Senior MES Leader - Digital Pharma Manufacturing

Novartis; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Manager, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to lead strategy and governance of MES across the site, ensuring GMP compliance and data integrity while enabling safe, efficient production. You will drive digital transformation and shape priorities across Manufacturing, Quality, MS&T, Engineering, IT and Automation.

You will build and coach a high-performing team, partner to resolve complex system challenges, and drive continuous improvement through KPIs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Engineering, Information Systems, Automation or related field.
• Minimum eight years of experience in manufacturing systems, MES, automation, or regulated environments.
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry with GMP and data integrity knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical or manufacturing teams.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects within a matrix organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration across Manufacturing, Quality, MS&T, Engineering, IT and Finance.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, governance, and operational oversight for MES across the site.
• Align MES priorities with manufacturing goals, project commitments, and production readiness.
• Oversee MES lifecycle management, including support, enhancements, upgrades, and compliance.
• Ensure manufacturing systems meet GMP, FDA, data integrity, and quality requirements.
• Partner across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, IT to resolve complex system challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement using KPIs and operational trends.
• Support 24/7 manufacturing operations through MES troubleshooting.
• Lead cross-functional projects, balancing resources and priorities.
• Maintain audit-ready systems, documentation, procedures, and compliance.
• Develop high-performing teams through coaching and accountability.

Skills

MES experience

Regulated manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Engineering, Information Systems, Automation

Job description

Novartis in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Manager, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to lead strategy and governance of MES across the site, ensuring GMP compliance and data integrity while enabling safe, efficient production. You will drive digital transformation and shape priorities across Manufacturing, Quality, MS&T, Engineering, IT and Automation.

You will build and coach a high-performing team, partner to resolve complex system challenges, and drive continuous improvement through KPIs