Head of Global Development Process Excellence (dfm)dfm)

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Sandoz continues to go through an exciting and transformative period as a global leader and pioneering provider of sustainable Biosimilar and Generic medicines. As we continue down this new and ambitious path unique opportunities will present themselves both professionally and personally. Join us the future is ours to shape!

As Head of Global Development Process Excellence you will lead and embed a culture of operational excellence innovation efficiency and continuous improvement across the Sandoz Global Development (SGD) organization. You will drive strategic transformation of processes to accelerate time-to-market enhance regulatory readiness and improve cost-efficiency - while maintaining high standards of scientific rigor and compliance. You will partner closely with Technology and cross-functional teams to optimize end-to-end development workflows embed automation adopt data-driven decision-making and help implement digital solutions across the SGD value chain.

Major accountabilities:

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Define and execute a process excellence strategy tailored to the needs and strategic goals of Sandoz Global Development.

• Closely collaborate with Technology team on definition and implementation of technology-driven transformation in SGD; aligning disruptive initiatives with broader business goals (e.g. data integrity automation of key processes speed to market).

• Champion robust data governance interoperability and FAIR principles. Drive business adoption of platforms that enable real-time insights predictive modelling and automation

• Prioritize and allocate resources to high-impact disruptive initiatives. Balance short-term deliverables with long-term innovation bets

• Foster a culture of experimentation agility accountability and digital fluency. Upskill teams and embed digital capabilities across SGD functions.

• Define KPIs to measure SGD productivity (e.g. reduction in cycle time improved trial design enhanced safety signal detection reduced time for creation of submission documents)

• Drive data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement across development functions.

• Collaborates with internal (e.g. Technology Platform heads Regulatory Clinical Safety) and external partners when / where applicable (academia regulators). Ensure alignment and buy-in across the ecosystem.

• Facilitate harmonization of global development practices across regions and sites.

• Anticipate and mitigate risks related to data privacy algorithmic bias and patient trust. Promote responsible innovation and compliance with global standards.

• Follow industry trends and emerging practices to drive agility speed efficiency and effectiveness.

Minimum Requirements:
What youll bring to the role:

• Advanced degree in pharmaceutical sciences engineering or business (PhD PharmD MBA preferred).

• Fluent English required (oral and written)

• 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D with significant exposure to Generics and/or Biosimilars (strong experience from FMCG industry would be seen as a plus).

• Proven track record in leading large-scale transformation and process excellence initiatives.

• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing Lean Six Sigma or Agile methodologies within a scientific or technical environment.

• Track record of reducing development cycle times improving cost efficiency and enhancing quality and compliance

• Proven track record in Generics and biopharma R&D ideally across multiple phases (early pipeline product development clinical post approval phase).

• Strong experience collaborating with Technology / IT teams to implement digital tools with strong efficiency gains (e.g. LIMS ELN RIM Safety CTMS automations data lakes AI/ML models).

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across global matrixed environments.

Why Sandoz

Generic and Biosimilar medicines are the backbone of the global medicines industry. Sandoz a leader in this sector provided more than 900 million patient treatments across 100 countries in 2024 and while we are proud of this achievement we have an ambition to do more!

With investments in new development capabilities production sites new acquisitions and partnerships we have the opportunity to shape the future of Sandoz and help more patients gain access to low-cost high-quality medicines sustainably.

Our momentum is powered by an open collaborative culture driven by our talented and ambitious colleagues who in return for applying their skills experience an agile and collegiate environment with impactful flexible-hybrid careers where diversity is welcomed and where personal growth is supported!

Join us!

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to building an outstanding inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and accommodation

Sandoz 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 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

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Skills Desired