REFS Lead

BE13 (FCRS = BE013) Novartis Manufacturing NV; Puurs; Hybrid; EUR 61,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working options

Job summary

Novartis AG in Puurs, Belgium seeks a Site REFS Lead to provide leadership, governance and performance management for the integrated facility management program. You will drive, monitor and optimize vendor relationships, budgets and regulatory compliance while leading cross-functional teams across GMP/GLP environments.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, continuous improvement and strong stakeholder engagement to deliver cost savings, quality and safety across site services and facilities.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in service environments.
• University degree or equivalent.
• Pharmaceutical facility experience.
• Knowledge of GMP/GLP and regulatory standards.
• Vendor and financial management experience.
• Stakeholder management; cross-functional leadership; change management.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement short- and long-term strategies.
• Lead site teams and stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and performance culture.
• Manage strategic facility service partners.
• Ensure contract compliance, service quality and cost control.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Translate strategy into operational plans and execution.
• Monitor KPIs (quality, safety, cost, customer satisfaction).
• Drive corrective actions and improvement initiatives.
• Own and control the FM budget.
• Deliver cost savings and productivity improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Vendor management

Continuous improvement

Project management

Planning & budgeting

Quality compliance

Risk management

Operations management

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Site REFS Lead provides leadership, governance, controls and performance management for the integrated facility management program. Responsible for building, facilities (soft), infrastructure and site services, vendor relationship management, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, financial stewardship and implementation of best practices.

Location

Puurs, Belgium

Relocation Support: No

Key Responsibilities

• Ability to define and implement short- and long-term strategies.
• Lead and motivate site teams and stakeholders.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and performance culture.
• Manage strategic facility service partners.
• Ensure contract compliance, service quality, and cost control.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Translate strategy into operational plans and execution.
• Monitor KPIs (quality, safety, cost, customer satisfaction).
• Drive corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Own and control the FM budget.
• Deliver cost savings and productivity improvements.
• Plan resource allocation, CAPEX, and operational spending.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards (GxP, HSE, etc.).
• Maintain quality, safety, and audit readiness.
• Implement corporate policies and best practices.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant leadership experience in service environments.
• University degree or equivalent.
• Pharmaceutical facility experience.
• Knowledge of facility operations, GMP/GLP and regulations; vendor and financial management.
• Stakeholder management; analytical problem solving; cross‑functional leadership and change management.

Desirable Requirements

• Fluent in English and proficient in the local language.

Benefits & Rewards

• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Skills

• Business Continuity
• Cost Management
• Data Analytics
• Decision Making
• Emotional Resilience
• Engineering Concepts
• Good Documentation Practices
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Policy
• Manufacturing Processes
• Operational Excellence
• Operations Management
• Planning, Budgeting And Forecasting (PBF)
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Quality Compliance
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Vendor Management

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Salary

Salary Range: €61,300.00 - €113,900.00

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 61,300.00 -113,900.00 EUR

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.