis?

For the Project Director position at Novartis, a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, or related fields is required, accompanied by at least 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 5 years in leadership roles. Experience in sterile manufacturing operations and project management, especially in capital project execution, is essential.

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What kind of experience does Novartis look for in a Project Director?

Novartis seeks a Project Director with extensive experience in sterile manufacturing operations, excellent project management skills, and a strong understanding of cGMP regulations. Experience leading teams and communicating effectively to achieve shared objectives is crucial.

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How important is collaboration in the Project Director role at Novartis?

Collaboration is vital for the Project Director at Novartis. The role requires working closely with a matrix organization, fostering teamwork across various departments to ensure operational goals are met efficiently and effectively while adhering to safety and quality standards.

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What opportunities for career development does Novartis offer Project Directors?

At Novartis, Project Directors have access to numerous professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and a positive work environment that promotes teamwork. The company is dedicated to nurturing talent for long-term career growth.

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Common Interview Questions for Project Director and Operations Head
What strategies would you implement as a Project Director to ensure compliance with cGMP regulations?

To ensure cGMP compliance, I would implement rigorous training programs for all staff, establish regular audits of processes, and foster a culture of safety and quality throughout the organization. Encouraging open communication will also be essential to promptly address any compliance issues.

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Can you describe your experience with leading cross-functional teams?

I have significant experience leading cross-functional teams, focusing on setting clear objectives, encouraging open dialogue, and leveraging diverse skill sets to drive project success. My approach includes regular collaborative meetings to align on goals and performance metrics.

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How do you prioritize tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment?

In a fast-paced environment, I prioritize tasks by assessing project impact, deadlines, and resource availability. I use project management tools to keep track of progress and adjust priorities as necessary while ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

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What methods do you use to measure team performance?

I employ a combination of KPIs and qualitative assessments to measure team performance. Key metrics related to productivity, compliance, and quality, along with regular feedback sessions, help ensure that the team stays on track and feels valued.

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What experience do you have with capital project execution?

I have substantial experience in capital project execution, having led multiple projects from conception to product launch. I follow a structured project management framework, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards while minimizing risks.

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How do you handle conflicts within your team?

I approach conflicts within the team by promoting open communication and understanding different perspectives. I encourage collaboration to identify solutions that are in the best interest of the project and the team dynamic.

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What is your approach to mentoring team members?

My approach to mentoring involves setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging independence. I believe in tailoring development opportunities to each individual's strengths and career aspirations to foster growth.

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Describe a challenging project you managed. What were the outcomes?

One challenging project involved implementing a new continuous manufacturing process. By setting clear objectives, conducting frequent updates, and ensuring robust training for the team, we successfully reduced production time by 30% and improved product quality.

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How do you stay updated with industry trends and regulations?

I stay updated with industry trends and regulations by attending conferences, engaging with professional networks, and subscribing to relevant publications. Continuous learning is essential in the fast-evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

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Why do you want to work as a Project Director at Novartis?

I am excited about the opportunity to work as a Project Director at Novartis because of the company's commitment to innovation in patient care. I admire the collaborative culture and am eager to contribute my skills in leading projects that make a meaningful impact.

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Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science and technology to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways ...

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April 10, 2025

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