Project Director/Site Head, Texas

U469 (FCRS = US469) AAA USA Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 160,000 - 298,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, life and disability benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous time off

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Project Director/Site Head to lead the Texas drug product manufacturing project from design through commercialization. You will build operational readiness, ensure cGMP standards, and drive HSE excellence while shaping a modern site for its commercial future.

You will manage strategy, risk, and a capable organization across global functions, partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or Management.
• 10+ years in pharma manufacturing, operations, or supply chain.
• Global/networked collaboration ability.
• Leadership and change management experience.
• Desirable: Radioligand Therapy manufacturing.
• Experience building site organizations or commercial readiness projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Texas drug product manufacturing project from design through commercialization.
• Develop and manage project plans, deliverables, and team performance.
• Align project strategy with senior stakeholders and cross-functional leaders.
• Build and transition a capable organization from project to commercial operations.
• Ensure regulatory, quality, and HSE readiness for inspections and audits.
• Oversee project budget, schedule, and procurement to meet goals.

Skills

Assembly Language

Biotechnology

Change Management

Chemistry

Continual Improvement Process

Cost Reduction

Finance

General Hse Knowledge

Incentive Program

Installations (Computer Programs)

Knowledge Of Gmp

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing Production

Operational Excellence

Productivity

Purchase

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or Management

Job description

Band Level 6 Job Description Summary #LI-Onsite Location: Texas, United States Build a new site and shape life‑changing medicines from day one. As Project Director/Site Head, you’ll lead our Radioligand Therapy (RLT) drug product manufacturing project from design through commercialization—delivering operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) excellence on time and within budget. You’ll set strategy, manage risk, and build a capable organization that seamlessly moves from project to steady‑state operations, partnering closely across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Science & Technology, Finance and People & Organizations. You will drive technology transfer, readiness for inspections, and Sales & Operations Planning (SOP) integration while championing current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards and an inclusive, high‑performing culture. This is a unique opportunity to create a modern, patient‑centric facility in Texas and lead it into its commercial future—so your decisions tangibly accelerate access to therapies for patients and communities. The selected candidate for this role is expected to assume the position of Site Head following the successful completion of the project phase and the site’s designation as a commercial facility.

Job Description Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Texas drug product manufacturing project from design through commercialization.
• Develop and manage project plans, deliverables, and team performance to meet targets.
• Align project strategy and execution with senior business stakeholders and cross-functional leaders.
• Build and transition a capable organization from project phase to commercial operations.
• Ensure regulatory, quality, and HSE compliance readiness for inspections and audits.
• Oversee project budget, schedule, and procurement to achieve financial and operational goals.
• Champion Novartis values, fostering an inclusive, high‑performing culture and talent development.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, or Management.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in manufacturing, technical operations, or supply chain management in pharma or life sciences.
• Management experience outside of Pharma may contribute up to 5 of those years (i.e. Other Manufacturing, Military, Consulting)
• Proven leadership and change management skills with success in building and managing teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, networked environment.
• Strong cultural and intercultural awareness.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience with Radioligand Therapy manufacturing.
• Prior involvement in building and leading site organizations or being part of Commercial Readiness Projects.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $160,300 and $297,700 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US‑based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range $160,300.00 - $297,700.00

Skills Desired

• Assembly Language
• Biotechnology
• Change Management
• Chemistry
• Continual Improvement Process
• Cost Reduction
• Finance
• General Hse Knowledge
• Incentive Program
• Installations (Computer Programs)
• Knowledge Of Gmp
• Leadership
• Lean Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Process
• Manufacturing Production
• Operational Excellence
• Productivity
• Purchase
• Six Sigma