External Operations Manager – Clinical Distribution
Location: Hyderabad, India
Job ID: REQ-10059098
Employment Type: Full-Time | Regular
Division: Development
Business Unit: Development
Functional Area: Research & Development
Position Overview
Novartis is seeking an experienced External Operations Manager (Distribution) to oversee the operational execution of clinical distribution for global clinical trials. The role focuses on managing the external supply chain, ensuring operational excellence, and driving productivity, quality, and cost efficiency across the Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) network.
This leadership position requires a results-oriented professional with strong expertise in pharmaceutical distribution, vendor management, and global supply chain operations.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management & Distribution Oversight
Lead and manage all external clinical distribution activities, ensuring end-to-end accountability for assigned projects and distribution networks.
Act as the primary business partner interface with external vendors, managing vendor capacity, resource planning, and performance tracking.
Collaborate with Clinical Trial Supply Management (CTSM) teams to optimize distribution order preparation and proactively resolve operational issues.
Manage deviations at external vendors and escalate high-level challenges to internal stakeholders.
Drive process innovation, simplification, and cost reduction across the external distribution network.
Financial & Resource Management
Oversee financial activities including Requests for Proposal (RFPs), vendor selection, grants, Purchase Orders (POs), invoice approvals, and financial tracking.
Provide guidance on distribution strategy, capacity planning, and budget optimization.
Monitor vendor performance using KPIs and ensure timely follow-up on corrective actions.
Compliance & Regulatory
Ensure all external distribution activities comply with Novartis standards, GMP, HSE, and other applicable regulations.
Support internal and external audits, inspections, and assessments of distribution contractors.
Maintain alignment with global clinical supply planning rhythms and quality standards.
Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
Provide analytical reports on distribution and finance metrics to support project decision-making.
Collaborate closely with internal GCS Logistics teams and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of distribution strategies.
Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for operational challenges within the distribution network.
Required Experience & Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry; alternatively, 3+ years in clinical distribution or supply chain operations.
Proven experience managing external vendors and global distribution networks.
Strong knowledge of the drug development process and clinical supply chain operations.
Basic project management, organizational, and planning skills.
Familiarity with relevant regulations including GMP, HSE, and Novartis-specific standards.
Demonstrated problem-solving, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Effective communication and presentation skills; ability to work in interdisciplinary and global teams.
Why Join Novartis
Novartis empowers employees to reimagine medicine and improve patient lives. Join a global organization that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth while delivering impact across global clinical programs.
Learn more: Novartis People & Culture
Benefits & Rewards
Novartis offers comprehensive benefits to support well-being, career development, and professional growth: Novartis Life Handbook
Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility
Novartis is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations during recruitment or for essential job functions. Contact: diversityandincl.india@novartis.com (include job requisition number).
Stay Connected
Not the right role for you? Join the Novartis Talent Network to explore future opportunities: Novartis Talent Network
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