Development Unit Head Patient Safety - Oncology

Novartis seeks a Director to lead the Oncology Development Unit's patient safety strategy in Basel. This role oversees benefit-risk assessments, global safety governance, and team development for innovative medicines.

The company is looking for a senior leader to define and execute the safety strategy for oncology products throughout their development lifecycle. This position ensures that patient safety remains the core focus of decision-making while shaping the benefit-risk profile of a diverse portfolio. The role involves influencing global development programs and collaborating closely with senior leadership to advance innovative therapies.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the safety strategy for oncology medicines across all stages of the product lifecycle.
• Conduct benefit-risk evaluations to guide informed decisions and optimize patient outcomes.
• Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing global patient safety team.
• Proactively identify, assess, and manage emerging safety signals and potential risks.
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality, compliant medical safety assessments and documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to move innovative medicines through development and registration.
• Provide strategic oversight of safety governance, escalation protocols, and regulatory engagement.
• Promote scientific excellence through coaching, capability building, and succession planning.
• Represent the organization in interactions with health authorities, industry groups, and external experts.
• Drive operational excellence by fostering innovation, simplifying processes, and ensuring continuous improvement.

Requirements

• A medical degree combined with extensive experience in clinical development and patient safety within the pharmaceutical sector.
• Significant leadership experience managing global drug development and safety activities across multiple programs.
• Deep expertise in benefit-risk evaluation, safety signal detection, and clinical safety assessment methodologies.
• Proven track record of leading regulatory interactions and presenting safety data to global health authorities.
• Strong understanding of drug development, clinical trial methodology, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles.
• Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, and developing high-performing, multicultural teams in a global environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills across complex organizational settings.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate effectively in global environments.

Nice to have

• Specialty Board Certification is considered an advantage.
• Postgraduate qualification in Pharmaceutical Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related scientific discipline is desirable.
• Proficiency in an additional major international language, such as French, German, or Spanish, is advantageous.

What the company offers

• Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: CHF 207,900.00 - 386,100.00
• Eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.
• Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible.
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

About the company

Novartis operates with the purpose of reimaging medicine to improve and extend people's lives. The company is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect. Pay equity is a fundamental principle of their employment policy, and they are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals.

• Purpose-driven mission to reimagine medicine for better health outcomes.
• Commitment to pay equity as a core employment principle.
• Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion with dignity and respect for all.
• Dedication to reasonable accommodation for all employees.