-Novartis has informally restricted employees from applying within network (even for months/years after sale or after quitting) as a result of impending sale so be aware of that fact when considering future options post-sale (if that ever actually occurs. Coming up on 2 years in the works). Novartis Global Leadership couldn't care less about associates at Sandoz and have been the furthest from transparent about timelines/decisions for impending sale to Aurobindo. Will not be held to the fire by Site Leadership so absolutely no information is disseminated in a timely manner, if at all. This includes information (such as benefits, PTO, sick days, etc) that is not at all captured under FTC oversight but we have continuously been given the excuse that none of this information is available because the FTC is reviewing the details. It is extremely condescending that they think the associates are too dumb to see right through it all. Novartis ECN has absolutely no respect from employees at the site level as a result.
-Zero talent development. No young talent brought into site because it cannot compete with pay/bonuses/cultures in RTP, Raleigh-Durham area. For career prospects, you're genuinely better off starting at the bottom of any pharma company in RTP or Raleigh-Durham.
-Zero consistency in decisions by management, so its hard to know how to handle day-to-day decisions without involving multiple managers.
-Management is a group of people that have risen to their level of incompetence, minus a handful of people who haven't yet left simply to gather bonuses/severance when sale finally goes through.
-Culture at site is non-existent, site leadership isn't interested in anything but meeting quotas for Novartis to ensure their annual bonuses.
-Benefits are pretty good while still under Novartis, but have been declining in quality and cost more as the years go on.
-Salary isn't competitive compared to working in RTP.
