Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global drug development projects and ensure effective team collaboration.
- Company: Join Novartis, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and personal growth opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate community dedicated to breakthrough innovations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives through impactful project management.
- Qualifications: Masters or Doctorate in life sciences and 5+ years pharma experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Global Program Associate Director role at Novartis.
Location: Westworks, London, UK Hybrid
The Global Program Associate Director (GPAD) will provide project management expertise and operational support for global drug development programs. GPADs are members of the Global Program Team (GPT) and are accountable for maintaining accurate plans, documentation, resource forecasts, and efficient day-to-day operation of the GPT. They also resolve program issues and facilitate alignment across sub-teams and line functions. Additionally, they contribute to cross-functional strategy and project plan scenario generation, proactively identify, track and manage project risks, ensure GPT effectiveness, and support creation of executive communication about respective project(s).
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development of the program/project strategy and partner with the Global Program Executive Director (GPED)/Global Program Director (GPD) (as applicable) and GPT members to translate the strategy into a realistic Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
- Coordinate preparation and compilation of strategic documents and preparations for project tollgates (endorsement for moving through the development phases) in collaboration with the GPT and GPED/GPD (as applicable).
- Proactively identify project risks and issues and contribute to development of mitigation strategies.
- Support communication of program/project status, changes and risks horizontally and vertically in a proactive, transparent and timely manner.
- Support preparation of comprehensive program/project recommendations and presentations for governance boards.
- Manage GPT meeting logistics and prepare high quality GPT agendas and draft minutes in a timely manner. Record action items/decisions and liaise with GPT members on follow-up activities and deliverables.
- Support timely executive communication of project status as required by the organization (e.g., One Pager, Executive Gantt chart, monthly Innovation Management Board (IMB)/Development Leadership Team (DevLT) updates, GPT minutes).
- Lead generation and maintenance of a complete and accurate project plan and forecast in the enterprise planning system (e.g., Horizon). This includes liaising with partner functions to ensure a realistic plan that reflects the strategy.
- Partner with Global Program Head (GPH) and GPED or GPD (as applicable) to enable a successful team culture based on the Novartis values and behaviours, the expertise and contributions of the GPT members, shared responsibility, and the coordination of work towards a common goal.
- Demonstrate behavioral strengths of proactivity, resilience, personal integrity, commitment to excellence, critical/analytical thinking, courage and creativity, agility and influence.
Role Requirements:
Essential Requirements:
- Masters or Doctorate in life sciences (or MBA with Bachelor of Science degree) and 5+ years pharma industry experience.
- 5+ years or equivalent multi-/cross functional team experience.
- Intermediate knowledge in drug development.
- Strong project/program management skills.
Desirable Requirements:
- Previous track record of success in working with large scale and complex international and multidisciplinary drug development teams.
- Expert planning and tracking skills, ability to use proper tools in program management.
- Well organized, focused on results, capable of managing multiple projects, excellent time-management skills with respect to priorities and self-management.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) for bridging across diverse, cross functional, multi-national, geographically dispersed teams.
Why Novartis:
Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?
Benefits and Rewards:
Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Global Program Associate Director employer: Novartis
Contact Detail:
Novartis Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Program Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Novartis on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Dive deep into Novartis' projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. Focus on articulating your experience in project management and how it aligns with the GPAD role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Novartis.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Program Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Program Associate Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in project management and drug development, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success, as this will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received properly and allows us to track your progress. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of drug development processes and project management principles. Brush up on your knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, especially any recent developments at Novartis. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your project management skills and ability to handle cross-functional teams. Think about challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as well as any successful projects you've led. This will help you illustrate your fit for the Global Program Associate Director position.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the team dynamics, current projects, and the company's future direction. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. It’s a great way to engage with your interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
Highlight your interpersonal and communication skills throughout the interview. Since the role involves liaising with diverse teams, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships will be crucial. Use examples that reflect your resilience, proactivity, and commitment to excellence.