Implementation and Strategic Initiatives Director

Novartis; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis AG in Barcelona Gran Via is seeking an Implementation and Strategic Initiatives Director to translate strategic priorities into coordinated initiatives, scalable solutions, and measurable outcomes within Global Clinical Operations.

You will lead cross-functional transformations across Site Management and Monitoring, Global Clinical Operations, and enterprise functions, driving adoption, governance, and improvements with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 6 years of experience leading strategic initiatives, transformations, or complex programs in a global org.
• Experience in clinical operations across global, regional, or country levels.
• Ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Proven cross-functional leadership with multiple stakeholders and geographies.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive strategic initiatives that advance Site Management and Monitoring priorities and Global Clinical Operations strategy.
• Translate priorities into clear implementation plans, scalable solutions, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional transformations and innovations to strengthen capabilities and processes.
• Drive portfolio priorities with governance materials and leadership communications.
• Partner with innovation teams to scale solutions improving productivity and quality.
• Collaborate with global, regional, and country organizations to align with evolving business needs.
• Lead change activities spanning communication, capability building, stakeholder engagement, and adoption.
• Monitor progress, risks, dependencies, and outcomes; advise senior stakeholders.
• Build strong partnerships across functions, geographies, and levels for alignment and execution.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Salary Range

€85,100.00 - €158,100.00

Band

Level 6

Job Description Summary

Primary Location: Barcelona Gran Via, Spain

Relocation Support: This role is based in Barcelona Gran Via, Spain. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Ready to turn strategy into action and help shape how global clinical operations work? As Implementation and Strategic Initiatives Director, you will help bring strategic priorities to life by translating them into coordinated initiatives, scalable solutions, and measurable outcomes. Working across Site Management and Monitoring, Global Clinical Operations, and key enterprise functions, you will drive implementation, innovation, simplification, and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to influence how teams work across functions and geographies while helping build capabilities and solutions that support evolving business needs.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and drive strategic initiatives that advance Site Management and Monitoring priorities and broader Global Clinical Operations strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear implementation plans, scalable solutions, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional transformations and innovations that strengthen capabilities, processes, and ways of working.
• Drive strategic portfolio priorities, developing proposals, governance materials, leadership communications, and implementation roadmaps.
• Partner with innovation teams to identify and scale solutions improving productivity, quality, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with global, regional, and country organizations to develop solutions aligned with evolving business needs.
• Lead change activities spanning organizational change, communications, capability building, stakeholder engagement, and adoption.
• Monitor progress, risks, dependencies, and outcomes, providing clear recommendations and updates to senior stakeholders.
• Build strong partnerships across functions, geographies, and organizational levels to enable alignment and successful execution.
• Represent Site Management and Monitoring in relevant Global Clinical Operations, innovation, and strategic forums.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum 6 years ofexperience leading strategic initiatives, transformations, or complex implementation programs within a global organization.
• Understanding of clinical operations, with experience working across global, regional, or country-level environments.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic priorities into practical implementation plans, scalable solutions, and measurable outcomes.
• Proven experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, functions, and geographies. Demonstrated stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate recommendations clearly to senior leaders.
• Change leadership capabilities, including communications, capability building, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable adoption.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement opportunities that improve productivity, quality, simplification, or operational effectiveness. Analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience managing priorities, risks, dependencies, governance, and implementation outcomes.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience driving innovation, simplification, or continuous improvement initiatives within a pharmaceutical or life sciences environment.
• Experience operating effectively within complex global matrix organizations and influencing senior stakeholders without direct authority.

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

€ 85,100 to € 158,100

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.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.

You may be eligible for a company vehicle or a car allowance in accordance with the applicable local Novartis policies and guidelines.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO paragraph

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams’ representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Clinical Research, Drug Development, Financial Management, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Microsoft Project, Prioritization, Program Management, Project Delivery, Project Planning, Requirements Gathering