Head of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Operations

Novartis AG; Noord-Brabant; On-site; EUR 76,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Hybrid working options

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Job summary

Novartis AG in Baarle-Nassau, Netherlands, seeks a seasoned Manufacturing Unit leader to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical products safely and reliably. The role requires strong leadership and a structured, process-driven approach in a regulated environment.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in pharma, with 5+ years in operations, and fluent English. Relocation support is available, and the position offers flexible, hybrid working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field; higher degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in pharma or life sciences within GMP environment.
• At least 5 years in operations management and execution.
• Proven experience leading quality, compliance, safety, and operational performance.
• Lean Management, Operational Excellence, Six Sigma, or similar certification advantageous.
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, change management, budgeting, project management, and negotiation.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the medium and long-term strategy for the Manufacturing Unit, aligned with site and global manufacturing objectives.
• Oversee all manufacturing operations, ensuring strong performance across safety, quality, service, cost, supply, resources, and business results.
• Ensure effective planning and allocation of resources, including people, equipment, facilities, CAPEX, OPEX, expenses, and FTEs.
• Lead transformation, change management, and operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HSE, Novartis quality and safety policies, manufacturing standards, and regulatory expectations.
• Build, develop, coach, and engage a high-performing manufacturing team, including talent development, succession planning, training, and capability building.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, empowerment, and open communication.
• Ensure inspection readiness, business continuity, crisis management participation, and effective implementation of CAPAs and compliance activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Change management

Budget management

Project management

Negotiation

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy/engineering/chemistry/biology

Higher degree preferred

Job description

Novartis AG in Baarle-Nassau, Netherlands, seeks a seasoned Manufacturing Unit leader to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical products safely and reliably. The role requires strong leadership and a structured, process-driven approach in a regulated environment.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in pharma, with 5+ years in operations, and fluent English. Relocation support is available, and the position offers flexible, hybrid working options and a comprehensive benefits package.