LDC Solution Design Manager, Direct Procurement

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: LDC Solution Design Manager, Direct Procurement

Company: Novartis

Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia (with flexibility for Prague, Czechia and Hyderabad, India)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM Strategy (Solution Design within Procurement Operations)

Date Posted: December 17, 2025

Experience Level: 3+ Years (Mid-Level to Senior)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic Solution Design: Accountable for designing IT system solutions for Direct Procurement that align with Novartis's architectural standards, quality, performance, and security requirements, directly impacting operational efficiency and value creation.

• Digital Transformation Leadership: Drive change and engagement by leveraging IT solutions to transform procurement processes, enabling functional excellence and optimizing operating models through data and digital integration.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively collaborate with LDC teams, key stakeholders, senior management, and business functions to shape structures, concepts, and frameworks that support business objectives and ensure seamless integration of IT solutions.

• Process Optimization & Standardization: Champion the definition and implementation of standardized system design standards and processes to ensure cost-effective system delivery, improve user experience, and maintain architectural integrity across various projects and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "LDC Solution Design Manager, Direct Procurement," the responsibilities heavily lean into operational excellence, process design, and IT system implementation within a critical business function (procurement). This aligns closely with the principles of Revenue Operations and Sales Operations, focusing on optimizing business processes, leveraging technology for efficiency, and driving strategic outcomes. The role requires a blend of technical understanding, project management, and business acumen, making it a strong fit for operations professionals seeking to apply their skills in a large, regulated industry. The mention of "LDC" (likely meaning Novartis functional domain or center) and "Direct Procurement" signifies a specialized but core operational area.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design IT system solutions for Direct Procurement projects and improvements, ensuring alignment with architectural blueprints and adherence to functional and non-functional requirements.

• Ensure that designed systems support the development, execution, and operation of solutions, maintaining compliance with architectural standards and the architecture manual.

• Define and enforce standards for system designs to improve and maintain solution standardization, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the organization.

• Lead and support workshops to identify gaps and formulate project improvement proposals, evaluating solutions and coordinating with relevant business functions.

• Oversee project work and improvements to ensure they are implemented within agreed timelines, cost constraints, and quality standards.

• Validate developed solutions with stakeholders, ensuring formal documentation and approval from business functions are obtained.

• Manage the execution of solution testing according to quality standards, ensuring the robustness and reliability of implemented systems.

• Establish standardized design and planning processes to enable cost-effective system implementation and integration.

• Ensure a strong user experience is considered throughout the design of new solutions and services, promoting adoption and satisfaction.

• Govern security concepts and access controls, reporting on triggered projects, milestones, and performance metrics to ensure compliance and operational integrity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured approach to solution design, project execution, and process standardization within procurement. This aligns with core operations principles of efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and stakeholder management, typical of mid-to-senior level operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Higher education degree in Computer Science, Informatics, or a related relevant field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Information Technology.

• Proven experience in designing and implementing digital solutions, specifically within the procurement domain.

Required Skills:

• Active proficiency in English (oral and written) for effective communication across a global organization.

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

• Deep understanding of direct procurement processes, including upstream contract management, master data management, and transactional procurement.

• Hands-on experience with procurement-related systems and ecosystems, such as SAP, Ariba, or similar procurement and supply chain systems.

• Experience in digital transformation initiatives within the procurement function.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the Radioligand Therapy domain, providing context for specific procurement needs within Novartis's core business.

• Solid understanding of supply chain and procurement processes specifically within Switzerland, indicating a potential focus on regional operations or compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience of 3+ years in IT, combined with specific knowledge of procurement systems and digital transformation, positions this role for individuals with a solid foundation in operations technology and process improvement. The preference for Swiss procurement knowledge suggests a potential need for understanding regional regulatory environments or supply chain intricacies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Solution Design Documentation: Showcase examples of detailed IT system solution designs, including functional and non-functional requirements, architectural alignment, and system integration strategies.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present documented instances of how your design contributions led to tangible improvements in procurement processes, efficiency gains, or cost savings.

