Strategy & New Product Head

Job Overview

This role involves steering strategic initiatives and projects at the country level to support the overarching growth strategy and facilitate faster, responsible decision-making processes. A key focus is on identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing strategic opportunities and revenue potentials to ensure sustainable future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic initiatives and projects that support the company's overarching growth objectives and promote swift, accountable decisions at the country level.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize growth opportunities and revenue potential to secure sustainable expansion.
• Coordinate the annual strategic planning process, ensuring strong cross-functional alignment around operational priorities and country-specific goals.
• Evaluate organizational capabilities concerning strategy and market dynamics, recommending targeted actions to bolster implementation and long-term readiness.
• Collaborate with global and local stakeholders to assess and plan product strategies for early market launches, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and country-specific requirements.
• Work alongside cross-departmental teams to advance early launch activities and guarantee successful market readiness.
• Co-develop commercialization strategies with business units and aid in implementing the "ONE Brand Plan" for key pipeline products.
• Build and strengthen country-specific capabilities for successful product launches by embedding best practices and enhancing readiness for upcoming portfolio opportunities.
• Contribute country-specific insights to internal pipeline considerations and international operational model milestones, including external corporate and business development perspectives.
• Assist in shaping the business unit's long-term portfolio strategy by integrating country insights, market dynamics, and cross-functional viewpoints into plans exceeding a five-year horizon.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to implement strategic priorities, exemplifying the "Novartis Leadership Expectations & Behaviours" to foster transformation, performance, and growth mindset.
• Establish a high-performance culture through recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent, managing performance and coaching, as well as strengthening succession planning and critical competencies across the country organization.

Candidate Requirements

• University degree in Life Sciences or Business Administration; an MBA or advanced management qualification is preferred.
• Excellent English language skills required; German proficiency is advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry and/or consulting, ideally with exposure to both fields.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, portfolio management, or launching new products within pharmaceutical or life sciences sectors.
• Experience in early market launch planning, marketing strategy, and/or business development.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical abilities, capable of synthesizing complex data and market dynamics into actionable strategies.
• Deep commercial acumen and comprehensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical market and product lifecycle.
• Demonstrated capability to lead cross-functional projects and collaborate effectively with global and local stakeholders.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced stakeholder management skills including communication, negotiation, and persuasion across diverse global and country-specific groups.
• Experience in matrix leadership and talent development, including building high-performing, diverse teams, coaching, succession planning and influencing across complex cross-functional and regional boundaries.
• Experience in change management and organizational development is an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits

• The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is between 138100 and 207100 EUR.
• Base salary is determined based on gender-neutral criteria such as relevant skills, competencies, and experience, regularly reviewed per company guidelines.
• In addition to the base pay, eligibility for performance-based bonuses exists depending on specific performance metrics.
• The overall reward package extends beyond salary and incentives to include competitive benefits such as insurance plans, retirement schemes, wellness resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are provided where feasible, alongside a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• The company commits to pay equity reflecting its dedication to a diverse, fair, and inclusive workplace treating employees with dignity and respect as outlined in its Code of Ethics.

Diversity and Accessibility

The company is devoted to fostering an outstanding inclusive work environment and assembling diverse teams that mirror the patients and communities served. Hiring decisions are made solely on the basis of qualifications regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to engage local support bodies during the recruitment process if desired, by noting this in their CV.

About the Employer

The organization is driven by the mission to reshape medicine to improve and extend lives, aspiring to become the world's most valuable and trusted pharmaceutical company. The driving force behind this mission is its employees, who are crucial in achieving corporate goals every day. Candidates are invited to become part of this mission and talented team.