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Senior Manager Operational Excellence

Novartis
8-12 years
Not Disclosed
Hyderabad
9 May 20, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Hybrid Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, mRS and EQ-5D-5L., Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Company: Novartis
Novartis Official Website
Location: Hyderabad (Office)
Employment Type: Full-time
Requisition ID: REQ-10074172
Application Deadline: May 25, 2026


1. Role Overview

The Senior Manager – Operational Excellence (OpEx) is responsible for driving enterprise-wide process transformation, simplification, and continuous improvement across Development functions.

The role focuses on improving efficiency, reducing cycle times, and increasing quality of outcomes through Lean, Six Sigma, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making approaches.


2. Core Responsibilities

A. Process Excellence & Transformation

  • Lead end-to-end process diagnostics including:

    • As-Is process mapping

    • Root cause analysis

    • To-Be process design

  • Identify opportunities for:

    • Process simplification

    • Standardization

    • Automation

  • Drive large-scale process re-engineering initiatives


B. Lean, Six Sigma & Continuous Improvement

  • Apply structured methodologies such as:

    • Lean

    • Six Sigma (DMAIC)

    • Value Stream Mapping

    • 5 Whys analysis

  • Coach teams on Operational Excellence (OpEx) practices

  • Embed continuous improvement culture across functions


C. Digital Transformation & Automation

  • Partner with digital and technology teams to implement:

    • Automation solutions

    • Advanced analytics

    • AI-enabled process improvements

  • Identify AI and data-driven use cases to optimize clinical and operational workflows


D. Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership Influence

  • Work with senior leaders across Development and R&D continuum

  • Influence decision-making through data-driven storytelling

  • Manage cross-functional global stakeholders across multiple regions

  • Act as a trusted advisor for operational improvements


E. Performance Monitoring & Value Delivery

  • Analyze operational KPIs such as:

    • Cycle time

    • Productivity

    • Compliance metrics

  • Track business value generated from improvement initiatives

  • Deliver measurable outcomes including cost savings and efficiency gains


F. Capability Building & Culture Development

  • Build and promote a continuous improvement mindset

  • Coach teams on OpEx methodologies

  • Strengthen organizational capability in process excellence

  • Foster collaboration across global teams


3. Required Qualifications

Education

  • University degree required

  • Preferred: Advanced training in:

    • Pharma / life sciences

    • Lean Six Sigma (Master Black Belt preferred)

    • Project / Agile / Change Management


Experience

  • 8–12 years in:

    • Operational Excellence

    • Business Process Transformation

    • Continuous Improvement

    • Business Transformation roles

  • Experience in pharma / life sciences or regulated industries strongly preferred

  • Exposure to digital transformation and automation initiatives highly desirable


4. Core Skills

Process & Analytical Skills

  • Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC)

  • Business process reengineering

  • Root cause analysis

  • Value stream mapping

  • Performance metrics analysis


Digital & Transformation Skills

  • Automation and digital transformation

  • Data analytics and AI-enabled process improvement

  • Agile and Scrum methodologies

  • Process digitization


Leadership & Strategic Skills

  • Stakeholder management at senior level

  • Strategic thinking and execution

  • Change management

  • Decision-making in ambiguous environments

  • Cross-functional leadership


Behavioral Skills

  • Strong communication and storytelling

  • Collaboration across global teams

  • Resourcefulness and adaptability

  • Results-driven mindset

  • Ability to influence without authority


5. Key Skill Areas (From JD Keywords)

  • Business Process Transformation

  • Lean Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement

  • Strategic Planning & Business Strategy

  • Management Consulting mindset

  • Digital Transformation & Automation

  • Leadership & Stakeholder Management


6. Organizational Context

This role sits within Business Process Excellence (BPE) under Development at Novartis. It supports end-to-end transformation of R&D and Development operations by improving efficiency, standardization, and digital enablement across global functions.