Process Team Lead

Job PurposeThe Process Team Lead is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations within the Manufacturing Unit, fostering a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous improvement. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality products in compliance with GMP, HSE, and Novartis standards while maximizing operational efficiency, productivity, and team performance.

Major AccountabilitiesManufacturing Operations & Shop Floor LeadershipProvide visible leadership on the shop floor through regular presence, walkthroughs, and operational support.Ensure adequate resource planning and allocation based on production workload and business priorities.Review and manage production schedules within the operational horizon, considering risks, constraints, and opportunities.Ensure continuity of production flow through effective coordination of personnel, materials, consumables, equipment, documentation, and supporting services.Set operational priorities and adjust plans when unforeseen events occur.Optimize the utilization of human and technical resources to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.Monitor and drive implementation of CAPAs and actions related to operational performance indicators.Own shop floor service support activities and management of external workforce supporting cleaning and material handling operations.Support technical batch release activities, including batch record review, SOP maintenance, and process documentation management.Lead incident reporting, investigations, root cause analyses, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.Demonstrate ownership of manufacturing processes and products, ensuring sustainable operational performance.Leadership & People DevelopmentAct as a role model for Novartis Values & Behaviors and promote a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion.Translate strategic objectives into clear team goals, priorities, and action plans.Build, engage, and motivate high-performing teams that consistently deliver business results.Ensure associates are appropriately trained and qualified before performing GMP activities independently.Monitor training compliance and competency development of team members.Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management support to direct reports and Shift Leaders.Facilitate effective decision-making and problem-solving within the team.Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across manufacturing teams.Support talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.Quality, Compliance & HSEEnsure full compliance with GMP, HSE, Novartis Quality Management Systems, and applicable regulatory requirements.Maintain inspection readiness and support successful internal and external audits and regulatory inspections.Promote a strong safety and quality culture through leadership, accountability, and continuous awareness.Ensure implementation and effectiveness of Business Continuity Plans within the area of responsibility.Act as the owner of quality and compliance practices defined within the Novartis Manufacturing Manual.Drive proactive identification, reporting, and resolution of quality and safety risks.Continuous Improvement & Operational ExcellenceChampion Operational Excellence through Lean Leadership, Visual Management, Tiered Accountability, Leader Standard Work, and Gemba practices.Lead improvement initiatives including TPM, process optimization, technology transfer, digitalization, and productivity improvement projects.Drive improvements in Overall Asset Effectiveness (OAE), yield, cycle time, and operational performance metrics.Facilitate Root Cause Investigations (RCIs), Kaizens, and problem-solving workshops to eliminate losses and improve performance.Utilize data analytics, visualization, and performance monitoring to identify improvement opportunities.Ensure sustainability of implemented improvements and achievement of targeted business benefits.Contribute actively to site Continuous Improvement strategy and project prioritization activities.Key Performance IndicatorsPeopleEmployee engagement and satisfactionTraining compliance and qualification statusTalent development and succession readinessRetention and attraction of key talentSupply & DeliveryProduction volume achievementSchedule adherenceLaunch and commercialization performanceSupply Excellence KPIsQuality & ComplianceBatch success rateRight-First-Time performanceAudit and inspection outcomesReduction of human error-related deviationsBatch documentation qualitySafetyLost Time Injury (LTI) rateSafety observation and action completion performanceCost & ProductivityBudget adherenceHeadcount managementCost of non-quality reductionYield and OAE improvementsContinuous ImprovementDelivery of Operational Excellence projectsFinancial benefits generated through improvement initiativesSustainability of implemented actionsEssential RequirementsEducationBachelor's Degree in Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field.ExperienceMinimum 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry within a GMP-regulated environment.Minimum 2 years of people leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.Experience in commercial manufacturing operations is highly desirable.Technical & Functional SkillsStrong knowledge of GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.Good understanding of Quality Systems and Health Authority requirements.Experience with manufacturing systems (MES, SAP, or equivalent).Knowledge of Lean Management and Operational Excellence methodologies.Experience in process improvement, problem solving, and root cause investigation.Leadership CompetenciesStrong leadership and people development capabilities.Effective communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.Proven ability to lead change and drive organizational performance.Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.LanguagesAdvanced English proficiency.Fluent Turkish.