• System Implementation & Testing: Provide evidence of involvement in the implementation and testing phases of IT solutions, demonstrating an understanding of quality assurance and validation processes.

• Standardization Initiatives: Highlight projects where you contributed to establishing or enforcing design standards, process standardization, or architectural consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting complex procurement workflows, from contract management to transactional procurement, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

• System Integration: Showcase understanding of how different procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Ariba) integrate and how your design facilitated seamless data flow and operational continuity.

• User Experience Design: Present examples where user experience was a key consideration in your design solutions, leading to improved user adoption and satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should prepare case studies that clearly articulate a problem, their proposed solution (with design specifics), the implementation process, and the quantifiable results. Focus on demonstrating an understanding of how IT solutions directly support and optimize procurement operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Estimated Range: €60,000 - €90,000 annually (Slovenia)

Methodology: Based on industry benchmarks for Solution Design Managers in IT/Procurement roles in Slovenia, considering the experience level (3+ years), and the pharmaceutical industry context. This estimate also factors in the cost of living in Ljubljana. For Prague, the range might be slightly lower, and for Hyderabad, significantly lower due to regional economic differences. The specific offer will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A compensation package designed to attract and retain talent.

• Annual Bonus: Performance-based incentive tied to individual and company achievements.

• Flexible Working Schedule: Adaptable work hours to accommodate personal needs and optimize work-life balance.

• Possibility To Work From Home: Hybrid work model allowing for remote work days to enhance flexibility.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution towards retirement savings, ensuring long-term financial security.

• Employee Recognition Scheme: Programs to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance and contributions.

• Expanded Program for Health Promotion: Initiatives focused on physical, mental, and social well-being (Well-being initiative).

• Unlimited Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to resources, training, and programs for continuous professional growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (estimated 40 hours per week).

• The role offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing for adjustments to accommodate project needs and personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate for Ljubljana, Slovenia. For Prague and Hyderabad, salary expectations would differ significantly. Candidates should research local compensation standards for similar roles in their preferred location. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, health, and professional development, which are attractive to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology. Novartis is a global leader in developing innovative medicines to improve patient lives. This industry demands high standards of quality, compliance, and a commitment to scientific advancement.

Company Size: Large (Novartis is a multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally). This implies a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for global collaboration.

Founded: 1996. Novartis has a long-standing history and a strong reputation in the healthcare sector, driven by innovation and a patient-centric approach.

Team Structure:

• LDC (Likely Novartis functional domain or center): The role operates within a specific functional domain, likely a Global or Regional center of excellence for IT or Procurement.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager or director responsible for solution design or IT within the procurement function. Collaboration will be extensive with various IT teams, procurement specialists, business stakeholders, and potentially external vendors.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with business functions, IT architects, project managers, and users across different geographies to ensure solutions meet diverse needs. The mention of "GPOs" (Global Process Owners) and "Enterprise Data Owners" highlights the cross-functional nature.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Solutions are expected to be grounded in data analysis, aligning with architectural standards and business objectives.

• Agile & Standardized Processes: While projects need to be delivered within timelines, the emphasis on standardization and architectural compliance suggests a structured, possibly hybrid agile approach.

• User-Centricity: A focus on user experience ensures that designed solutions are practical and adopted effectively by end-users.

Company Website: https://www.novartis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large pharmaceutical company like Novartis means operating in a highly regulated environment. This necessitates a strong focus on compliance, quality, and robust documentation, which are key aspects of operations roles. The "LDC" designation suggests a specialized unit focused on delivering IT solutions to specific business domains, requiring deep collaboration with those business units.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level to Senior Managerial. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and strategic thinking, placing it beyond entry-level positions and into a leadership capacity for solution design within a critical operational area.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a senior IT or Procurement Operations leader, with significant interaction with Global Process Owners (GPOs) and potentially senior business stakeholders. This provides visibility and exposure to strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Solution Design Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the technology infrastructure that underpins Direct Procurement. Effective solution design directly impacts procurement efficiency, cost savings, compliance, and the ability of Novartis to secure essential supplies for drug development and manufacturing, thereby having a significant impact on revenue enablement and operational continuity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in procurement IT systems, digital transformation within supply chain, or specific therapeutic areas like Radioligand Therapy.

