About The Position

This position can be based remotely anywhere in the U.S. (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager: estimated 20% travel within the US and internationally (occasionally) including scientific congresses. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible. Company will not sponsor visas for this position. The Executive Director, Medical Team Leader is a key organizational role responsible for shaping one or more integrated, disease-oriented clinical strategies and plans for Cardiovascular (CV) Pipeline US drug development programs. This role also ensures organizational alignment with US Medical Affairs Leadership team and Global teams and seamless cross-functional execution. In addition, the Medical Team Leader will lead US Medical strategy for CV prevention initiatives. This includes guiding a multidisciplinary team of functional experts to deliver high-quality development activities across all compounds in the relevant disease area(s) in alignment with the approved global strategy.

Requirements

  • MD, PhD, PharmD, Masters or Doctoral in life sciences/chemistry, or Bachelor of Science plus MBA required.
  • 10+ years industry experience, including 5+ years or equivalent multi-/cross-functional leadership experience preferred and 4+ years of experience in Cardiovascular therapeutic area required.
  • Proven track record of success working with and leading large-scale, complex multidisciplinary drug development teams, or other large cross-functional teams related to pharmaceutical drug development.
  • Expert knowledge in drug development, including early- and late-stage development.
  • Advanced program management and team facilitation skills, including objective setting and driving collective achievement of team objectives.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to present and interact with senior management, and demonstrated strength in strategic decision making, scenario evaluation, and contingency planning.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to bridge scientific and business participants, drive effective program implementation, and manage effective internal and external collaborations; strong verbal communication, expert written communications, and expert team player.
  • Champion AI Fluency as a foundational skill across the organization.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute US Medical CV pipeline and CV prevention strategies to ensure innovation, productivity, and feasibility.
  • Ensure delivery of development activities across all compounds related to the disease area(s), with accountability for cost, time, and quality.
  • Ensure effective team dynamics, performance, prioritization, and communication across the multidisciplinary team.
  • Act as key point of contact with US Medical Affairs Leadership team and Global teams, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with counterparts in cross-functional and Global Line Functions and respective teams.
  • Accountable for elaborating and establishing strategic plan activities and timelines for US Medical Affairs CV pipeline and CV prevention initiatives to enable execution according to the cross-functional strategy.
  • Partner with external experts in disease area(s) to gain insights, inform strategic plan, and serve as primary contact between Novartis team and external stakeholders to describe strategy.
  • Proactively identify issues and potential bottlenecks within the program, propose solutions for review by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO)/Head, US Medical Affairs, and lead risk assessment, contingency planning, and challenge program timelines and resource requirements.
  • Lead analysis of present and future disease projections, including competitive intelligence across the pharma/biotech industry.
  • Drive and/or coordinate development of strategy documents, risk log, and phase transition tollgates in collaboration with the team.
  • Support the VP/Head, Medical Therapeutic Area in preparation of program recommendations and updates for governance boards.

Benefits

  • health, life and disability benefits
  • a 401(k) with company contribution and match
  • a variety of other benefits
  • generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
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