Project Director, Drug Product

Summary
#LI-Onsite

Location: This role is located on-site in Durham, NC.

The Project Director, Drug Product is responsible for managing the project at an operational level. This includes ensuring the project meets its objectives regarding operational functionality, Quality & HSE compliance, and adherence to regulations within the approved scope, budget, and timeline. The role involves overseeing a significant capital investment and start-up facility. Additionally, the Project Director must supervise the aseptic filling and packaging processes, ensuring that these procedures are carried out in sterile environments to maintain product integrity and safety.

About the Role

Role responsibilities:

• Leads the senior project team and serves as the primary point of contact for project governance. Accountable for project team performance and developing a comprehensive project plan.
• Aligns project strategy and deliverables with key business stakeholders.
• Responsible for budget management, unit cost control, and financial KPIs.
• Manages the project budget, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Conducts risk management and develops contingency plans.
• Leading large capital project execution from design through commercialization.
• Managing sterile processing, filling, and packaging operations.
• Develops a robust organizational structure and resource strategy to smoothly transition from project phase to commercial operations. Provides coaching and mentoring, promoting an inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Ensures regulatory compliance readiness for inspections and audits.
• Maintains acceptable standards of product/process quality, HSE, and Security.

Role Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, or Engineering; Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in senior Manufacturing, Technical Operations and Supply Chain Management roles in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership and change management, along with prior success in developing and overseeing multi-level organizations within aseptic manufacturing.
• Possesses the ability to work in a global, networked environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing site organizations, spanning from large-scale capital project design and construction to commercialization phases.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in drug product within large molecule preferred.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The salary for this position is expected to range between $160,300 to $297,700/yearly. 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. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here .

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

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Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & 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 to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.