People Partner

Role Summary

People Partner position in East Hanover, NJ (Hybrid). On-site role; minimum 3 days per week.

The US People and Organization (P&O) team seeks a People Partner to support teams in the Development Business Unit of Novartis. Partners act as trusted advisors, offering in-country policy expertise to support leaders, managers, and associates on P&O topics across lifecycle events, talent, learning, performance, employee relations, rewards, and reporting. They implement country-level P&O change initiatives and collaborate with Business Partners and Senior People Partners.

Responsibilities

• First point of escalation for all leaders and managers on day-to-day P&O topics; provide expert advice and support. Coach managers on role evaluations per local governance; may advise on Team Effectiveness including Psychological Safety.
• Implement P&O initiatives and ensure high-quality, efficient processes. Champion culture and support corporate initiatives.
• Drive data-driven insights to identify risks and trends, informing decisions and actions.
• Incorporate customer feedback to improve the employee journey and implement necessary enhancements.
• Ensure compliance with local equity/EEO regulations.
• Manage in-country transformations with legal consultation; oversee notices, handovers, and restructuring life cycle.
• Execute local organizational changes in line with country regulations/policies.
• Ensure Employee Relations aligns with local regulations and Novartis standards; coach and mentor associates and managers.
• Manage internal movement offers and mobility.
• Contribute to the P&O network; build cross-divisional relationships to drive continuous improvement.
• Support and coach leaders, managers, and associates on P&O topics; promote self-sufficiency in people processes; coach Country P&O Partners on policies and processes.

Qualifications

• BA Degree in HR or related discipline.
• At least 5+ years of P&O experience across disciplines; at least 3+ years supporting a complex, matrix US organization. Experience with global organizations advantageous; pharmaceutical/biotech development experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills; proactive, responsive, able to work independently with all levels; ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment; stakeholder management and cross-boundary collaboration.
• Coaching and mentoring; facilitation, influencing, and collaboration skills; strong project management and people analytics; experience with data-driven decision making; employee relations, risk management, and change management expertise.
• Fluency in English (oral and written).
• Experience working in multiple organizations nationwide.

Skills

• People analytics and data-informed decision making
• Employee relations and regulatory compliance
• Change management and organizational design
• Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
• Coaching, facilitation, and mentoring

Education

• BA Degree in HR or related discipline