Director, Strategic Projects Lead

Novartis seeks a Director, Strategic Projects Lead in Basel to drive cross-disciplinary strategic initiatives in drug development, leveraging data and project management expertise to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes.

This position requires a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial approach to transform drug development processes and improve patient lives. The role focuses on delivering key strategic imperatives for the Development Unit by independently creating, planning, and operationalizing specific strategic projects across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Identify and execute strategic and operational goals for Development through cross-functional projects, using data to measure performance.
• Ensure the successful, independent delivery of large-scale strategic projects by applying project management best practices to increase the likelihood of success.
• Define and resolve ambiguous challenges, aligning solutions with Development objectives, strategy, and priorities.
• Analyze complex information using qualitative and quantitative methods to generate clear outcomes and actionable recommendations.
• Guide cross-functional teams to develop optimal solutions and influence stakeholders to take action, even without direct authority.
• Build trust-based relationships with leaders and stakeholders to better support their organizational needs.
• Communicate effectively through strong verbal and written skills, presenting information clearly to all audiences, including senior leadership.
• Lead project teams to improve operating model design, simplify processes, enable data and technology, and achieve financial success while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrate exceptional company values and behaviors, engaging in high-challenge conversations to drive change.
• Stay informed about process improvement methodologies and best practices.

Requirements

• A third-level degree in a relevant Life Sciences or Life Science Engineering discipline is preferred.
• 10-12 years of experience in Research & Development strategic consulting and/or Line Function in Development.
• Experience in corporate or development complex project management.
• In-depth knowledge of the drug discovery lifecycle and R&D functions, including Drug Discovery and Drug Development.
• A proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional projects with senior stakeholder engagement.

Nice to have

• An MBA or similar advanced qualification would be advantageous.

What the company offers

• Performance-based bonus tied to specific performance parameters.
• Long-term equity awards granted at the group level.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where feasible.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.

About the company

Novartis is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect. The company is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals, and pay equity is a fundamental principle of its employment policy.

• Commitment to reasonable accommodation for all individuals.
• Pay equity as a fundamental principle of employment policy.
• Dedication to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
• Treating all employees with dignity and respect.