Director, AQS Strategic Project Management Lead

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks a Director to lead strategic transformation initiatives in AQS, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership in Basel.

The company is looking for a Director to oversee the full lifecycle of strategic transformation projects within the AQS division. This role involves guiding senior leaders on execution excellence and ensuring that transformation efforts deliver tangible business results.

Responsibilities

• Create and update comprehensive roadmaps for transformation efforts that align with the organization's strategic goals.
• Convert high-level strategic aims into actionable plans featuring defined milestones, priorities, and task dependencies.
• Set up strong governance structures to track program performance, risks, and outcomes.
• Foster collaboration and alignment among cross-functional teams and Development stakeholders.
• Lead matrix teams to deliver complex projects, even without direct reporting authority.
• Introduce scalable processes and operating models to improve overall organizational efficiency.
• Promote change adoption by engaging stakeholders, building capabilities, and communicating effectively.
• Use data-driven insights to refine execution strategies, prioritize initiatives, and improve transformation results.

Requirements

• A degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or a closely related field.
• Extensive background in pharmaceutical R&D, life sciences consulting, or transformation roles.
• Track record of successfully managing large-scale, cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of drug development processes and the pharmaceutical R&D operating environment.
• Ability to break down complex strategies into executable plans with measurable outcomes.
• Strong expertise in program and project management, including planning, governance, and delivery.
• Proven skill in influencing senior stakeholders and leading within matrix organizations.
• Excellent analytical skills, communication abilities, and capacity for data-driven decision-making.

What the company offers

• Performance-based bonus tied to specific performance metrics.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Retirement and pension plans.
• Access to wellbeing resources.
• Global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where feasible.
• At least 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG is dedicated to reimagining medicine together, focusing on collaborative innovation to improve patient outcomes.

• Commitment to reimagining medicine together.