Executive Director / Executive Directoress, Head of Advanced Quantitative Sciences Transformation

Novartis Pharma AG - May 22, 2025

Job ID

REQ-10050733

Date: May 06, 2025

Location: Basel, Switzerland or East Hanover, NJ, US

Type: Full time, Hybrid, #LI-Hybrid

Summary

The team at Advanced Quantitative Sciences (AQS) leverages data science and advanced analytics to support drug development. Our methodologies apply to patient-level data, encompassing clinical, real-world, and biomarker data throughout clinical development. AQS collaborates closely with both internal and external partners to enhance drug development decision-making. As the Executive Director, Head of Advanced Quantitative Sciences Transformation, you will lead the full delivery of the AQS transformation from design to implementation. Your responsibilities will include overseeing major strategic business projects for AQS, driving the Global Development strategy, and working alongside the AQS leadership team to accelerate and scale our transition to a modern technology platform, ultimately shaping our future direction.

About the Role

Your Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop an end-to-end transformation roadmap, defining the implementation strategy, operations, and related deliverables to increase speed and reduce costs in a complex, highly distributed, and fast-changing organization while enhancing productivity and maintaining high quality.
  • Deliver roadmaps across focus areas and supporting workstreams, coordinating efforts, managing interdependencies, and reporting to the Global Head of AQS and the AQS leadership team.
  • Lead the construction and updates of the business case, including identifying value levers and relevant indicators as appropriate.
  • Establish and monitor leading and lagging KPIs related to transformation progress and risk management.
  • Provide direct input and expertise in process design, risk management, governance, organizational design, resilience, and compliance.
  • Lead the transformation office and collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Head TSC, Head AMDS, Head S&O, AI/Data Engineering) and external partners (e.g., consultants).
  • Chair various governance and advisory committees for AQS transformation, including business reviews with the Global Head of Development, Head of SPPO, CFO, and the Technology Governance Committee.
  • Manage submissions in R while enhancing data flows through open-source and AI tools.
  • Develop and implement pressure-tested plans to mitigate risks during the transition from the old to the new operating model.
  • In partnership with AQS leadership, incorporate technology and innovation portfolio deliverables into the integrated transformation roadmap, along with any relevant non-drug development projects that impact the broader transformation.

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Essential Requirements

  • Advanced degree (MBA or similar) in a relevant field with a minimum of 12+ years of relevant industry experience, particularly in the healthcare sector, and a strong understanding of the drug development process.
  • Extensive experience leading major global business transformations.
  • Enterprise-level leadership experience; a systems thinker with the ability to manage complexity and identify acute pain points while providing direction and vision.
  • Proven capability to advocate for change and engage with cross-divisional stakeholders effectively.
  • Robust experience in complex project management.
  • Demonstrated history of ideating and executing complex change projects, both drug-related and non-drug related.
  • Successful track record as a leader of multidisciplinary teams.

Desired Requirements

  • Experience in strategy, process reengineering, project management, and organizational development.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with experience in managing complex setups.
  • Proven success in planning and executing programs in a matrixed organization, coupled with the ability to influence without authority and effectively manage senior-level stakeholders.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Novartis is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If you require assistance due to a medical condition or disability during the recruitment process, please contact us at Show e-mailm">.

Why Novartis

At Novartis, our mission extends beyond innovative science; it encompasses a community of passionate individuals like you, who are dedicated to supporting and inspiring one another. Together, we strive to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to help create a brighter future? Learn more here.

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Benefits and Rewards

Discover how we support your personal and professional growth by reading our handbook: Explore benefits and rewards.

To apply, please Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Division: Development

Business Unit: Innovative Medicines

Location: Switzerland

Site: Basel (City)

Company / Legal Entity: C028 (FCRS = CH028) Novartis Pharma AG

Functional Area: Research & Development

Job Type: Full time

Employment Type: Regular

Shift Work: No

Novartis is dedicated to building an outstanding and inclusive work environment with diverse teams that represent the patients and communities we serve.

Location : BASEL
Country : Switzerland

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