Associate Director – Drug Substance Project Lead (DSPL) (m/f/d) / Znanstveni svetovalec ekspert – Vodja projektov (m/ž/d)

Salary Range: €67,130.00 - €124,670.00 Job Description Summary At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine. We're seeking an experienced Drug Substance Project Lead to to join our team in Mengeš, Slovenia, to lead the development of innovative biologic medicines from early stage through commercialization . You'll be the strategic and operational leader of drug substance development programs, driving the scientific, technical, regulatory, manufacturing, and business integration that brings these therapies to patients. We are looking for responsible, objective-driven candidates who value collaboration, team work and are open to new challenges and expanding their knowledge and expertise. Job Description Location: Mengeš, Slovenia #hybrid (12 days per month onsite) Key responsibilities · Lead drug substance development programs across all phases; define integrated strategies, ensure timely delivery of milestones, and proactively manage risks and opportunities · Serve as the primary point of integration across Drug Substance Development, Analytical Development, Drug Product Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Clinical Supply, and external partners · Demonstrate influence without direct authority by building credibility across functions and geographies; adapt your leadership style to move stakeholders toward shared goals · Present strategy, progress, and recommendations to governance and senior leadership; manage complex stakeholder expectations while maintaining focus on patient impact · Drive scientific and technical excellence; contribute to robust manufacturing processes, ground decisions in data, and promote continuous improvement · Create clarity by translating strategy into actionable plans; empower your team through feedback, remove barriers, and hold them accountable · Coach and mentor junior leaders; foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing team environment grounded in psychological safety Minimum requirements · PhD in a life science discipline, or equivalent university degree with 8+ years of relevant biologics development experience · Minimum 5 years of proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and complex projects in a biologic drug development setting · Excellent scientific and technical writing skills, with strong communication and presentation abilities · Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus Desirable · Significant experience with regulatory expectations and IND/BLA submission processes · Experience working in interdisciplinary teams on innovative biologic platforms (mAbs, cell therapy, or similar) · Demonstrated commitment to building psychological safety and inclusive team environments Why Join Us You'll lead impactful development programs that directly affect millions of patients. You'll work alongside world-class scientific experts and collaborate across a global organization where your influence shapes strategy. This role offers a unique combination of scientific depth, strategic responsibility, and leadership impact—with Novartis's commitment to investing in your growth as a leader. With the selected candidate, we offer permanent employment with 6 months of probation period. Please submit your application with your CV before September 7th . Benefits & Rewards At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 67,130.00 - 124,670.00 EUR The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process. Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics. Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve. Znanstveni svetovalec ekspert – Vodja projektov (m/ž/d) Lokacija: Mengeš, Slovenija #hybrid ( 12 dni na mesec na lokaciji ) Povzetek delovnega mesta V Novartisu je naš namen soustvarjati medicino. Iščemo izkušenega vodjo projektov za učinkovino (Drug Substance Project Lead), ki bi se pridružil naši ekipi v Mengšu v Sloveniji in vodil razvoj inovativnih bioloških zdravil od zgodnjih faz do komercializacije. V tej vlogi boste strateški in operativni vodja programov razvoja učinkovin ter boste usmerjali znanstveno, tehnično, regulatorno, proizvodno in poslovno povezovanje, ki omogoča, da te terapije dosežejo bolnike. Iščemo odgovorne in ciljno usmerjene kandidate, ki cenijo sodelovanje in timsko delo ter so odprti za nove izzive in širjenje svojega znanja ter strokovnih izkušenj. Ključne odgovornosti • Voditi programe razvoja učinkovin v vseh fazah; opredeliti integrirane strategije, zagotavljati pravočasno doseganje mejnikov ter proaktivno upravljati tveganja in priložnosti. • Delovati kot glavni kontakt med razvojem učinkovin, analitskim razvojem, razvojem končnega zdravila, regulatornimi zadevami, kakovostjo, klinično oskrbo in zunanjimi partnerji. • Izkazovati vpliv brez neposredne linije poročanja z gradnjo zaupanja med funkcijami in geografskimi lokacijami; prilagajati svoj vodstveni slog za usmerjanje deležnikov k skupnim ciljem. • Predstavljati strategijo, napredek in priporočila vodstvu; upravljati kompleksna pričakovanja deležnikov ob ohranjanju osredotočenosti na vpliv za bolnike. • Spodbujati znanstveno in tehnično odličnost; prispevati k robustnim proizvodnim procesom, sprejemati odločitve na podlagi podatkov ter spodbujati nenehne izboljšave. •