Associate Director, Manufacturing Support

This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Summary

The Associate Director, Manufacturing Support leads cross-functional support for compounding, parts preparation, syringe & vial filling, visual inspection, and assembly & packaging. This role oversees the investigation portfolio, change control facilitation, finite scheduling, SOP authorship, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations. The position drives standardization across functions, enables timely lot disposition, and provides transparent performance reporting to the Site Leadership Team (SLT). This role will have approximately 12 direct reports.

About the Role

Location : This role is located in Durham, NC

Relocation assistance is not available for this position

Key Responsibilities

Provide oversight and monitoring of the site investigation portfolio, ensuring compliance with relevant SOPs and escalation to SLT as required.

Lead and manage teams that author, own, and facilitate investigations and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) spanning manufacturing, quality control, supply chain, engineering, and other site functions.

Lead a team that facilitates change controls, capital projects, and process changes.

Lead development and management of detailed, task-based finite schedules to align multi-functional activities and ensure seamless execution across compounding, parts prep, filling, inspection, and assembly & packaging.

Author, review, and approve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and related cGMP documentation; ensure clarity, compliance, and usability for shop-floor personnel.

Establish and implement a visual factory manufacturing system to enable real-time, shop-floor-to-leadership communication of status, risks, and performance.

Identify and lead continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost; leverage lean and operational excellence methodologies to reduce variability and waste.

Partner closely with Manufacturing, QA, QC, Engineering, Supply Chain, MSAT, and HSE to synchronize priorities and mitigate risks.

Coach, mentor, and develop team members; drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and proactive problem solving.

Perform other related job duties as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators :

Meet project milestones (e.g, process qualifications, analytical qualification, regulatory submissions) per targeted timeframes and within budget

Successful facility inspections and audits

Quality and HSE indicators with target

People development, retention, and performance management

Performance management and employee relations, feedback, meetings, surveys

Financial KPIs (CAPEX, Unit Cost, Inventory) within target

Core Areas of Responsibility :

Investigations into non-conformances (NCRs)

Corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)

Change control facilitation

Finite scheduling

SOP authorship

Continuous improvement projects

KPI tracking and reporting to SLT

Requirements :

B.S. degree in engineering or a related technical field; or equivalent industry experience.

10+ years of experience in GMP manufacturing operations

Phamaceutical / Biopharma Industry experience required

Knowledge of FDA regulations and GMP systems; strong understanding of cGMP documentation and compliance practices.

Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong technical writing ability required.

Proven ability to mentor and develop staff; foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

5+ years experience leading and managing teams.

Project management skill set, including strategic / tactical planning, team building, risk management, and budget adherence.

Prior experience conducting deviation investigations in a cGMP environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements :

On-site role supporting GMP manufacturing areas (compounding, parts preparation, filling, inspection, packaging); adherence to gowning and safety procedures required.

Ability to work in controlled / cleanroom environments and coordinate across shifts to meet operational needs.

May require off-hours support to meet production schedules and investigation timelines.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $132,300 and $245,700 / year;however, while salary ranges are effective from 1 / 1 / 25 through 12 / 31 / 25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities.The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department / team performance, and market factors.

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

Join our Novartis Network :

Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up : https : / / talentnetwork.novartis.com / network

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.

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