Title:  Manager - R&D Process Excellence

Job Title:

Sr. Executive/Manager - R&D Process Excellence

Business Unit:

R&D1 Regulatory Affairs

Job Grade

G11B/G11A

Location:

Vadodara/Mumbai

At Sun Pharma, we commit to helping you “Create your own sunshine”— by fostering an environment where you grow at every step, take charge of your journey and thrive in a supportive community.

Are You Ready to Create Your Own Sunshine?  As you enter the Sun Pharma world, you’ll find yourself becoming ‘Better every day’ through continuous progress. Exhibit self-drive as you ‘Take charge’ and lead with confidence. Additionally, demonstrate a collaborative spirit, knowing that we ‘Thrive together’ and support each other’s journeys.”

About the Role

We are seeking a highly analytical and innovative professional to drive Operational Excellence, Digital Transformation, AI adoption, and productivity enhancement across the global R&D organization. The role will focus on identifying, evaluating, and implementing technological, digital, and process innovations that improve Research & Development effectiveness, accelerate product development timelines, enhance Right First Time (RFT) performance, improve Return on Science (RoS), and optimize resource utilization.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work across API development, formulation manufacturing, regulatory, and business functions while shaping the future of pharmaceutical R&D through emerging technologies, advanced analytics, AI/ML, and process excellence methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Transformation & R&D Excellence

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve Return on Science (RoS) through process optimization, technology deployment, and resource prioritization.
• Design and execute R&D transformation roadmaps aligned with organizational objectives.
• Lead initiatives to harmonize best practices across R&D functions and manufacturing sites.
• Develop frameworks to improve Right First Time (RFT), cycle times, development success rates, and innovation effectiveness.
• Drive strategic initiatives to improve R&D productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness across global development centers.

AI, Digital & Emerging Technology Scouting

• Scout, evaluate, and implement AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Digital Twin, Process Mining, Advanced Analytics, Knowledge Management, and Automation technologies applicable to pharmaceutical R&D.
• Identify opportunities where AI can reduce development timelines, improve decision-making, and enhance scientific productivity.
• Collaborate with technology providers, startups, academic institutions, and internal stakeholders to evaluate new solutions.
• Develop business cases and ROI assessments for digital transformation projects.
• Create and maintain a technology landscape for emerging R&D tools and platforms.

Data Analytics & Decision Support

• Develop advanced analytics frameworks for project performance, resource utilization, productivity, and investment effectiveness.
• Generate actionable insights using statistical tools, visualization platforms, and AI-based analytical solutions.
• Monitor market dynamics, competitive intelligence, and innovation trends relevant to pharmaceutical development.

Process Excellence & Operational Improvement

• Perform end-to-end process diagnostics using Lean, Six Sigma, Process Mining, and Value Stream Mapping methodologies.
• Identify bottlenecks and productivity improvement opportunities across R&D workflows.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards for performance monitoring.
• Lead continuous improvement projects and track realization of benefits.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops and problem-solving sessions.

Productivity & Resource Optimization

• Conduct manpower productivity assessments and organizational effectiveness studies.
• Develop productivity benchmarks and performance measures.
• Design frameworks for performance recognition and capability development.
• Support R&D budgeting, investment tracking, and financial performance analysis.

Technical Solutions & Innovation

• Partner with Product Development, Analytical Development, API Development, Manufacturing Sciences, and Regulatory teams to identify technical challenges and propose data-driven solutions.
• Evaluate scientific and technical risks using digital tools and predictive analytics.
• Drive innovation projects focused on formulation development, process optimization, scale-up readiness, and knowledge management.
• Support initiatives to improve technology transfer and commercialization success.

Portfolio & Program Management

• Support project introduction activities including opportunity assessment, prioritization, business case creation, and executive presentations.
• Monitor project portfolio performance and ensure timely escalation of risks and issues.
• Drive governance mechanisms for strategic initiatives.

Develop management reports, dashboards, and executive insights.

Travel Estimate

NA

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification

• Qualification: B.Tech / M.Tech (Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioprocess, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, AI, Automation) OR
• M.Sc. / M.Pharm (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Industrial Pharmacy) OR MBA from a reputed institute with a strong technical or scientific background

Experience

• Tenure  : 5-12 years of experience in Pharmaceutical R&D, Process Excellence, Digital Transformation, Technical Operations, Manufacturing Excellence, Innovation Management, or Strategic Projects.
• Experience in driving AI, analytics, automation, or digital initiatives is highly preferred.

Exposure to pharmaceutical product development, technical operations, manufacturing, or portfolio management is desirable

Your Success Matters to Us

At Sun Pharma, your success and well-being are our top priorities! We provide robust benefits and opportunities to foster personal and professional growth. Join us at Sun Pharma, where every day is an opportunity to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. Let’s create a brighter future together!

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employee within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees as assigned to this job.  Nothing herein shall preclude the employer from changing these duties from time to time and assigning comparable duties or other duties commensurate with the experience and background of incumbent(s).