Director, Strategic Delivery

Are you ready to lead the delivery of large-scale, enterprise initiatives that directly accelerate scientific discovery and innovation within Biomedical Research? As Director, Strategic Delivery, you will sit at the heart of Data & Digital, partnering closely with senior leaders to translate strategy into measurable outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to shape how complex programmes are executed across a global research organisation – driving clarity, accountability and pace while enabling cutting‑edge science.

You will empower teams, elevate delivery standards and ensure the successful realisation of initiatives that ultimately help bring transformative medicines to patients faster.

Location:

Cambridge, USA – This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, cross‑functional programmes aligned to Data & Digital and Biomedical Research strategic priorities.
• Own execution of critical initiatives, ensuring clear accountability for outcomes, timelines, dependencies and realisation of intended value.
• Act as the central delivery leader for high-priority initiatives, proactively identifying, escalating and mitigating risks and delivery challenges.
• Maintain an enterprise-wide view of the delivery portfolio, identifying interdependencies, systemic bottlenecks and opportunities to optimise execution.
• Partner closely with senior stakeholders to align strategic priorities with execution plans and ensure successful value realisation.
• Define and evolve delivery frameworks, selecting and adapting Agile, project or hybrid models to meet diverse programme needs.
• Lead and AI‑enable a high‑performing project and programme management capability across the organisation.
• Drive delivery excellence through robust governance, clear standards and continuous improvement of ways of working.
• Provide insightful, decision‑focused reporting to senior leadership on progress, risks, dependencies and required interventions.
• Ensure delivery execution embeds information security, quality and risk standards across all initiatives from planning through to completion.

• Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Informatics, Data Science or a related field;
  Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Formal training in project management methodologies (e.g. PMP, PMI‑ACP, Certified Scrum Master).
• 10+ years’ experience delivering complex technology programmes within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• 6+ years’ experience leading and developing high‑performing, global teams in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven track record of delivering large‑scale, cross‑functional initiatives with measurable business and scientific outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high‑priority initiatives and competing stakeholder demands in a complex global environment.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with strong experience engaging and advising senior and executive stakeholders.
• Good understanding of global research organisations, including the complexities of drug discovery and development environments.

• Formal training in project management methodologies (e.g. PMP, PMI‑ACP, Certified Scrum Master).
• Experience with in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, or technology organisations supporting life sciences, including exposure to data, informatics, or digital platforms and experience in complex global matrix environments.

The salary for this position is expected to range between $160,300 and $297,700 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors such as relevant skills and experience, and will be reviewed upon joining Novartis. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with…