• Leadership Development: Progress to managing larger project portfolios, leading a team of solution designers, or moving into broader IT or procurement leadership roles.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into roles focused on enterprise architecture, program management, or strategic procurement operations.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), IT service management (e.g., ITIL), or specialized procurement/supply chain technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within IT and operations at Novartis. The emphasis on digital transformation and process optimization means that successful candidates will be well-positioned for future leadership roles in operations and technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is designated as #LI-Hybrid, indicating a blend of on-site and remote work. This allows for in-person collaboration and team building while also offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Ljubljana, Slovenia. However, the listing also mentions Hyderabad (India) and Prague (Czechia) as potential locations, suggesting a global team structure or shared service model where collaboration across these sites is expected.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive collaboration with diverse teams, both locally and globally, necessitating strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a robust IT infrastructure, including standard office software, specialized procurement systems (SAP, Ariba), and potentially project management and collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with IT architects, procurement specialists, project managers, and business stakeholders, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• The hybrid arrangement and flexible scheduling options allow for adaptation to project demands and personal needs, supporting efficient operations and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key factor for candidates seeking work-life balance. The mention of multiple potential office locations indicates a global operational footprint and the need for adaptability and strong remote collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CVs and cover letters, focusing on relevant experience in IT solution design, procurement systems, and digital transformation.

• Technical/Functional Interview: Discussion of technical skills, understanding of procurement processes, experience with specific systems (SAP, Ariba), and approach to solution design challenges. This may involve a case study or scenario-based questions.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of leadership potential, project management capabilities, stakeholder engagement skills, and cultural fit with Novartis's values.

• Panel Interview (Potentially): Interaction with cross-functional team members (e.g., IT Architects, Business Stakeholders, Procurement Leads) to evaluate collaboration skills and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly state the problem, your solution, the implementation process, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., % cost reduction, % time saved, % improvement in data accuracy).

• Showcase Design Thinking: Detail your thought process for designing solutions, including how you considered architectural standards, user needs, and scalability. Use diagrams or flowcharts where appropriate.

• Highlight System Knowledge: Specifically mention your experience with SAP, Ariba, or similar procurement systems, detailing your role in configuration, integration, or design within these platforms.

• Address Digital Transformation: Prepare examples of how you contributed to digital transformation initiatives within procurement, demonstrating an understanding of modernizing operations.

• Tailor to Procurement: For this role, ensure your portfolio prominently features projects related to direct procurement, contract management, or master data management.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Expect questions that present a procurement IT challenge (e.g., integrating a new supplier portal, improving contract compliance tracking) and ask you to outline your solution design approach.

• Process Mapping & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you would analyze an existing procurement process, identify inefficiencies, and design an IT solution to optimize it.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would manage conflicting requirements from different business units or IT teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of solution design principles to procurement challenges, coupled with clear articulation of results, will be key. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with specific tools and methodologies relevant to large-scale IT projects in a regulated industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Procurement Systems: SAP (likely S/4HANA or ECC), Ariba (Procurement Network, Contracts, etc.). Deep functional and potentially technical knowledge is expected.

• Solution Design Tools: Standard diagramming tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart) for creating process flows, architecture diagrams, and data models.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project are likely used for task tracking and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports to monitor solution performance and KPIs.

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel (advanced functions), potentially SQL for data querying and analysis related to system performance and user adoption.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: SAP is central, managing core financial and operational data.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how to leverage system capabilities or dedicated tools for automating procurement workflows (e.g., purchase order approvals, invoice processing).

