Director, Strategic Projects Lead

The Director, Strategic Projects Lead at Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG in Basel drives large-scale strategic projects in Development, leveraging data and cross-functional leadership to enhance operational success and project certainty.

This position is responsible for leading strategic and operational initiatives within Development by utilizing data as a performance baseline. The role focuses on the independent delivery of large-scale projects, applying project management best practices to ensure successful outcomes and enhance certainty of success.

Responsibilities

• Define and address ambiguous challenges with direct alignment to Development goals and strategic priorities.
• Convert complex data and information into actionable insights and recommendations through qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Guide cross-functional teams to create optimal solutions and motivate stakeholders to take action, even without direct authority.
• Build trust-based partnerships with leaders and stakeholders to effectively support their organizational needs.
• Communicate information clearly and structured to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, using strong verbal and written skills.
• Improve operating models, simplify processes, enable data and technology, and drive financial success while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrate company values and behaviors, including ethics, collaboration, and humility, to facilitate change and engage in high-challenge conversations.
• Stay updated on process improvement methodologies such as IQP, lean six sigma, Scrum, and Agile to apply 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 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.
• Competitive benefits including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where feasible.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Long-term equity awards granted at the group level may be included in the compensation package.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG is dedicated to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the individuals who contribute to this mission.

• The company is committed to reimagining medicine together.
• Novartis focuses on rewarding the people who make its mission happen.