Summary

The Associate Director, Business Process Excellence will lead strategic process simplification and re-engineering initiatives across the end-to-end drug development value chain, from Portfolio Entry to Regulatory Approval. The role is responsible for driving measurable improvements in cycle time, productivity, quality, compliance, and operational effectiveness through structured problem solving, Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies, and process redesign.

Working across Development line functions, the individual will act as an internal transformation leader, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, challenging the status quo, and embedding a process-first mindset to accelerate organizational performance and business outcomes.

About The Role

Major accountabilities:

Process Re-engineering & Business Transformation

Lead end-to-end process redesign initiatives using Value Chain Analysis and Zero-Based Process Redesign methodologies.
Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and non-value-added activities across Development processes.




Design future-state processes that leverage digital, technology, and AI-enabled capabilities.
Drive simplification programs with measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, compliance, and productivity.

Strategic Program Leadership

Lead and support enterprise-wide transformation initiatives including:
Cycle Time Acceleration Programs
Technology Transformation (e.g., ASCEND and Digital initiatives)
AI-enabled Productivity Programs
Operational Excellence and Process Simplification Programs
Partner with stakeholders across Development to align transformation priorities and execute strategic change.

Structured Problem Solving & Facilitation

Apply Lean Six Sigma, Agile, Design Thinking, Root Cause Analysis, and other structured problem-solving methodologies to address complex business challenges.
Independently facilitate workshops, process redesign sessions, and leadership discussions.
Develop data-driven

📌 Associate Director (Hyderabad)
🏢 Novartis India
📍 Hyderabad