Associate Project Director in R&D

Novo Nordisk A/S; Søborg; On-site; DKK 847,000 - 1,245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentives and benefits

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S is seeking an Associate Project Director to lead high-visibility transformation projects in the Global Trial Portfolio Executive Office. You will partner with senior leadership to turn strategic priorities into actionable initiatives and measurable outcomes, coordinating with GTP, R&D and other functions on governance and execution.

This role offers exposure to senior leaders and the chance to influence strategic decisions across a global organisation, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with ability to translate priorities into actionable plans.
• Proven ability to drive transformation programs across large organisations.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with executive communication.
• Experience in life sciences, R&D or related fields is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and transformation projects from problem definition through implementation.
• Translate priorities into governance, milestones and success measures.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across GTP, R&D and other areas.
• Support executive decision-making with robust analyses and clear materials.
• Identify opportunities to improve governance and organisational effectiveness.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Change management

Executive communication

Education

Master's degree in business or life sciences or related field

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Your new role

As Associate Project Director, you will play a central role in the Global Trial Portfolio (GTP) Executive Office, partnering closely with senior leadership to turn strategic priorities into impactful initiatives. Working directly with the Executive Office, you will lead high-visibility transformation projects, navigate complex stakeholder landscapes, and ensure strategic ambitions are translated into sustainable business outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading strategic and transformation projects from problem definition through implementation and impact tracking.
• Translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, governance frameworks, milestones and success measures.
• Driving cross-functional stakeholder alignment across GTP, Research & Development and other business areas.
• Supporting executive decision-making through robust analyses, recommendations and communication materials.
• Identifying opportunities to improve ways of working, governance structures and organisational effectiveness, and turning them into tangible results.

This role offers significant exposure to senior leaders and the opportunity to influence critical decisions that support Novo Nordisk's strategic ambitions across a global organisation.

Your new department

In Research & Development, you'll be part of a unit that explores bold scientific ideas and advances them into clinical testing. We combine curiosity, AI tools, and human data to develop transformative therapies. Through collaboration and operational excellence, we shape and deliver an innovative pipeline to meet future patient needs.

Within this area, you will join the Global Trial Portfolio Executive Office, a team working at the forefront of strategic planning, portfolio governance and organisational transformation. The team partners closely with senior leaders across functions to ensure strategic priorities are translated into action, enabling the organisation to deliver high-impact outcomes for patients worldwide.

Your skills and qualifications

We are looking for a strategic and execution-oriented professional who enjoys tackling ambiguity, influencing stakeholders and driving business transformation in complex environments. You combine strong analytical capabilities with excellent communication skills and a proven ability to create momentum across large organisations.

To succeed in this role, you should bring:

• A master’s degree in business, economics, life sciences, engineering, public policy or a related discipline.
• We expect candidates to bring experience from a top-tier strategic advisory or consulting environment, where they have developed strong problem-solving capabilities and successfully delivered impact in complex organisations.
• Approximately 6+ years of relevant experience, including experience comparable to an Engagement Manager within a leading strategy consultancy or a similar strategic role within industry.
• A proven track record of leading strategy, transformation and cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Experience within life sciences, pharmaceuticals, R&D or another scientifically complex environment.
• Outstanding stakeholder management, structured problem-solving and executive communication skills, combined with fluent written and spoken English.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.

What we offer

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 847,000 to 1,245,100 DKK (DK), corresponding to the level of the position.

The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate’s skills, competencies, knowledge, and relevant experience.

Incentives and Benefits: The salary package may include short-term and/or long-term incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Learn more about our Reward Philosophy here .

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact Krystian Kwiecien at [e-mail]