• Integration Platforms: Experience or understanding of how systems integrate (e.g., via APIs, middleware) to ensure seamless data flow between procurement, finance, and other enterprise systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with SAP and Ariba is almost certainly a requirement given Novartis's scale and industry. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience designing solutions for these platforms, including data management, process flows, and integrations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient Focus: All operations, including procurement IT, ultimately support the company's mission to help patients. This drives a commitment to quality and reliability.

• Integrity & Compliance: Operating in the pharmaceutical industry demands the highest ethical standards and strict adherence to regulations (e.g., SOX, GxP).

• Innovation: A drive to leverage digital technologies and new approaches to improve processes and outcomes.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, shared responsibility, and open communication across diverse global teams.

• Performance & Efficiency: A commitment to optimizing processes, reducing costs, and ensuring timely delivery of solutions and services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires deep collaboration with Procurement business units, IT architecture, IT development teams, and potentially finance and legal departments.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of continuous improvement, where processes and designs are regularly reviewed and feedback is actively sought and incorporated.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and geographies to foster collective growth and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis's culture is likely to be values-driven, emphasizing patient well-being, integrity, and innovation. Operations professionals who can demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly integrity and collaboration, will be highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Global Standardization vs. Local Needs: Balancing the need for standardized global IT solutions with specific regional or local procurement requirements and regulations.

• Complex System Landscape: Navigating and integrating a vast and complex enterprise IT ecosystem, ensuring solutions fit within the existing architecture.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse stakeholder expectations and priorities across different business units and geographies.

• Digital Transformation Pace: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in digital technologies and integrating them effectively into procurement operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in areas like digital procurement, supply chain technology, and master data governance.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events (e.g., SAP Sapphire, Ariba LIVE) and pursue certifications in areas like IT architecture, project management, or specific procurement technologies.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Access to mentorship programs and potential for leadership development training to prepare for future management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for large, global organizations in regulated industries, offering opportunities for professionals to develop strategic problem-solving and change management skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex IT solution you designed for a procurement process. What were the key requirements, what was your design approach, and what was the measurable impact?" (Focus on process example, design methodology, and ROI articulation).

• "How do you ensure that a proposed IT solution aligns with enterprise architectural standards while also meeting specific business unit needs?" (Preparation: Emphasize balancing governance with practicality, stakeholder consultation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How would you contribute to Novartis's commitment to patient well-being and integrity through your work in procurement IT solution design?" (Preparation: Research Novartis's mission, values, and recent initiatives).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or global team environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication across different locations and time zones?" (Preparation: Highlight communication tools, proactive engagement, and cultural sensitivity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each project. Clearly define the problem, your role, the actions you took (design choices), and the quantified results.

• Visualize Your Designs: Use simplified diagrams, flowcharts, or mockups to illustrate your design concepts. Focus on clarity and demonstrating your thought process.

• Highlight Key Technologies: Be prepared to deep-dive into your experience with SAP, Ariba, and other relevant systems, explaining how you leveraged them in your designs.

• Emphasize Process Improvement: For each example, explicitly state how your solution improved a procurement process, saved costs, or enhanced compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on linking your past experiences to the specific requirements of the role, emphasizing your understanding of procurement operations, IT solution design, and the pharmaceutical industry context. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of your thought process will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://novartis.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Novartis_Careers/job/Ljubljana/LDC-Solution-Design-Manager--Direct-Procurement_REQ-10063909

• Curate Your Operations Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects related to IT solution design, procurement processes, or digital transformation within supply chain/procurement. Ensure they highlight your ability to design, implement, and measure results.

• Tailor Your CV: Optimize your CV to clearly showcase your experience with procurement systems (SAP, Ariba), solution design methodologies, digital transformation projects, and your 3+ years of IT experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Story: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method, focusing on quantifiable achievements and your role in driving efficiency and compliance. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and approach to problem-solving.

• Research Novartis: Understand Novartis's mission, values, and its position in the pharmaceutical industry. Familiarize yourself with their approach to digital transformation and operational excellence.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.