Exec Director TPPM - TA Head Immunology NCE

Job Description Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Role Purpose:

Lead the technical development activities of the assigned Therapeutic Area(s) (Immunology NCE) and related Development Unit (DU) and/or Disease Area BR (DA) portfolios with accountability as defined for each TA.

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• As a member of the NIBR DADB and/or GDD DULT and BD&L, identify opportunities and optimize TRD’s contribution to the business and to the implementation of the overall strategy. Bring technical expertise to these boards and constructively challenge them as needed. Ensure alignment with internal and external partners and ensure implementation of the leadership team and the boards’ decisions within TRD. Create active and effective partnerships with DADB and/or DULT and TRD-LFs, manage expectations and resolve issues. Contribute to portfolio assessment, prioritization, and forecasting.

• As a member of the Technical Project Board, contribute to critical project reviews and decision making. Ensure the DU’s/DA’s aspects are adequately considered during decision making.

• Ensure that project objectives are in line with DU’s/DA’s objectives and the targeted project milestones are met within agreed upon timelines.

• Ensure excellence in execution of project plans through critical reviews and coaching of TRD Technical Project Leaders (TPL) and TRD sub teams.

• Ensure customer (e.g., Development Unit/Disease Area) focus of TRD’s work through setting up global, cross-functional meetings or events within TRD, in which the needs and strategies of DULT/DADB as well as patient needs are made transparent.

• Ensure alignment on project objectives and deliverables within TRD through TRD Line function Heads, RA-CMC Line Function Heads and TRD TPLs as well as, if needed, through other TPB members and TRD Line Functions.

• Ensure alignment of TRD’s technology strategies with the strategies of GDD DU and NIBR DA.

• Act as operational manager and coach a global group of TPLs working on projects of the respective GDD DU and/or NIBR DA. Assume responsibility for performance appraisal and personal development as operational manager of TPLs. Ensure that best project management practice and risk management are applied to the projects and that innovative, competitive technologies are utilized in the development products in support of customized therapies.

• Foster a culture of high performance and trust, i.e., a culture based on constructive styles. Be accountable for TRD’s DU-specific Brand Defense Support and Life Cycle Management / Asset Maximization both as a member of the DU specific teams and by supporting through the TPL and their CMC subteams.

• As a core member of the DULT/DADB, initiate, lead or contribute to improvement initiatives launched by these Leadership teams/Boards. Work with TRD BD&L External Business Operations on DU or DA in-licensing strategies/partnerships; support asset evaluation (PCD, PE, cDD), review results of evaluations (e.g., 1-pager, CMC DD report) and align the TRD message to DULT/FLT or DADB; prepare transition from negotiation to integration of project.

• Act as a Joint Steering (Development) Committee member of in-licensing projects in support of alliance management.

• Ensure high quality communication and project information flow to TRD in preparation for management boards.

• Ensure alignment with all required regulations and guidelines.

• Influence/persuade and work according to appropriate SOPs, GMP, GLP, QM, HSE, ISEC & Novartis Guidelines.

• Manage budgets, resources, and associated project plans with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure all TRD activities are aligned with overall Global Drug Development Processes.

• Develop and grow successors to own role.

• Mentor high performing associates to drive engagement.

• Cross Fertilize Development Unit via learnings exchange with other TRD DU Heads.

Ideal Background:

• Minimum: Basic degree in scientific or relevant discipline (BS or equivalent)

  Desirable: Advanced degree in scientific or relevant discipline (Ph.D. or equivalent)

• Fluent English (oral and written)

• 12+ years equivalent multi/cross-functional leadership experience

• Demonstrated 10+ years of successful performance in the role of leading global interdisciplinary teams, with at least 3 years in a leadership position (section head, TPL or equivalent)

• Profound knowledge of the cross-functional drug development process; expert at aligning technical development objectives with business goals.

• Knowledge beyond TRD: understanding of clinical, commercial manufacturing, device development, Quality, pharmacological, toxicological, regulatory and Marketing functions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Team player.

• Ability to lead, influence, coach people.

• Demonstrated scientific and technical knowledge.

• Ability to manage budgets, resources, and associated project plans for area of responsibility with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strategic thinking, advanced planning and tracking skills, ability to see the big picture, well organized, focused on results with special focus on global quality with respect to priorities.

• Strong leadership skills demonstrated in TRD Subteam, GPT/GBT, staff management role or in other organizational assignments.

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.

Accessibility and accommodation: Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

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