Job Description

Location: this role can be based in Basel Switzerland or in Cambridge MA / East Hanover NJ US. If based in the US, please apply to REQ-10072526.

Novartis is seeking an accomplished M&A leader to take on a pivotal transaction role at the centre of its strategic growth agenda. This executive will lead complex, high-value acquisitions and divestments, shape investment decisions at the highest levels of the organisation, and play a critical role in securing the external innovation and capabilities that will define the company’s future portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full strategic and execution agenda for major acquisitions and divestments, from deal shaping through signing and closing.
• Advise and influence senior leadership on transaction strategy, valuation, risk, and capital deployment, partnering closely with finance, legal, tax, diligence, research, development, and commercial leaders.
• Direct complex cross-functional workstreams in competitive environments, ensuring clear decision-making and high-quality materials for executive committees and the Board.
• Oversee corporate diligence, governance, and approval processes, while supporting post-signing diligence, integration readiness, and strategic knowledge transfer.
• Develop internal transaction capability through leadership of a small team of direct reports, mentoring junior deal leaders, and maintaining strong relationships with external advisors and market participants.

Required Experience

Essential

• A proven track record of leading complex, end-to-end M&A transactions across multiple structures, sectors, and geographies.
• Deep experience in corporate strategy, valuation, financial modelling, scenario analysis, and value creation assessment.
• Strong judgement in evaluating and managing strategic, financial, operational, legal, and regulatory risk in high-stakes transactions.
• Credibility and presence to lead large, senior cross-functional teams and operate effectively with executive stakeholders and boards.
• An academic background in life sciences is preferred, with an advanced degree viewed favourably.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative 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 diversity.inclusion_ch@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