Head Portfolio Strategy & Operations Neuroscience & Gene Therapy

Role Summary

Head of Portfolio Strategy & Operations, Neuroscience and Gene Therapies (NS & GTx) is an on-site role based in Cambridge, MA or East Hanover, NJ. You will lead the therapeutic area and portfolio strategy and serve as a thought partner for the NS & GTx Head and leadership team, collaborating with key stakeholders across the R-D-C continuum, while considering internal and external factors impacting the neuroscience and gene therapies portfolio. You will lead the team’s operations and oversee program execution by partnering with Global Program Heads, development line functions, global medical affairs, and other stakeholders, and you will work directly with the Global Program Manager function on workforce planning, demand planning, and resource needs in NS & GTx. You may deputize for the NS & GTx Head. This position reports to the DU Head.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a thought partner for the NS & GTx unit head and leadership team on all topics related to strategy, portfolio strategy and program-level strategic considerations.
• Lead the strategic initiatives within NS GTx and contribute to development or enterprise-level initiatives.
• Co-lead the NS & GTx strategy review in collaboration with the NS & GTx Head and other NS & GTx members; works in collaboration with NS & GTx leadership members and their respective organizations; prepares outputs for Novartis senior management, Board of Directors and external audiences (e.g., investors).
• Proactively monitor external landscape (including industry and regulatory landscape), assesses impact on portfolio and derives concrete actions / recommendations.
• Lead governance, effective discussion and quality decision making at NS & GTx Leadership team; Point person for portfolio & strategy related activities and requests.
• Lead effective internal and external communication to include IR and pipeline communications via generation or review of all NS & GTx level reports; lead development of strategic communication and associate engagement plan.
• Translate NS & GTx strategy into NS & GTx leadership team and development leadership team objectives jointly with GPTs and DU LFs; continuously tracks status.
• Optimize the portfolio value and update relevant NS & GTx strategy.
• Prepare (and support leadership team in preparation) for governance meetings, including in-writing memos and monthly updates. Liaising with governance boards to coordinate flow of review.
• May manage the NS & GTx Operational Manager(s) and have direct reports ranging from 1-5 associates.
• Accountable for external annual DU budget planning and management of department headcount (10-20 FTEs) and oversight of the DU project development costs.
• Ensures resource optimization through influencing trial and program design by matching investment to portfolio prioritization and risk profile.

Qualifications

• Required: Master’s degree or equivalent education/degree in life sciences or healthcare and 10+ years of drug development experience, and knowledge of drug development strategy.
• Required: 5+ years people and matrix management experience.
• Required: Excellent problem-solving, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Required: Considerable organizational awareness, including significant experience working cross-functionally and in global teams.
• Required: Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience leading diverse work teams, driving program excellence, engaging functional partners, and partnering with disease unit Head and Business Franchise Head.
• Required: Advanced planning and project management skills, with understanding of business processes.
• Preferred: MD, PhD or MBA highly desired.
• Preferred: Global people management experience.

Additional Requirements

• Travel: 5% travel (domestic and international).