Associate Director - Business Process Excellence

IN10 (FCRS = IN010) Novartis Healthcare Private Limited; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 4,200,000 - 5,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Healthcare Private Limited in Hyderabad, India, seeks an Associate Director, Business Process Excellence to lead end-to-end process redesign across the drug development value chain, driving measurable improvements in cycle time, quality, and compliance using Lean Six Sigma, Agile, and AI-enabled capabilities.

The role requires cross-functional leadership, structured problem solving, and capability building to embed a process-first culture and accelerate performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering, Biotechnology, Business, or related discipline.
• 12-14+ years of experience in Process Excellence, Operational Excellence, Business Transformation, Continuous Improvement, or Management Consulting.
• Hands on Experience in Pharmaceutical R&D, Drug Development, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Process Management, Value Stream Mapping, and Business Process Re-engineering.
• Proven experience leading complex cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Strong workshop facilitation, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end process redesign initiatives using Value Chain Analysis and Zero-Based Process Redesign methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and non-value-added activities across Development processes.
• Design future-state processes that leverage digital, technology, and AI-enabled capabilities.
• Drive simplification programs with measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, compliance, and productivity.
• Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives including Cycle Time Acceleration, Technology Transformation, AI-enabled Productivity, and Operational Excellence programs.
• Partner with stakeholders across Development to align transformation priorities and execute strategic change.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Design Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, and other structured methodologies to address challenges.
• Independently facilitate workshops, process redesign sessions, and leadership discussions.
• Develop data-driven recommendations and business cases for senior leaders.
• Influence stakeholders without formal authority and drive alignment across functions.
• Coach teams on process excellence principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Agile

Design Thinking

Root Cause Analysis

Workshop Facilitation

Stakeholder Management

Executive Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences/Pharmacy/Engineering/BIotech/Business

MBA / MS / PhD / PharmD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director, Business Process Excellence will lead strategic process simplification and re-engineering initiatives across the end-to-end drug development value chain, from Portfolio Entry to Regulatory Approval. The role is responsible for driving measurable improvements in cycle time, productivity, quality, compliance, and operational effectiveness through structured problem solving, Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies, and process redesign. Working across Development line functions, the individual will act as an internal transformation leader, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, challenging the status quo, and embedding a process-first mindset to accelerate organizational performance and business outcomes.

Job Description Major accountabilities

Process Re-engineering & Business Transformation

Lead end-to-end process redesign initiatives using Value Chain Analysis and Zero-Based Process Redesign methodologies. Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and non-value-added activities across Development processes. Design future-state processes that leverage digital, technology, and AI-enabled capabilities. Drive simplification programs with measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, compliance, and productivity.

Strategic Program Leadership

Lead and support enterprise-wide transformation initiatives including:

• Cycle Time Acceleration Programs
• Technology Transformation (e.g., ASCEND and Digital initiatives)
• AI-enabled Productivity Programs
• Operational Excellence and Process Simplification Programs

Partner with stakeholders across Development to align transformation priorities and execute strategic change.

Structured Problem Solving & Facilitation

Apply Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Design Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, and other structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex business challenges.

Independently facilitate workshops, process redesign sessions, and leadership discussions.

Develop data-driven recommendations and business cases for senior leaders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capability Building

Influence stakeholders without formal authority and drive alignment across functions.

Build strong relationships with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

Coach teams on process excellence principles, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Promote a culture of process ownership, simplification, and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Engineering, Biotechnology, Business, or related discipline.
• 12-14+ years of experience in Process Excellence, Operational Excellence, Business Transformation, Continuous Improvement, or Management Consulting.
• Hands on Experience in Pharmaceutical R&D, Drug Development, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, or Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Process Management, Value Stream Mapping, and Business Process Re-engineering.
• Proven experience leading complex cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Strong workshop facilitation, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills.

Desirables Skills

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD) preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Master Black Belt certification.
• Agile, Scrum, SAFe, PMP, or Change Management certifications.
• Experience in digital transformation, process automation, AI adoption, and data-driven decision making.

Skills Desired

• Clinical Research
• Drug Development
• Financial Management
• Microsoft Project
• Program Management
• Project Delivery
• Project Planning
• Resource Allocation
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Waterfall Model

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