Director Site Operations and External Partner Management

**Job Description Summary** The Director, Site Operational Excellence & External Partner Management leads the integration of Operational Excellence, Site and Global Operations, and global External Partner Management (EPM) to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective solutions across internal and external networks. This role drives site productivity and site and global operations, externalization strategy, and partnership governance, ensuring alignment with ARD/TRD global priorities, regulatory standards, and portfolio delivery objectives.   **Job Description** **Key Accountabilities** **Operational Excellence & Site Performance** * Define and execute site OpEx strategy aligned with ARD/TRD global objectives * Drive continuous improvement (Lean, data analytics, digital enablement) to enhance productivity and reduce cycle times * Establish performance management systems (KPIs, dashboards, governance reviews) **Technical Operations Leadership** * Provide strategic oversight of technical operations, analytical infrastructure, and service delivery (including instruments, samples, engineering, procurement, shipment) * Ensure lifecycle management, reliability, and scalability of analytical capabilities * Build sustainable technical capabilities and future-ready operations **External Partner Management (EPM) & Network Strategy** * Lead ARD externalization strategy, including partner selection, onboarding, and governance * Drive performance management of external partners through structured reviews and KPIs * Ensure seamless integration of external partners into project delivery frameworks * Optimize global partner network for cost, quality, and speed **Quality, Compliance & Risk Management** * Ensure compliance with GMP, CFR 21, and Novartis quality standards across internal and external operations * Accountable for QMS, audits, deviations, and inspection readiness * Lead risk management for external partners and operational processes **Financial Stewardship & Value Delivery** * Accountable for site Capex/Opex and external spend optimization * Drive value creation through strategic sourcing and make‑vs‑buy decisions * Enable cost competitiveness while maintaining quality and timelines  **Leadership & Organizational Impact** * Lead and develop high-performing teams across operations and EPM * Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement * Act as a key member of Global ARD LT * Influence global stakeholders and drive enterprise-wide alignment **Minimum Requirement** * Advanced degree (PhD / MSc) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field * 18 - 20 years of extensive experience in R&D / Technical Operations with strategic mindset * Proven leadership in Operational Excellence and continuous improvement * Significant experience managing external partners (CMOs/CROs) * Strong understanding of GMP/QMS and regulatory frameworks * Demonstrated success in leading global, cross-functional teams * Experience in managing lab operations setup.   **Skills Desired** Budget Management, Coaching Skills (Inactive), Data Science, Experiments Design (Inactive), Laboratory (Inactive), People Management, Problem Solving Skills (Inactive), Process Simulation, R&D (Inactive), Waterfall Model