At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational oversight of medical programs and transform data into actionable insights.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in healthcare innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with a focus on compliance and team empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global medical affairs and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree in life sciences and 8+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Step into a pivotal role where your expertise will drive the planning and operational oversight of therapeutic area programs and portfolios, and transform complex data into actionable insights for senior leadership. As a key partner to Global Medical Directors and cross‑functional teams, you’ll ensure high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective execution of Medical Affairs program objectives. Your leadership will foster operational excellence, process simplification, and a culture of compliance – empowering teams to thrive in a dynamic, matrixed environment and adapt quickly to evolving business needs.
Responsibilities
- Acts at the operational lead for the medical strategy of assigned programs.
- Be the central connector linking Medical Directors, SciComms, Study Management, Finance, and other partners for medical program teams to operate with clarity, accountability, and strong governance.
- Lead the planning and operational oversight of therapeutic area (TA) owned medical budgets, consolidating Scientific Communications and Study Execution budget reports into comprehensive, category‑level overviews with insights, risks, and opportunities for monthly review by senior leadership.
- Partner closely with Global and International Medical Affairs Medical Directors to coordinate operational planning, monitoring, and reporting of TA‑owned operational management activities, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Translate complex activity plans and portfolio information into clear, actionable insights for program team forums, enabling strategic decision‑making.
- Drive operational excellence: consolidating data, managing cross‑functional meetings, monitoring performance, resolving issues, and safeguarding compliance.
- Manage key functional interfaces and act as the single point of contact for disease area and cross‑functional partners, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
- Lead the management of Program Medical Affairs Team meetings, including setting agendas, taking minutes, and following up on actions with business owners to ensure accountability and progress.
- Oversee and track program objectives and deliverables, consolidating and reporting portfolio and budget information for assigned disease areas, including operational risks and mitigations, and ensuring adherence to business processes for review, approvals, and documentation.
- As a member of the Portfolio and Program Management team, contribute to team objective setting, achievement, communication, and culture‑building, representing the function in key meetings and supporting the team’s culture journey.
Essential Qualifications
- Advanced degree or equivalent education in life sciences or healthcare; Doctor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Philosophy preferred.
- At least 8 years of proven operational experience in planning, executing, and reporting global or international programs within a pharmaceutical company or contract research organization.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in a complex matrix environment, including remote or virtual teams.
- Strong program management skills with a track record of meeting timelines and delivering high‑quality results.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- In‑depth understanding of medical affairs activities, functions, and responsibilities, including Good Clinical Practice and global drug development processes.
- Experience in budget planning, resource allocation, and management of operational issues within medical affairs or clinical research.
- Proven leadership in operational aspects, including process adherence, risk management, and compliance with quality standards.
Desirable Qualifications
- Robust understanding of basic science or relevant therapeutic areas, with solid knowledge of global drug development processes.
- Robust experience in program and/or portfolio management.
- Advanced understanding of business processes and experience working cross‑functionally in global teams.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Associate Director, MA Portfolio & Programme Management employer: Novartis Farmacéutica
At Novartis, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As an Associate Director in MA Portfolio & Programme Management, you will benefit from extensive professional growth opportunities, collaborative cross-functional teamwork, and a commitment to operational excellence, all while contributing to meaningful healthcare advancements in a supportive environment. Our focus on diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard, making Novartis not just a workplace, but a community dedicated to transforming lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, MA Portfolio & Programme Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can drive operational excellence in their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Associate Director role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your delivery and ensure you highlight your leadership skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. We recommend mentioning something specific from the conversation to keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, MA Portfolio & Programme Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in operational planning and management. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, especially in driving medical strategy and managing budgets.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to convey your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis Farmacéutica
✨Know Your Program Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your program management skills and have specific examples ready. Think about how you've successfully led operational oversight in previous roles, especially in complex environments. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and ensured compliance.
✨Connect the Dots
Since this role involves being a central connector between various teams, think of ways you've facilitated communication and collaboration in the past. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to link different functions and drive clarity and accountability.
✨Translate Complexity into Simplicity
Practice explaining complex data or strategies in simple terms. You might be asked to demonstrate how you can turn intricate plans into actionable insights for senior leadership. Use examples from your experience where you’ve made complicated information accessible.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach, especially in a matrixed environment. Highlight how you foster operational excellence and empower teams. Think about times when you’ve resolved issues or driven performance improvements, and be prepared to share those stories.
