Site External Material Lead (m/f/d)

About the role

Join the Production Supply Chain Management (PSCM) team at Novartis’ Drug Substance Bio‑Production site in Mengeš, Slovenia. As the Site External Material Lead you will be the main interface between suppliers and internal functions, ensuring a reliable flow of materials needed for biologic medicine manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships and guarantee material availability for assigned sites.
• Coordinate supply challenges and allocate materials across locations.
• Plan material requirements and secure reliable supply.
• Oversee inventory, handle non‑conforming stock and write‑offs.
• Monitor, analyse and improve key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead operational excellence initiatives and support OpEx activities.
• Coordinate lifecycle goals for external materials.
• Develop and implement actions to optimise inventory and reduce tied‑up capital.
• Contribute to long‑term direct material strategy and enhance procurement processes, systems and tools.
• Prepare analyses and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient supply‑chain performance.

Required profile

• University degree (science background preferred but not mandatory).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply‑chain, material planning or procurement operations.
• Proven track record in managing and developing supplier relationships.
• Experience leading or coordinating global/international projects.
• Strong analytical mindset with data‑driven decision making.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel.
• Familiarity with SAP (advantage).

What we offer

• Permanent employment contract with a six‑month probation period.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic international environment within a leading biopharmaceutical company.
• Professional development and involvement in strategic supply‑chain initiatives.