Director Strategy & Innovation in Global Development Operations

Job description

Job Description

As Director Strategy & Innovation you lead high priority cross functional innovation and business transformation projects to drive breakthrough levels of improvement in productivity, timelines, and quality. You are responsible to develop and implement new processes and optimize existing processes to maximize value delivery of the Global Development Operations' (GDO) innovation project portfolio. You will lead the GDO strategic planning & ideation process to ensure the GDO innovation portfolio delivers high value projects of strategic importance.

Your major accountabilities will be:
1. Lead the GDO strategic planning process to define the vision and future state of GDO. Identify how changes in technology and the competitive environment will impact the strategic direction of GDO so that projects and plans can be executed to ensure we realize our vision. Identify major focus areas to pursue to guide our efforts and investments.
2. Develop and implement new processes and optimize existing processes to maximize value delivery of the GDO Innovation project portfolio. Define measures of success, reporting, project selection, definition, and prioritization. 3. Develop and manage the GDO innovation ideation and project assessment process so that we access the best ideas possible to address our most important strategic imperatives while fully engaging our associates. Implement processes and technologies that ensure our ideation process is comprehensive and data driven to allow rapid decision making, ensuring the best opportunities are added to our portfolio.
4. Develop and implement processes and tools to scan the external environment for opportunities. Proactively identify new and promising ideas, technologies, and methodologies that allow us to transform our operations in alignment with our strategy.
5. Lead high impact, cross-functional innovation pilot and project teams of strategic importance. Ensure projects have detailed plans and that they deliver on their value proposition, timelines, and budget. Engage with business leaders to ensure projects are appropriately resourced. Work closely with business leaders to drive full adoption and integration into operations using change management to ensure business value is realized.
6. Lead integration and build connections with Innovation leaders within GDO and outside GDO to drive alignment of strategy and project delivery on critical cross-functional and cross-divisional projects. Identify areas where closer integration and communication across teams will drive value.
7. Drive continuous knowledge sharing and best practices across project teams during project implementation and during transition into operations to ensure value is realized. Drive change management and communication activities to promote a culture and mindset of innovation and productivity across GDO.
8. Represent the GDO innovation function at internal forums to create awareness and engagement across the organization. Represent GDO innovation at external forums to represent Novartis as a leader in the industry and to bring ideas back to the organization.
Position Title

Director Strategy & Innovation in Global Development Operations

Desired profile

Minimum requirements

• BA/BS, advanced degree preferred.
• Fluent Business English (oral and written)
• A minimum of 8+ years of relevant experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry
• A minimum of 3 years or equivalent multi/cross functional leadership experience
• Proven self-starter with experience in initiating and ensuring delivery of geographically and functionally diverse teams
• Previous track record of success working with complex international and multidisciplinary teams
• Advanced knowledge and broad experience in the pharmaceutical business and drug development
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written
• Excellent skills to facilitate and optimize contributions from team members as individuals and members of a cohesive team
• Leadership demonstrated in international teams, in staff management roles or in other organizational assignments
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to present and interact with senior management
• Strength demonstrated in strategic thinking, scenario evaluation and contingency planning
• Strong Project Management skills, able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities and unexpected events while maintaining a positive work attitude
• Experience in leading process improvement projects preferred
• Self-motivated with a high degree of ownership and accountability for results
• Savvy organizational understanding and an ability to work with all levels of the enterprise
Job Type

Full Time
Country

Switzerland
Work Location

Basel
Functional Area

Research & Development
Division

Global Drug Development
Business Unit

GDO GDD
Employment Type

Regular
Company/Legal Entity

Novartis Pharma AG