Director - Technical Project Leader

Major Accountabilities:

Strategic

• Performs strategic planning of complex and/or accelerated projects with e.g., multiple candidates / scenarios, or of several projects with varying timescales. Has sense of urgency, aligns, and coordinates multiple activities in complex plans. Establishes realistic project timelines to achieve milestones and goals, organizes additional resources if needed to fulfill planning, tracks progress and takes actions if obstacles emerge or priorities change. Establishes technical development plans in line with project priority classification, gated by relevant data readouts while managing uncertainty and keeping an enterprise view in consideration of overall portfolio priorities. Establishes high level summaries for executive presentation to management and stakeholders. 

• Has advanced skills to identify, assess, manage, and communicate CMC risks / program risks. Carries seniority and experience to handle difficult risks or issues in complex projects and handle multiple risks of DS/DP/Device even with junior CMC team members. 

• Provides drug development expertise in addition to technical expertise. Actively utilize and promote use of competitive intelligence and AI in technical development.

• Follows standard process but at the same time thinks outside the box based on existing knowledge. Challenges the status quo, is curious and fosters creativity of team members and own. 

• Leverages existing knowledge and implements in EPT/GPT strategy. Continues to follow and stands behind EPT/GPT decisions. 

• Leads CMC due diligence (DD) assessments for assets in development. Is able to apply critical thinking, effectively deal with time pressure and senior management exposure. 

Interface management

• Builds trusted relationships and collaboration across functions and beyond organization (e.g. CROs, DDs, in-/out licensing). Uses a strong understanding of organizational dynamics and stakeholder priorities to resolve challenges, influence change, and achieve business objectives. Integrates multiple viewpoints and interests to develop balanced, optimal solutions while building stakeholder commitment and driving consensus in complex environments. Participates in decision boards and joins and/or can lead discussions in leadership teams. 

• Approaches/analyzes issues and collaborates with other line functions for optimal solutions. 

• Takes into account multiple stakeholder perspectives and approaches to find optimal solutions and build commitment and consensus. 

• Provides knowledge of industry, main competitors, customers and external environment – this includes healthcare industry and global industry, digital and technological advancements. 

• Shares knowledge with CMC community, e.g., by lessons learned sessions. 

• Uses knowledge and experience to challenge and influence CMC line functions and/or EPTs/GPTs in background of the overall drug development strategy / industry insight. Actively contributes to EPTs/GPTs beyond CMC line functions.  

People leadership

• Relates to people in an open, friendly, and accepting manner. Understands the formal and informal channels for exchange of ideas and provides constructive feedback. Able to influence in networked leadership.

• Reacts tactfully when receiving advice, instruction or critical feedback and openly gives and receives feedback. 

• Remains calm and objective and demonstrates respect, composure, and professionalism during difficult circumstances, including difficult interpersonal situations. Learns to manage teams/stakeholders appropriately (utilizing their support). Brings forward sound proposals and shares lessons learned, without passing the blame. 

• Maintains focus and composure during challenges, responds constructively to feedback, and quickly recovers from setbacks to drive progress and results. Exhibits leadership empathy and provides mentoring/coaching to junior TPLs, line functions and CMC team members to support their professional and personal growth. 

• Leads by example and drives decisions. 

Ideal Background

Education (minimum/desirable):

Advanced degree in life science, engineering or equivalent. PhD desired.

Languages:

Fluent in English

Experience/Professional requirements:

• Successfully demonstrated several years (minimum of 2-3 years) of directly related experience as functional project leader and relevant experience as Associate TPL or equivalent.
• Has strong scientific/technical knowledge, understands technical development tasks. Advanced knowledge in NCE, RLT and xRNA development preferred.
• Has fundamental knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements. Has fundamental cross-functional knowledge (PK/PD, tox, clinical, commercial) regarding drug development.
• Manages end to end technical drug development and knowledge.
• Project management skills with demonstrated experience or training.
• Is adept at using and regularly uses/updates project management tools, competitive intelligence and AI approaches in technical development
• Has effective executive presentation skills.

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: CHF142,100 to CHF263,900

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.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

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.