Job Description Summary Join us in reimagining Cell and Gene Therapies and advancing scientific breakthroughs for patients with unmet medical needs. At the forefront of delivering groundbreaking C&G Therapies, Novartis is relying on a global network of essential & strategic partnerships to support Technical R&D and CMC deliverables across our Cell and Gene Therapy pipeline. As Associate Director External Partner Management, you will be integral part of the global CGT Alliance Management Team having end to end accountability to cultivate collaboration and deliver on our portfolio with our strategic partners. You will be responsible to drive outsourcing strategy, build relationships and provide leadership across in-and external stakeholders, in-order to ensure project success, operational excellence, compliance, as well as appropriate governance and agreement frameworks. Your contribution will directly impact our mission to provide innovative therapies to patients with life-threatening diseases. Job Description Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited too: Develops global cross-functional strategic outsourcing vision in close collaboration with other TRD Disciplines and other Novartis functions (e.g. Biomedical Research and Technical Operations) Establishes strong, collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to strategically develop, implement and optimize vendor management processes, tools and policies to achieve performance objectives. Establishes, builds and maintains strategic partnerships in the external alliance management space (e.g. academia, contractors, service providers, suppliers, co-development partners) with end-to-end responsibility of activities performed at external parties to ensure scientific and operational excellence to deliver high productivity, quality and cost effectiveness in close collaboration with functional disciplines and program management. Direct accountability for external CDMOs with an estimated overall spend of 10Mio USD per year Manages, contributes and oversees all legal and contractual aspects related to alliance management within CGT in close collaboration with EPM (TRD External Partner Management Network), Procurement, Quality, Legal, IP, and CGT disciplines. Ensures fully compliant processes and execution within our quality systems regulations such as but not limited to product quality and compliance, HSE, good logistics practices, security, finance and accounting Drives cost and scope negotiations for contract executions with assigned vendors and drives interactions with global business partners, ensuring processes and systems are in place to ensure innovative productivity, efficiency and reliability including risk mitigation plans Responsible for setting up standards and best practices for Vendor selection and over-sight Design, align and harmonize processes across 3rd Parties in alignment with Novartis standards Leads global cross-functional continuous performance improvement programs on the external operations structure, organization, processes and supporting systems to ensure optimal positioning of the CGT organization towards future trends Drives continuous improvement through coaching and mentoring in-order to enable CGT to remain innovative, competitive and compliant: Identifies supports and encourages ideas to improve processes and day to day work. Mentor and coach team members encouraging professional growth & development Acts as role model for a high challenge, high support culture at Novartis Role Requirements: A minimum of a Bachelors degree in life sciences (eg biology, chemistry, pharmacy, virology or related field) is required; Masters, MBA, EMBA or PhD degree preferred At least 6 years of relevant experience in biotech / bio-pharmaceutical industry. Prior experience in gene and/or cell therapies are strongly preferred Proven in-direct, cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills Demonstrated project management skills Strong Business acumen and analytical skills Excellent communication and negotiation skills in English Desired Requirements: Solid experience and understanding of CMC drug development and regulatory requirements preferred Prior experience in alliance/collaboration management of contractors, service providers and business partners is strongly preferred Knowledge in GxP compliance and data integrity preferred Why Novartis: 766 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2021, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives. We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working. We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what's possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying! Imagine what you could do here at Novartis! Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 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 Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential. Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, 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. 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 EEO Statement: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential. Accessibility and 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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com 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. https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings Salary Range $166,400.00 - $249,600.00 Skills Desired Budget Management, Coaching, Data Science, Experiments Design, Group Problem Solving, Laboratory, Process Simulation, Project Management, Research and Development Operations Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science and technology to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. We also aim to reward those who invest their money, time and ideas in our company.