Operational Excellence (OpEx) Manager (m/f/d), temporary

Job ID

REQ-10067203

Dec 02, 2025

Austria

Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Kundl, Austria

Ready to lead a site-wide transformation that boosts productivity, quality, and competitiveness? As our Operational Excellence Manager for the Kundl site, you’ll set the transformation strategy, coach teams in Lean and problem‑solving, and turn data into decisions that elevate performance on the shop floor. You’ll partner across functions, drive Business Continuity readiness, and champion digital innovation—from analytics to automation—so our people can deliver right‑first‑time results. If you thrive on engaging stakeholders and making measurable impact, this is where your expertise shapes our next breakthrough.

Relocation Support: This role is based in Kundl, Austria. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

Drive the site’s transformation strategy aligned with technical operations and long-term vision
Lead operational excellence initiatives and continuous improvement projects across all site functions
Implement project governance to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of improvement projects
Promote and teach Lean and Six-Sigma principles and coach teams to embed a culture of continuous improvement
Consolidate and analyze site KPIs to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities
Champion digital tools and data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making
Build strong stakeholder relationships across site leadership, shop floor, and global functions
Lead Business Continuity planning to ensure operational resilience during disruptions
Foster a culture of curiosity, empowerment, and accountability to drive sustainable competitiveness
The position is limited to a 3-year term

Essential Requirements

Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, or related field.
Minimum 3+ years’ experience in manufacturing management within a GMP-regulated environment.
Proven track record in leading or contributing to operational excellence projects.
Fluent in German and English (spoken and written).
Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and project management skills with digital mindset.

Desirable Requirements

Certification in advanced Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Experience implementing digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing environments.
Additional education or certification in business administration

You’ll receive:
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 € 65.605.54 / 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.
We are open for part-time and job-sharing models and support flexible and remote working where possible.
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.

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

Division

Operations

Business Unit

Production / Manufacturing

Location

Austria

Site

Kundl

Company / Legal Entity

AT33 (FCRS = AT033) Novartis Pharmaceutical Manufacturing GmbH

Functional Area

Technical Operations

Job Type

Full time

Employment Type

Befristet (Befristet)

Shift Work

No

Technical Operations Operations Austria

Job ID

REQ-10067203