Associate Director, Global External Partner Management for Medical Devices / Combination Products (m/f/d)

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Location: Schaftenau, Austria

About the role:
With the increasing diversity of Novartis' portfolio, the need for drug-device combination products is also increasing. As such, we are searching for an Associate Director to lead the External Partner Management (EPM) for Global Device and Packaging Development (GDPD).

The Associate Director EPM drives the selection of and collaboration with Third Parties for the development of pharmaceutical packaging, drug delivery devices and drug-device combination products including the ‘Make vs. Buy’ strategy in close collaboration with GDPD centers and TRD stakeholders. The role establishes effective governance for outsourced work packages and cultivates high-performing strategic partnerships that accelerate portfolio delivery while ensuring quality, compliance and value.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a cross-functional matrix team of EPM experts and represent GDPD in TRD EPM networks.

• Translate TRD’s EPM strategy into actionable guidance for GDPD, enabling effective third-party partnerships.

• Develop, implement, and refine GDPD’s Make/Buy strategy in alignment with TRD and TechOps.

• Identify synergies and provide expert advice on sourcing models across diverse projects and technologies.

• Define and implement governance frameworks for outsourced work, safeguarding scope, quality, timelines, and budget.

• Maintain strong interfaces with Quality, Procurement, HSE, and TechOps to support seamless execution.

• Identify, establish, and nurture strategic partnerships, fostering best-in-class collaboration.

• Define KPIs and track outsourcing effectiveness in collaboration with Procurement.

• Proactively assess and mitigate vendor risks to ensure consistent delivery, quality, and compliance.

• Lead escalation and resolution of issues, coordinating cross-functionally to maintain uninterrupted execution.

Essential Requirements:

• Advanced degree in a life science or related field.

• Over 10 years’ experience in pharma/biotech, with deep knowledge of drug, device, packaging, and combination product development, including quality and regulatory requirements.

• Proven leadership in matrix or line functions, with strong cross-functional interface and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated experience in Third Party Management and finance processes, including budgeting.

• Fluent English (oral and written); German language skills are an advantage.

• Strong stakeholder management and customer focus, with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks, prioritize, and deliver to tight timelines; excellent communication and presentation skills.

You’ll receive:

You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

In addition to a market-competitive base salary, we offer an attractive incentive program, a modern company pension scheme, childcare facilities, learning and development opportunities as well as worldwide career possibilities within the Novartis group. In accordance with Austrian law, we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary as stated in the collective bargaining agreement. For this position the minimum salary is € 78,383.90 a year (on a full-time basis). The actual salary will be significantly higher, as we strive to maintain a competitive position in the market and consider your previous experience, qualifications and individual competencies.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive working environment and diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Adjustments for Applicants with Disabilities

If because of a medical condition, physical disability or a neurodiverse condition you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please reach out to disabilities.austria@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request as well as your contact information. The support which we can provide will include advice on suitable positions as well as guidance at all stages of the application process. Austrian law provides candidates the opportunity to involve the local disability representative, Behindertenvertrauensperson (BVP), in the application process. If you would like to request this, please let us know in advance as a note on your CV.

 

Skills Desired