Site Engineering Head

Novartis • Durham, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Site Engineering Head provides strategic and operational leadership for the Durham site's Engineering organization, including Novartis Gene Therapies, ADP and LMO expansions, and clinical operations. The role ensures facilities, utilities, equipment, and infrastructure are reliable, compliant, and able to support current operations and future growth. It leads and develops the engineering organization, guides long-term site and capital strategies, and partners across the business to strengthen safety, quality, operational performance, and asset lifecycle management. As a member of the Site Leadership Team, the position helps influence major investment decisions, advance new technologies, and build engineering capabilities supporting production, testing, product launches, and continued site growth.

Requirements

• Degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 15 years of engineering experience, including experience in investment projects and maintenance.
• Broad leadership experience, including successful project management on major investment projects and/or a large maintenance organization.
• Excellent project management skills, including contract management, project appraisal, and financial knowledge.
• In-depth knowledge of chemical and/or pharmaceutical processes and equipment, broad interdisciplinary knowledge, and strong HSE and GxP/QA knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills across executive and technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Durham Site Engineering organization, building capabilities and developing talent to meet current and future business needs.
• Develop and execute the site engineering strategy, aligning infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and technology with business priorities.
• Ensure reliable, compliant operation and lifecycle management of site facilities, utilities, equipment, maintenance, and calibration programs.
• Direct site capital planning and engineering investments, ensuring effective prioritization, execution, governance, and resource allocation.
• Support the identification and implementation of new technologies, equipment, AI, and robotics.
• Partner across functions to advance safety, quality, operational performance, asset reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide engineering leadership for production, testing, product launches, technical services, and evolving site requirements.
• Strengthen external partnerships and vendor performance while ensuring engineering activities meet applicable quality and compliance expectations.

Benefits

• Performance-based cash incentive.
• Depending on role level, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
• Health benefits.
• Life benefits.
• Disability benefits.
• 401(k) with company contribution and match.
• Vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director