Manager - R&D Process Excellence

Sun Pharma; Vadodara; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Pharma is seeking a Sr. Executive/Manager - RD Process Excellence to drive operational excellence, digital transformation, AI adoption, and productivity across global RD functions.

The role focuses on RoS, RFT, cycle times, and efficient resource use, spanning API development, formulation manufacturing, regulatory and business areas. You will lead strategic initiatives, develop roadmaps, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to evaluate new technologies, build business

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–12 years in Pharmaceutical RD, Process Excellence, or Digital Transformation.
• Experience driving AI, analytics, automation or digital initiatives is highly preferred.
• Exposure to RD product development, regulatory and manufacturing operations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic transformation and RD excellence across global development centers.
• Scout and implement AI, ML, digital tools, and process mining for RD.
• Develop analytics frameworks for project performance and resource utilization.
• Lead end-to-end process diagnostics using Lean, Six Sigma, and value stream mapping.
• Create dashboards and KPIs to monitor RD productivity and ROI.
• Partner with API, Analytical Development, and Regulatory teams for digital solutions.
• Manage project portfolio governance and value realization for strategic initiatives.
• Develop business cases and ROI assessments for transformative projects.

Skills

AI/ML

Analytics

Automation

Digital Transformation

Process Excellence

Lean Six Sigma

Education

B.Tech / M.Tech in Chemical Engg or related

MBA with tech/science background

Job description

Job Title: Sr. Executive/Manager - RD Process Excellence

Business Unit: RD1 Regulatory Affairs

Job Grade: G11B/G11A

Location: Vadodara/Mumbai

At Sun Pharma, we commit to helping you Create your own sunshine - by fostering an environment where you grow at every step, take charge of your journey and thrive in a supportive community.

Are You Ready to Create Your Own Sunshine As you enter the Sun Pharma world, you ll find yourself becoming Better every day through continuous progress. Exhibit self-drive as you Take charge and lead with confidence. Additionally, demonstrate a collaborative spirit, knowing that we Thrive together and support each other s journeys.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly analytical and innovative professional to drive Operational Excellence, Digital Transformation, AI adoption, and productivity enhancement across the global RD organization. The role will focus on identifying, evaluating, and implementing technological, digital, and process innovations that improve Research Development effectiveness, accelerate product development timelines, enhance Right First Time (RFT) performance, improve Return on Science (RoS), and optimize resource utilization.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work across API development, formulation manufacturing, regulatory, and business functions while shaping the future of pharmaceutical RD through emerging technologies, advanced analytics, AI/ML, and process excellence methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Transformation RD Excellence

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve Return on Science (RoS) through process optimization, technology deployment, and resource prioritization.
• Design and execute RD transformation roadmaps aligned with organizational objectives.
• Lead initiatives to harmonize best practices across RD functions and manufacturing sites.
• Develop frameworks to improve Right First Time (RFT), cycle times, development success rates, and innovation effectiveness.
• Drive strategic initiatives to improve RD productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness across global development centers.

AI, Digital Emerging Technology Scouting

• Scout, evaluate, and implement AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Digital Twin, Process Mining, Advanced Analytics, Knowledge Management, and Automation technologies applicable to pharmaceutical RD.
• Identify opportunities where AI can reduce development timelines, improve decision-making, and enhance scientific productivity.
• Collaborate with technology providers, startups, academic institutions, and internal stakeholders to evaluate new solutions.
• Develop business cases and ROI assessments for digital transformation projects.
• Create and maintain a technology landscape for emerging RD tools and platforms.

Data Analytics Decision Support

• Develop advanced analytics frameworks for project performance, resource utilization, productivity, and investment effectiveness.
• Generate actionable insights using statistical tools, visualization platforms, and AI-based analytical solutions.
• Monitor market dynamics, competitive intelligence, and innovation trends relevant to pharmaceutical development.

Process Excellence Operational Improvement

• Perform end-to-end process diagnostics using Lean, Six Sigma, Process Mining, and Value Stream Mapping methodologies.
• Identify bottlenecks and productivity improvement opportunities across RD workflows.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards for performance monitoring.
• Lead continuous improvement projects and track realization of benefits.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and problem-solving sessions.

Productivity Resource Optimization

• Conduct manpower productivity assessments and organizational effectiveness studies.
• Develop productivity benchmarks and performance measures.
• Design frameworks for performance recognition and capability development.
• Support RD budgeting, investment tracking, and financial performance analysis.

Technical Solutions Innovation

• Partner with Product Development, Analytical Development, API Development, Manufacturing Sciences, and Regulatory teams to identify technical challenges and propose data-driven solutions.
• Evaluate scientific and technical risks using digital tools and predictive analytics.
• Drive innovation projects focused on formulation development, process optimization, scale-up readiness, and knowledge management.
• Support initiatives to improve technology transfer and commercialization success.

Portfolio Program Management

• Support project introduction activities including opportunity assessment, prioritization, business case creation, and executive presentations.
• Monitor project portfolio performance and ensure timely escalation of risks and issues.
• Drive governance mechanisms for strategic initiatives.

Develop management reports, dashboards, and executive insights.

Travel Estimate

NA

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: B. Tech / M. Tech (Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioprocess, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, AI, Automation) OR
• M. Sc. / M. Pharm (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Pharmacy) OR MBA from a reputed institute with a strong technical or scientific background

Experience

• Tenure : 5-12 years of experience in Pharmaceutical RD, Process Excellence, Digital Transformation, Technical Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Innovation Management, or Strategic Projects.
• Experience in driving AI, analytics, automation, or digital initiatives is highly preferred.

Exposure to pharmaceutical product development, technical operations, manufacturing, or portfolio management is desirable

Your Success Matters to Us

At Sun Pharma, your success and well-being are our top priorities! We provide robust benefits and opportunities to foster personal and professional growth.

Join us at Sun Pharma, where every day is an opportunity to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. Let s create a brighter future together.

Disclaimer:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employee within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees as assigned to this job. Nothing herein shall preclude the employer from changing these duties from time to time and assigning comparable duties or other duties commensurate with the experience and background of incumbent(s).

Disclaimer: This job posting has been aggregated from external source. Role details, content, and availability are subject to change. Applicants are advised to confirm the latest information directly on the company website before applying.