Reporting to the AD VBO, who manages qualification of clinical activities for assigned vendor categories. Working in a matrix environment, oversee supplier operations, implement qualification strategies, and ensure effective supplier governance. Act as a point of escalation for unresolved supplier issues, support operational management, and lead supplier due diligence within assigned category.Activities & Interfaces How does this role operate within, interact with and impact the organization?Provide risk-based governance and oversight for vendors, ensuring regulatory and quality compliance.Support standardization and consistency in service delivery across the organization.Lead supplier due diligence activities, overseeing timely qualification and re-qualification requirements globally and locally.Ensure quality and completeness of qualification and governance documentation in all relevant systems.Maintain and update due diligence documents along with the templates and tools for supplier management.Develop supplier management plans with appropriate governance structures, driving process improvement and harmonization to ensure compliance with Novartis policies and procedures.Interface with cross-functional teams, providing leadership and direction to drive collaborative initiatives and ensure alignment on supplier management objectives.Offer consultation on service and category-specific expertise to internal stakeholders.Ensure all the category vendors are inspection and audit ready at all times.Leadership Capabilities: What leadership capabilities are essential for success in this role?Demonstrated strategic skills; organizational knowledge; advanced planning and project management skills, as well as an advanced understanding of business processes.Ability to influence without authority & independently.Very strong vendor management skillsPartnering skills with internal and external stakeholdersDemonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide cross-functional teams toward shared objectivesAbility to lead a functional and/or operational team independentlyAdvanced degree in science or business with equivalent experience.Languages: Fluent English, oral and written.​Experience/Professional requirements:12+ years working experience and excellent knowledge of the clinical operation processes (5+ years in core clinical operations) and vendor management. Excellent knowledge of GxP and ICH regulationsExpert knowledge of clinical trial design and mapping to supplier requirementsProven leadership experience in managing teams and driving resultsThorough and technical understanding of Novartis specifications for supplier provided servicesDemonstrated leadership with supplier relationship management and/or expert knowledge of specific service areasDemonstrated partnering across divisions with internal and external stakeholdersDemonstrated root cause analysis, problem solving, and solution generation skillsHistory of successfully working in a cross-functional global team and proven ability to function in matrix structure organizationLeadership to deliver projects according to required and deliverablesExcellent influencing and communication skillsExperience or expertise in one or more of Vendor Management Role accountabilities (e.g. global process ownership, business system owner, SOP & FMR management, global training on supplier related SOPs and processes.