Operational Excellence (OpEx) Expert (f/m/d), temporary

Novartis AG; Osterreich; On-site; PEN 230,000 - 344,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Hybrid working options

Job summary

Novartis AG in Kundl, Austria is seeking an OpEx Expert to drive site transformation, strengthen operational excellence, and deliver Lean/Six Sigma initiatives that boost productivity and quality. You will partner with Production, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain to embed lasting improvements and leverage digital tools for data-driven decisions.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years in pharma manufacturing or regulated settings, with fluency in German and English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3–5 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing or regulated industry.
• Proven leadership in continuous improvement or operational excellence.
• Strong Lean principles and Six Sigma; excellent project management.
• Fluency in German and English.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive site transformation strategies aligned with technical operations objectives.
• Lead high-impact operational excellence initiatives to close performance gaps and elevate efficiency.
• Deliver Lean and Six Sigma projects with milestones and measurable results.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to embed improvements.
• Introduce and scale digital tools and data-driven solutions to optimize decision-making.
• Inspire stakeholders by communicating progress, impact, and success stories.
• Ensure transparency through robust project dashboards and governance practices.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

German language

English language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Science/Economics/Operations Management

Job description

Summary

Job Description Summary

Location: Kundl, Austria

Relocation Support: This role is based in Kundl, Austria. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Drive transformation and innovation at one of Novartis’ key manufacturing sites! As an OpEx Expert, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of operations at DSK. Your work will directly impact productivity, quality, and competitiveness - helping us deliver life-changing medicines faster and more efficiently. If you’re passionate about continuous improvement and thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and drive site transformation strategies aligned with technical operations objectives.
• Lead high-impact operational excellence initiatives to close performance gaps and elevate efficiency.
• Deliver Lean and Six Sigma projects with clear milestones and measurable, sustainable results.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to embed lasting improvements.
• Introduce and scale digital tools and data-driven solutions to optimize decision‑making.
• Inspire and engage stakeholders by communicating progress, impact, and success stories.
• Ensure transparency through robust project dashboards and strong governance practices.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Economics, Operations Management or similar fields.
• Three to five years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or a regulated industry.
• Proven success in leading continuous improvement or operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong expertise in Lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.Excellent project management and organizational capabilities.
• Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written.

Desirable Requirements

• Advanced education or certification in business administration or Lean and Six Sigma.
• Experience using digital tools and data analytics to drive operational improvements.

Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives.We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range For Role

• Austria: EUR 59.782,00 – 89.300,00

The salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities:

If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.

Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion / EEO Paragraph

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

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)