Director Global External Partner Management TRD RLT

Job Description Summary

Location: Basel Switzerland

Role Purpose:
The Director Global External Partner Management RLT is responsible for leading the external CMC development efforts of the Global RLT TRD platform inclusive of both create & supply addition the incumbent will be responsible for evolving the overall TRD RLT externalization strategy in alignment with the TRD RLT LT. Leading the RLT External Partner Management team overseeing TRD RLT global external operations and third-party compliance processes are key elements of the role. The incumbent will also manage the interfaces related to third party oversight and management and will function as the TRD RLT representative to the TRD External Partner Management network and will also be a member of the TRD RLT Leadership Team.

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Lead the global External Partner Management (EPM) team consisting of ca. 5-10 associates based in Switzerland US and Italy.
• Work closely with the RLT LT and contribute to the RLT make versus buy strategy definition to proactively complement line function capabilities and capacities to best serve a growing portfolio.
• Drive the resulting outsourcing strategy on behalf of the TRD RLT LT and align category strategies cross-functionally with business representatives and global functions such as Quality Procurement HSE and Technical Operations.
• Build and maintain a strong network of CDMOs which can provide (radio-) pharmaceutical services associated with medical isotopes DP development and manufacturing as well as analytical support services.
• Establish solid business partnerships with BR/TCO GCO/VPG and Operations/ESO to enable seamless development efforts across the RDC continuum
• Set Key Performance Indicators and monitor performance of external vendors in collaboration with procurement.
• Lead issue resolution and prevention initiatives in line with MSAs and Quality Agreements with Service Providers
• Ensure that both strategic and operational objectives are met or exceeded by setting appropriate priorities and building collaborative partnerships with external vendors for capability gains
• Provide professional negotiation expertise with strategic (e.g. IP technology contract agreements) and transactional focus (vendor management) for effective collaboration with Legal QA and Procurement.
• Ensure best-in-class partnership with third party vendors.
• Maintain ongoing oversight of the Outsourcing and offshoring activities.
• As the single point of accountability for RLT externalization efforts proactively assess relevant risks and put effective measures in place to mitigate them drive productivity quality and ensure time deliverables and milestones.
• Collaborate with the Global RLT LT and interface partners (project and technology managers) to ensure accurate allocation of projects and actively support project teams in project execution at third parties.
• Managing the skills and competency development of the RLT EPM team including training development and knowledge management capabilities
• Budget management and oversight for external spend in alignment with TRD RLT functional heads

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. MBA or related life science field
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; minimum of 5 years in a leadership position with successful performance and track record in the role of line/people manager or matrix manager in the pharmaceutical industry preferably in drug development or a related industrial area (e.g. TechOps; TRD)
• Broad knowledge in pharmaceutical development processes quality and regulatory requirements with focus on Phase I-III / Registration / Life cycle management projects
• Proven track record of successfully managing interfaces to other functions within and outside TRD.
• A proven track record in leading multidisciplinary multicultural groups with people having widely varying backgrounds

Languages :

• English

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.

Accessibility and accommodation
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired