Site MS&T Head SMO - Drug Substance

Novartis • Durham, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Site, Manufacturing, Science & Technology Head - Small Molecule Drug Substance is an Associate Director level role. This position involves leading the scientific and technical strategy for a manufacturing site that produces medicines. The Site MS&T Head for Drug Substance (DS) will be responsible for manufacturing excellence, driving innovation, and ensuring product stewardship throughout the product lifecycle. This role leads a Manufacturing Science & Technology DS organization, collaborating with site functions and global teams to optimize processes, support product launches and transfers, enhance validation and compliance, and build technical capabilities for site growth. The position influences site strategy, develops talent, and contributes to bringing therapies to patients with quality, reliability, and speed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing.
• Proven experience driving quality and compliance in an organization.
• Strong working knowledge of applied statistics, quality systems and regulatory requirements across multiple health authorities.
• Fundamental understanding of standard pharmaceutical analytical testing.
• Demonstrated leadership experience building, developing, and leading high-performing technical and scientific teams.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Science, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Technology, or equivalent scientific discipline preferred.
• Additional specialist experience is preferred (e.g., pharmaceutical formulation, process development, manufacturing technology).
• Diverse pharmaceutical experience needed.
• Specifically, Small Molecule experience - API/Drug Substance/Oligonucleotide is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site MS&T DS organization, setting vision, priorities, and technical strategy aligned with site objectives.
• Ensure end-to-end product stewardship and technical oversight throughout the commercial product lifecycle.
• Drive process robustness, continuous improvement, and manufacturing excellence across products, processes, and technologies.
• Oversee technical changes, validation programs, and compliance activities to maintain inspection readiness.
• Lead technology transfers, product launches, and scale-up activities to deliver successful implementation outcomes.
• Partner with site and global teams to resolve technical challenges and strengthen process capability.
• Develop technical talent, succession plans, and knowledge-sharing programs to build organizational capability.

Benefits

• health, life and disability benefits
• a 401(k) with company contribution and match
• a variety of other benefits
• a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves

What This Job Offers

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