Director – Social Impact – Sustainability Strategy

Novartis seeks a Director for Social Impact and Sustainability Strategy in Basel. The role leads strategic priorities in environmental sustainability and social impact, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and external standards.

This position is responsible for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of Novartis’ Social Impact and Sustainability Strategy. Reporting to the Global Head of Social Impact & Sustainability Strategy, Integration & Measurement, the Director independently drives key strategic priorities, splitting focus evenly between environmental sustainability and social impact topics. The role ensures these strategies remain aligned with corporate objectives, evolving regulations, and stakeholder expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evolution of the company’s Social Impact and Sustainability roadmap, covering both environmental and social dimensions.
• Ensure that sustainability targets and strategic priorities align with current external standards, frameworks, and stakeholder expectations.
• Identify opportunities to accelerate progress toward ambitious sustainability goals and provide expert guidance to various business functions for continuous improvement.
• Assist the Global Head in defining and executing major initiatives and strategic moves for the CEO, ESG Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Independently lead high-profile, company-wide strategic initiatives, including new priorities and cross-functional projects.
• Develop and implement innovative concepts to keep the sustainability agenda competitive and differentiated.
• Act as an advisor and sparring partner to business unit colleagues to ensure consistent implementation of the global strategy.
• Stay updated on sustainability and ESG regulations, translating external developments into strategic implications for the organization.
• Represent Novartis in industry groups and external discussions, helping to shape industry standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Business, Strategy, Engineering, Sustainability, or Life Sciences; an MBA is preferred. Equivalent professional experience is also acceptable.
• Deep expertise in environmental sustainability, including knowledge of key trends, standards, and frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in ESG, social impact, and environmental sustainability projects and strategy work.
• Extensive experience in project and program management for strategic initiatives.
• Ability to balance strategic goals with operational realities, with experience in enterprise integration, transformation, or program orchestration.
• Strong skills in developing presentations for senior leadership and communicating clearly.
• High proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Background in management consulting at the engagement manager or associate principal level, or other extensive relevant work experience.

What the company offers

• Access to comprehensive benefits and rewards information via the employee handbook.

About the company

Novartis is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment and building diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities it serves. The company culture is defined by a community of smart, passionate individuals who collaborate, support, and inspire each other to achieve breakthroughs.

• Commitment to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment.
• Diverse teams representative of patients and communities.
• Culture built on collaboration, support, and inspiration among smart, passionate people.
• Focus on achieving breakthroughs through teamwork.