What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operational Excellence Specialist position at Novartis?
Summary
Location: Millburn, NJ
This role is based in Millburn, NJ. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.
Help reimagine cancer care by shaping how our Radioligand Therapies (RLT) reach more patients—safely, reliably, and faster. At Novartis, we’re pioneering the future of treatment through the fusion of nuclear medicine and precision oncology. As we expand our global RLT manufacturing footprint, you’ll play a pivotal role as an Operational Excellence Specialist at our Millburn site: turning data into decisive action, coaching teams, leading continuous improvement (Kaizen) initiatives, and embedding lean, high‑quality ways of working that scale. Your impact will be felt across the site and the broader network—strengthening performance, elevating patient safety, and accelerating delivery of life‑changing therapies to people around the world.
About the Role
Key responsibilities:
- Drive deployment of data management systems, focusing on metrics, dashboards, and site operating mechanisms.
- Optimize and participate in Tier meetings at all levels, establishing clear indicators of effectiveness.
- Support execution of the site’s operational roadmap through effective governance and alignment of leadership responsibilities.
- Build and connect measurement systems for functions, projects, and programs to overall site strategy.
- Coach and influence teams to embed continuous improvement and lean methodologies across the site.
- Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and small departmental improvement projects to enhance processes.
- Monitor risk management strategies, ensuring compliance and readiness for emergencies or crises.
Essential requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Life Sciences.
- 2–3 years’ experience in lean, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)–regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
- In-depth knowledge of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) systems.
- Demonstrated ability to apply value stream mapping, tier structures, Six Sigma, and operational excellence tools.
- Ability to facilitate problem solving, work with the shop floor, and collaborate with multiple functions for process improvement initiatives.
- Strong project management, communication, and Microsoft Office Suite skills.
Essential requirements:
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $85,400 and $158,600 per year. 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
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.
Salary : $85,400 - $158,600