At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the skills strategy to transform talent and workforce practices at Novartis.
- Company: Join Novartis, a global leader committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, wellbeing resources, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of skills in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in talent management and a strong understanding of skills-based practices.
The predicted salary is between 81480 - 151320 £ per year.
This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Summary
London, UK; Dublin, Ireland or Munich, Germany (see separate postings). Relocation Support: This role is based in London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
What if you could redefine how a global organization understands talent? As Head of Skills, you will shape the future of how skills power careers, learning, and workforce transformation at Novartis. This is a rare opportunity to lead an enterprise-wide skills agenda - bringing together strategy, data, and emerging technologies to build a more agile, inclusive, and future-ready workforce. Working at the intersection of talent, learning, and innovation, you will influence senior leaders and turn cutting-edge market insights into scalable, human-centered solutions that truly impact how people grow and thrive.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the enterprise skills strategy, aligning governance, priorities, and operating model across Novartis.
- Continuously scan external markets for skills trends, innovations, and regulatory developments shaping talent practices.
- Influence senior stakeholders to embed skills-based approaches across talent, learning, and workforce decisions.
- Establish and evolve enterprise standards for skills taxonomy, proficiency, assessment, and language.
- Partner with Reward and Organization Development to shape job architecture and career frameworks.
- Embed skills across the full talent lifecycle, including acquisition, learning, performance, and mobility.
- Translate skills insights into actionable recommendations for workforce planning and capability development.
- Shape enterprise use cases for Workday Skills Cloud and related skills-driven digital experiences.
- Collaborate with technology teams to ensure responsible, ethical, and scalable skills solutions.
- Lead responsible artificial intelligence practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusive skills design.
Essential Requirements
- Extensive experience in talent management, organizational development, learning, or workforce transformation at global scale.
- Deep expertise in skills-based talent practices, including taxonomies, job architecture, and career frameworks.
- Strong understanding of human resources technology, including skills intelligence platforms and data-driven solutions.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive enterprise-wide change across complex organizations.
- Experience translating market trends and workforce data into strategic talent and capability decisions.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in talent practices.
Benefits & Rewards
At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 81,480 - 151,320 GBP. The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
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?
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Skills
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Novartis!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Novartis.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Novartis. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Novartis and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Novartis. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Novartis's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novartis
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Novartis.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Novartis will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Novartis and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
