Master SchedulerProduction Planner

Job Description Summary

Job Description

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 $98700 and $183300/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 sex national origin age sexual orientation gender identity or expression marital or veteran status disability or any other legally protected status.

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 to perform the essential functions of a position please send an e-mail to or call 1 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

Skills Desired