Job Description

Are you ready to lead the delivery of large-scale, enterprise initiatives that directly accelerate scientific discovery and innovation within Biomedical Research? As Director, Strategic Delivery, you will sit at the heart of Data & Digital, partnering closely with senior leaders to translate strategy into measurable outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to shape how complex programmes are executed across a global research organisation - driving clarity, accountability and pace while enabling cutting-edge science. You will empower teams, elevate delivery standards and ensure the successful realisation of initiatives that ultimately help bring transformative medicines to patients faster.

Location: Prague, Czech Republic #LI-Hybrid

This role is based in Prague, Czech Republic. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, cross-functional programmes aligned to Data & Digital and Biomedical Research strategic priorities

• Own execution of critical initiatives, ensuring clear accountability for outcomes, timelines,dependenciesand realisation of intended value

• Act as the central delivery leader for high-priority initiatives, proactivelyidentifying,escalatingand mitigating risks and delivery challenges

• Maintain an enterprise-wide view of the delivery portfolio,identifyinginterdependencies, systemicbottlenecksand opportunities to optimise execution

• Partner closely with senior stakeholders to align strategic priorities with execution plans and ensure successful value realisation

• Define and evolve delivery frameworks, selecting and adapting Agile, project or hybrid models to meet diverse programme needs

• Lead and AI-enable a high-performing project and programme management capability across the organisation

• Drive delivery excellence through robust governance, clearstandardsand continuous improvement of ways of working

• Provide insightful, decision-focused reporting to senior leadership on progress, risks, dependencies and required interventions

• Ensure delivery execution embeds information security,qualityand risk standards across all initiatives from planning through to completion

Essential for the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Informatics, DataScienceor a related field;Master’sdegree strongly preferred

• Formal training in project management methodologies (e.g. PMP, PMI-ACP, Certified Scrum Master)

• 10+ years’ experience delivering complex technology programmes within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry

• 6+ years’ experience leading and developing high-performing, global teams in a senior leadership capacity

• Proventrack recordof delivering large-scale, cross-functional initiatives with measurable business and scientific outcomes

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives and competing stakeholder demands in a complex global environment

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with strong experience engaging and advising senior and executive stakeholders

• Good understanding of global research organisations, including the complexities of drug discovery and development environments

Desirable for the role:

• Formal training in project management methodologies (e.g. PMP, PMI‑ACP, Certified Scrum Master)

• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or technology organisations supporting life sciences, including exposure to data, informatics, or digital platforms and experience in complex global matrix environments

Benefits & Rewards

Monthly pension contribution matching your individual contribution up to 3% of your gross monthly base salary; Risk Life Insurance (full cost covered by Novartis); 5-week holiday per year; (1 week above the Labour Law requirement) ; 4 paid sick days within one calendar year in case of absence due to sickness without a medical sickness report; Cafeteria employee benefit program – choice of benefits from Benefit Plus Cafeteria in the amount of 17,500 CZK per year; Meal vouchers in amount of 105 CZK for each working day (full tax covered by company);MultiSportCard; Company Car or Car Allowance. Find out more about Novartis Business Services: https://www.novartis.cz/

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverseteamsrepresentative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and accommodation 

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all  individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to di.cz@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. 

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Business Relationship Management (BRM), Change Management, Financial Modeling, IT Program Management, Performance Management (PM), Project Planning, Resource Management