Implementation and Strategic Initiatives Director

Band

Level 6

Job Description Summary

This position will be located at East Hanover, NJ site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. “Please note that this role would not provide relocation and only local candidates will be considered.”

Joining the SSO Strategy & Operations leadership team, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving high-impact initiatives that shape the future of clinical operations at Novartis. This is a unique opportunity to influence enterprise-wide programmes, champion innovation, and lead transformative projects that strengthen our global capabilities. You’ll work closely with senior leaders across GCO and GDD, bringing forward-thinking ideas and operational excellence to the heart of drug development. If you're passionate about leading change and delivering meaningful impact, this role offers the chance to truly make a difference.

Location: Basel, Switzerland OR East Hanover, United States #LI-Hybrid

Responsibilities:
• Propose, define, and track strategic, value-added initiatives within SSO, ensuring alignment with future organisational priorities.
• Drive SSO participation in enterprise-wide programmes and ensure effective implementation and representation.
• Support the SSO Leadership Team by piloting advanced methodologies that enhance clinical trial delivery.
• Lead adoption of strategic solutions across hub and country S&O offices in collaboration with SSO LT.
• Evaluate internal and external trends to position SSO as a best-in-class clinical operations function.
• Partner with PTC to ensure country-level needs are reflected in process, training, and compliance initiatives.
• Act as strategic partner to SSO LT, synthesising best practices and promoting knowledge sharing across the function.
• Collaborate with GCO Training CoE to drive business adoption of shared practices and lead platform development for SSO.
• Represent SSO in GDD-wide innovation and strategy forums, influencing enterprise direction and transformation.

Job Description

Essential For The Role:

• Minimum of 8 years working in global strategy, innovation, or clinical operations; clinical trial experience preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing teams within a global matrix organisation.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with proven decision-making and communication capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership in innovating pharmaceutical development processes and technical approaches.
• Comprehensive project management expertise, with a track record of successful cross-functional execution.
• Deep understanding of the drug development lifecycle and experience driving global, cross-functional initiatives.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $185,600/yr and $344,500/yr; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period.  Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Eeo Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

Salary Range

$185,500.00 - $344,500.00

Skills Desired

Adaptive Strategy And Innovation, Clinical Research, Data Migration, Drug Development, Estimation Process, Financial Management, Influencing Skills, Interpersonal Communication Skills, Leadership, Lifesciences, Microsoft Project, Operations, Organizational And Project Design, Pmi (Project Management Institute), Pmp (Project Management Professional), Prioritization, Program Management, Project Delivery, Project Execution, Project Life Cycle, Project Planning, Project Presentation, R&D (Research And Development), Requirements Gathering, Senior Management