Manager, Operational Excellence
Manager, Operational Excellence

Manager, Operational Excellence

City of London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Novartis

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead process improvements and optimise operations in Medical Affairs at Novartis.
  • Company: Join Novartis, a global leader in healthcare innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on patient lives through operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in drug development and strong project management skills required.
  • Other info: Work in vibrant locations like Dublin, London, or Barcelona.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join to apply for the Manager, Operational Excellence role at Novartis.

Summary

Step into a role where your expertise will help shape the future of Medical Affairs at Novartis. As Manager, Operational Excellence, you will focus on process simplification, performance management, and governance, ensuring alignment with global standards and supporting the development, implementation, and oversight of frameworks. Working closely with senior leadership, you will help shape organisational priorities, support change management, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Location: Dublin, Ireland / London, UK, / Barcelona, Spain

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Responsibilities

  • Engage with user communities to identify gaps and high-priority improvement areas, aligning with leadership to frame business optimisation rationale and assess project feasibility.
  • Support projects to optimise business processes from initiation to transition, ensuring requirements are met and resources are used efficiently.
  • Provide operational oversight of medically led business processes, including monitoring project execution, managing risks, and facilitating resource planning.
  • Engage and communicate with stakeholders to drive change management and ensure uptake of optimised ways of working.
  • Support the build and management of platforms, systems, processes, and tools to align internal stakeholders for execution and communication.
  • Support the setup, maintenance, and closure of work packages for existing systems and processes.
  • Define impact indicators and key performance indicators (KPIs) for business process optimisation and measure their effectiveness.
  • Ensure initiatives are visible and effectively communicated across the organisation.
  • Present to leadership on key strategic and operational aspects, opportunities, progress, and risks of programmes and initiatives.
  • Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by supporting change management efforts and driving accountability.

Essential Requirements

  • Relevant educational background in life sciences/healthcare (ideally a Bachelor’s degree or above) or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • At least 5 years in drug development or related experience, with familiarity with operational aspects of drug development; experience in Medical Affairs preferred.
  • At least 3 years of matrix management experience, supporting complex international multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience in global organisations with project management expertise.
  • Understanding of business processes, Good Clinical Practice, and drug development processes.
  • Organisational awareness, including experience working cross-functionally and in global teams.
  • Ability to think strategically and visualise potential future scenarios based on business needs.
  • Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken.

Desirable Requirements

  • Experience utilising digital tools and demonstrated digital savviness in support of operational excellence initiatives.
  • Proven ability to influence without authority in highly matrixed organisations, with strong interpersonal, problem‑solving, negotiation, and conflict management skills.

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion

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

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?

Benefits and Rewards

Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

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Manager, Operational Excellence employer: Novartis

At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Our Dublin, London, and Barcelona locations offer vibrant work environments where employees are empowered to drive meaningful change in Medical Affairs. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally.
Novartis

Contact Detail:

Novartis Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager, Operational Excellence

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Novartis or have experience in operational excellence. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Novartis' recent projects and initiatives in Medical Affairs. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the company’s mission and how you can contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements or managed change in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Manager, Operational Excellence position.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take the next step in your career.

We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Operational Excellence

Process Simplification
Performance Management
Governance
Change Management
Continuous Improvement
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Operational Oversight
Risk Management
Resource Planning
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Digital Savviness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manager, Operational Excellence role. Highlight your experience in process simplification and performance management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with what Novartis is looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about operational excellence and how you can contribute to Novartis' mission. We recommend mentioning specific examples from your past that demonstrate your skills and experience.

Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to illustrate how you've made an impact in previous roles. This will help us see the value you can bring to the team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Novartis team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operational excellence and the specific processes relevant to Novartis. Familiarise yourself with their approach to Medical Affairs and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams. Highlight any specific achievements in process optimisation or change management that can showcase your impact.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders at Novartis. Be ready to discuss strategies for effective communication and collaboration, especially in a matrixed environment. This will show that you understand the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving change.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current initiatives in operational excellence or how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Manager, Operational Excellence
Novartis
Location: City of London
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