Development Unit Head Patient Safety - Oncology

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks a Director to lead the Oncology Development Unit's patient safety strategy in Basel, shaping global safety decisions and leading a high-performing team.

This leadership position is integral to Novartis's mission to reimagine medicine and improve patient lives. The role focuses on defining the global safety strategy for oncology products, influencing key development choices, and ensuring that patient safety remains at the forefront of clinical advancement.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the safety strategy for the Oncology Development Unit throughout the entire product lifecycle.
• Conduct benefit-risk evaluations to guide decision-making and optimize patient outcomes.
• Build, mentor, and grow a top-tier global Patient Safety organization.
• 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 advance innovative medicines through development and registration phases.
• Provide strategic oversight of safety governance, escalation processes, and regulatory engagement.
• Promote scientific excellence through coaching, capability building, and succession planning.
• Represent Novartis in interactions with health authorities, industry groups, and external experts.
• Foster operational excellence by driving innovation, process simplification, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Medical degree with extensive experience in clinical development and patient safety within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Significant leadership experience overseeing global drug development and safety activities across multiple development programs.
• Deep expertise in benefit-risk evaluation, safety signal detection, and clinical safety assessment methodologies.
• Proven experience 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 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.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG is driven by a purpose to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. The company values scientific leadership, patient safety, and driving transformative change.

• Novartis's purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives.
• The company values scientific leadership, patient safety, and driving transformative change.