Director Strategy International

13 March 2026
100%
Basel (City)

Job summary

Join Novartis to lead strategic projects in a dynamic environment. This role offers opportunities for growth and impactful collaboration.

Tasks

Manage strategic cross-functional projects for successful execution.
Support annual Strategic Planning in alignment with Group Strategy.
Engage with external consultants to ensure project success.

Skills

MD or PhD in Life Science, or MBA with healthcare experience required.
Strong project management and interpersonal skills needed.
Excellent analytical mindset and data-driven insights are essential.

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About the job

Summary

Primary responsibility to lead and drive key strategic projects sponsored by Head of International, and ILT members
• Supports Int’l Senior Management in communicating and translating the strategy into clear tactics and managing projects to define subsequent operational actions
• Requires strong project management and interpersonal skills, ability to work within the organization at all levels, utilizing a very “hands on” approach to create value, manage projects and generate buy-in
• Expected to lead and / or manage 1-2 projects at various stages
• Supports the Novartis Int’l Strategy by ensuring project plans are in line with senior management expectations through ongoing communication & engagement with project teams

About the Role

· Manage and drive strategic cross-functional projects as defined by Head of Int’l and ILT members to successful execution with measurable business impact. Prepare and present regular updates to senior management.

· Support design and management of the company wide annual Strategic Planning process in alignment with Group Strategy Team and Head of Int’l. Prepare key meetings. Actively drive creation of high quality Strategy documents and ensure timely submission of decks.

· Ensure projects which use external management consultants, are well managed and viewed as successful by Head of Int’l and ILT members. Manage this by ongoing engagement with the external project team, ensuring alignment with project objectives and adhering to committed timelines and milestones.

· Deliver on ad-hoc requests from Head of Int’l, Head of Strategy Int’l and other ILT members

Ideal background

MD or PhD in Life Science / Biology or related discipline; or
MBA plus extensive healthcare experience

Preferred: Strategic management consulting background (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, Bain, LEK, etc)

Global understanding of Pharma business and industry, across various disciplines/functions (e.g., payors, providers, development and commercial), at least 5 years experience in healthcare discipline, consulting or company

Strong skills in managing cross-functional projects with significant (visible) business impact

Significant experience, and proven ability to effectively engage & manage associates from widely varying backgrounds & functions within a dispersed and highly matrixed organization

Capable of being able to influence without authority

Excellent analytical, process-oriented and data driven mindset - A proven ability to “see beyond the numbers” and provide analytical insights

Work or project experience in at least two geographies (e.g., LaCan / Europe, Asia / Europe) and one of Novartis focused TAs (i.e. Neuro, Immuno, Oncology, CRM); cross-cultural experience is an asset

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
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