Job Description

The SSO Strategy & Operations Hub Head is accountable for the implementation and execution of the global strategy, key priorities, strategic initiatives, and function deliverables in the Hub. The SSO Strategy & Operations oversees overall performance in the Hub, applies business insights to drive productivity and provides strategic input for the SSO Hub Head.

The Hub Head S&O is also accountable for information management and the overarching hub communication strategy for both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborates and aligns with the Global Head Strategy Affairs & Business Operations, SSO to translate, implement and execute the global strategic plan to support the organization to become the industry leader
• Drives successful execution of innovative key strategic projects in line with short-, medium- and long-term strategies
• Accountable for operational excellence, productivity, and performance in the hub, in close collaboration with the Hub Head SSO, the Portfolio Head and the Hub Head Finance in alignment with GCO strategy
• Identifies hub-specific opportunities, challenges, and risks, supports mitigation
• Drives innovation and change management processes, identifies strategic solutions to improve clinical study execution
• Leads implementation of information management and communication standards and their further development and optimization
• Drives implementation of hub-specific communication strategy in line with global strategy
• Supports global SSO information and transformation initiatives, change management and SSO evolution incl. culture and mindset change
• Analyzes external benchmarking, trends, and regulations in the hub
• Provides hub-specific input to be considered in the global SSO strategy
• Represents SSO in any GCO-/GDD-wide initiatives in relation to Strategy and Operations
• Supports the Hub LT (incl. Portfolio Head, Country Heads and Cluster Head) in country- and cluster-specific projects to be in line with global strategy
• Supports the Portfolio Head in hub-specific study allocation strategy
• Collaborates with other Hub Heads S&O as well as global Head S&O to build a strong and aligned functional network

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in pharmaceutical development, preferably in clinical research, and/or monitoring clinical trials
• Demonstrated thorough change agile mind-set
• Experienced in Operations and Strategy of pharmaceutical development processes and in technical approaches
• Business management and applied insights experience preferred
• Demonstrated Experience in performance management and productivity projects
• Demonstrated leadership in leading cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated application of quantitative approaches to re-designing processes, improving productivity and/or improving efficiency
• Thorough understanding of the international aspects of drug development process, including expert knowledge of international standards (GCP/ICH), health authorities (FDA/EMA), local/National Health Authorities regulations and Novartis standards
• Organizational awareness, including experience working cross-functionally and in global teams
• Good strategic thinking skills
• Demonstrated matrix management skills and ability to influence without authority
• Excellent communicator and presenter (oral and written), ability to communicate to Sr. Leaders
• Bachelor’s Degree in life sciences required; Advanced Degree in scientific or business preferred

Skills Desired

Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, People Management, Program Management, Regulatory Compliance, Resource Management (Organizational), Risk Management