Detailed Master Scheduler
Durham, NC - USA
Job Summary
Band
Level 4Job Description Summary
We are seeking a seasoned operations leader to serve as Manager overseeing detailed scheduling and acting as Chief of Staff for the Aseptic Drug Product (ADP) program. This dual-role position is pivotal to orchestrating complex multi-stream schedules across ADP projects and routine GMP production while enabling effective governance communication and execution through structured tiered meeting systems (including Tier 2). The ideal candidate brings deep experience in end-to-end manufacturing scheduling cross-functional alignment and operational leadership within aseptic environments.Job Description
#LI-Onsite
This position is on-site 5 days a week with no opportunity to work a hybrid schedule.
Relocation assistance is not available for this position
Key Responsibilities
Detailed Scheduling (Aseptic Drug Product (ADP) Projects and Routine Production)
Build own and continuously optimize an integrated master schedule spanning:
- ADP tech transfer qualification validation and launch activities
- Routine aseptic fill-finish production changeovers and campaign planning
- Equipment readiness line availability and preventive maintenance windows
- Material readiness (components APIs excipients) and supplier lead times
- Lab testing (IPC QC) batch record execution and QA release timelines
- Facilities/utilities constraints (HVAC clean utilities) and capacity limits
Develop detailed finite schedules at the work-center level accounting for:
- Varying process trains (e.g. formulation filtration sterilization filling visual inspection packaging) and batch sizes
- Sterility assurance requirements environmental monitoring and cleaning cycles
- Distinct project phases and critical-path activities for parallel ADP projects
Coordinate scenario planning and what-if analysis to balance dynamic priorities:
- Evaluate trade-offs for accelerated project milestones vs. routine service levels
- Model impacts of deviations line downtime and supply delays on committed dates
Establish and manage scheduling standards and cadence:
- Weekly finite scheduling updates and firm/frozen horizons
- Clear scheduling rules constraints and escalation paths
- KPI dashboards (schedule adherence OTIF cycle time capacity utilization)
Partner cross-functionally to secure execution readiness:
- Manufacturing Engineering/Maintenance Supply Chain QC/QA MSAT HSE
- Ensure synchronization of materials documentation personnel and equipment
Drive digital enablement and data accuracy:
- Maintain accurate master data routings and lead times in ERP/MES/APS tools
- Implement scheduling automation visualization and exception management
Lead root cause and continuous improvement for schedule performance:
- Analyze variances and bottlenecks; implement corrective and preventive actions
- Standardize scheduling methods and governance across lines and products
Operations Governance
Operate as the operational integrator and right hand to ADP leadership:
- Translate strategic priorities into executable plans with clear owners timelines and metrics
- Prepare leadership readouts decision briefs and portfolio status updates
Design and facilitate tiered meeting structures to drive discipline and alignment:
- Plan and lead Tier 2 daily/weekly syncs and cross-functional forums
- Ensure agendas are outcomes-focused data-driven and time-boxed
Enable performance management and transparency:
- Curate dashboards for schedule health capacity right-first-time and quality impacts
- Establish cadence for KPI reviews corrective actions and accountability
Orchestrate risk management and escalation:
- Proactively surface constraints; run playbooks for recovery and re-baselining
- Facilitate expedient structured decision-making with clear trade-off framing
Lead communications and stakeholder engagement:
- Maintain clear updates for site leadership program teams and external partners
- Standardize templates and artifacts (RACI roadmaps calendars status packs)
Support workforce planning and readiness:
- Coordinate staffing plans training schedules and shift coverage aligned to demand
- Partner with HR Training and EHS to support compliant safe operations
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Engineering Supply Chain Operations Management Life Sciences or related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 8 years in GMP manufacturing operations with experience in detailed scheduling/planning for aseptic or highly regulated environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex multi-product schedules across projects and routine production with variable processes and timelines.
- Proficiency with ERP/MES/APS tools and advanced scheduling techniques; strong data acumen and visualization skills.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and facilitate tiered meetings (including Tier 2) with disciplined follow-through.
- Strong understanding of validation lifecycles tech transfer and change control in aseptic operations.
- Excellent communication stakeholder management and decision-framing skills.
- Continuous improvement mindset; experience with Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies.
Key Competencies
- Strategic systems thinking with hands-on execution
- Analytical rigor and scenario planning
- Governance discipline and facilitation excellence
- Cross-functional influence and relationship building
- Resilience prioritization and adaptability in dynamic contexts
- Integrity quality mindset and compliance orientation
Key Performance Indicators
- Schedule adherence and OTIF performance for ADP projects and routine production
- Reduction in cycle times downtime and schedule variability
- Effective Tier 2 and cross-functional meeting outcomes (actions closed decisions made risks mitigated)
- On-time validation and launch milestones
- Improvements in capacity utilization and right-first-time execution
Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary
The salary for this position is expected to range between $108500 and $201500/year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like but not limited to relevant skills and experience and upon
joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and depending on the level of the role eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health life and disability benefits a 401(k) with company contribution and match and a variety of other addition employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation personal days holidays and other leaves.
EEO Statement:
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment hiring training promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race color religion gender national origin age sexual orientation gender identity or expression marital or veteran status disability or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodations
The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position please send an e-mail to call 1 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Range
Skills Desired
Business Networking Business Scenario Planning Change Control Continual Improvement Process Efficiency Flexibility General Hse Knowledge Including Gdp Inventory Management Knowledge Of Gmp Operations Order Fulfillment Order Management Procurement Product Distribution Risk Management Supply Chain Supply-Chain Management Supply Chain Planning Supply PlanningKey Skills
About Company
Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to the evolving needs of patients worldwide.