Associate Director ESP Quality

Role summary

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The Associate Director, ESP Quality is responsible for leading quality oversight of external service providers supporting Novartis activities. The role typically requires substantial experience in pharmaceutical quality, supplier or vendor management, quality systems, audits, risk management, and relevant GxP regulations. Candidates should be confident interpreting regulatory expectations, developing quality strategies, managing deviations and corrective actions, and improving supplier performance. Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytical, and leadership skills are expected, along with the ability to work across global, multidisciplinary teams. Experience with contract manufacturing, clinical services, pharmacovigilance, or other outsourced pharmaceutical operations would be valuable. The successful candidate will promote a proactive quality culture, ensure inspection readiness, and provide clear, risk-based recommendations to senior stakeholders.

About the employer

Novartis is a global medicines company focused on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative treatments. Headquartered in Switzerland, it operates across research, development, manufacturing, and commercial activities in numerous countries. Its main therapeutic areas include cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology. Novartis combines pharmaceutical research with advanced data, technology, and global supply capabilities to address significant healthcare needs. The company employs people across scientific, clinical, manufacturing, commercial, corporate, and quality functions. In the United Kingdom, Novartis supports research, market access, medical affairs, commercial operations, and patient-focused initiatives. Its workplace places strong emphasis on ethics, compliance, collaboration, inclusion, scientific excellence, and continuous improvement. Employees may work in hybrid, office, laboratory, manufacturing, or field-based environments depending on the role.

Working in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers strong opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, technology, finance, engineering, and professional services, particularly around London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, and major Scottish cities. UK workplace culture generally values professionalism, punctuality, teamwork, direct but polite communication, and work-life balance. Lifestyle options range from busy metropolitan living to smaller towns and rural communities, with excellent public transport, cultural attractions, and varied landscapes. Living costs are highest in London and the southeast. Overseas candidates normally need the right to work or a sponsored visa; eligible professional roles may use the Skilled Worker route, subject to salary, occupation, and employer sponsorship requirements. Novartis may sponsor suitable positions, but this must be confirmed for the specific vacancy. Candidates should check official UK government immigration guidance and plan for housing, healthcare, banking, tax registration, and national insurance before relocating.