Corporate Vice President, Rare Blood Disorders / Corporate Vice Presidentess, Rare Blood Disorders

Join Our Team at Novo Nordisk Rare Disease

Are you a seasoned commercial leader in the pharmaceutical industry with exposure to medical and scientific disciplines, along with a comprehensive understanding of the drug development value chain? Do you have a proven track record of successful product launches that effectively address significant unmet needs for patients? We are seeking an exceptional leader to spearhead our Rare Blood Disorder franchise at Novo Nordisk Rare Disease. Read on and apply online using the form below for a life-changing career.

About the Department

Novo Nordisk Rare Disease is a unit within the leading global healthcare company, Novo Nordisk. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat rare blood and endocrine disorders. We achieve this by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working towards the prevention and ultimate cure of diseases.

Novo Nordisk Rare Disease employs over 4,000 professionals across 14 locations worldwide, delivering marketed products to over 100 countries and ensuring a strong development pipeline. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the Rare Disease Global commercial unit has over 150 dedicated and passionate employees who work closely with the broader organization. With our unique positioning as part of the Novo Nordisk stronghold, we enjoy the flexibility of a biotech, allowing us to innovate without limits. As a unit, we pride ourselves on agility and our ability to balance vision with action.

The Rare Blood Disorders (RBD) portfolio is our largest area within Rare Disease, encompassing five launched brands and several pipeline assets across three key therapeutic areas: Rare Bleeding Disorders (Haemophilia), Hemoglobinopathies (Sickle Cell), and Hemato-Renal. The Rare Blood Disorders team consists of approximately 15 highly qualified and committed professionals, divided into two teams based in Zurich.

The Position

As the new Corporate Vice President (CVP) of Rare Blood Disorders (RBD), you will report to the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Rare Disease at Novo Nordisk and will play a crucial role in the leadership team of the area.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and refining the Rare Blood Disorders franchise strategy to align with Novo Nordisk's overall Rare Disease and corporate strategies, in close collaboration with early research, clinical development, and other areas across the value chain.
• Driving the portfolio to maximize project and product value; ensuring accountability to governance boards for project progress, in line with approved objectives and key deliverables.
• Leading a small but complex team of 15 highly qualified employees across two teams, working cross-functionally with medical (anchored in Rare Disease Global), business development, and clinical development.
• Developing and nurturing a high-performing, cross-functional organization that supports the Rare Blood Disorders commercial agenda, emphasizing personal development and engagement aligned with the Novo Nordisk Way.
• Cultivating relationships and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to effectively deploy and execute strategies.
• Identifying and maximizing long-term organic growth opportunities while scouting for attractive business development prospects.

The role is based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Qualifications

We are looking for an accomplished leader in a large pharmaceutical company or biotech, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in commercial roles—preferably at both affiliate and global levels. In addition, you should possess:

• Demonstrated expertise in portfolio and therapy area management, showcasing a strong history of overseeing product portfolios at various stages, with a focus on successful global (and local) product launches.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional, matrixed teams and a track record of creating ambitious and high-performing organizations focused on personal development.
• Solid understanding of the drug development value chain, with experience in medical and scientific disciplines gained through education or professional experience.
• A demonstrated history of operating across various therapeutic areas. Exposure to rare blood disorders is considered an advantage.
• A global perspective and proven track record of successfully collaborating and influencing within a complex, matrix organization.
• An advanced degree in a relevant field.

As a person, you are driven and able to operate independently. You are curious and agile, with a passion for cultural diversity and a global mindset. As an empowering and resilient leader, you motivate and bring together high-performing teams of exceptional professionals. You value collaboration, excel in stakeholder management, and are adept at navigating complexity in a global matrix. A persuasive communicator, you make clear decisions and influence others, regardless of organizational level.

Application Process

To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.

Contact

For further information, please contact Executive Search Partner, Heidi Ashby at HZEA@novonordisk.com.

At Novo Nordisk, we recognize that it is no longer sufficient to aspire to be the best company in the world; we must aspire to be the best company for the world. This is only possible with talented employees possessing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve, and the communities we operate in. Together, we’re life-changing.