Executive Director, Oncology Cell & Gene Therapies

Novartis Farmacéutica; London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Executive Director for Oncology Cell & Gene Therapies. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership within the Global Oncology Medical Affairs department, focusing on innovative evidence solutions and medical strategies for early programs. The ideal candidate will leverage their extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry to advocate for patient perspectives and ensure high medical standards. Join a collaborative community dedicated to creating a brighter future and pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.

Qualifications

• MD or PhD/PharmD required; specialist qualification is a plus.
• Experience in Medical Affairs or Clinical Development in pharma.

Responsibilities

• Lead medical affairs strategies for priority programs.
• Manage financial aspects of medical activities efficiently.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance clinical impact.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

People Management

Clinical Methodology

Regulatory Knowledge

Oncology Research

Education

MD

PhD/PharmD in Health Sciences

Job description

Executive Director, Oncology Cell & Gene Therapies

Job ID REQ-10049295

May 08, 2025

United Kingdom

Summary

Locations: London, United Kingdom & Barcelona, Spain
#LI-Hybrid

Join Our Vision: At Novartis, we are on a transformative journey in cell and gene therapy, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation based on our heritage pioneering this field.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Director to provide strategic leadership to Cell and Gene (C&G) Therapy within our Global Oncology Medical Affairs department.

This role involves leading the C&G Global Medical Directors, acting as the enterprise medical voice for assets and disease areas across the lifecycle, and partnering with Research, Development, US, and International Medical Affairs.

You will ensure medical and scientific leadership influence the early portfolio, clinical development plans, regulatory approval, patient access, and clinical adoption worldwide. You will also oversee the implementation of medical strategies for early programs globally, focusing on innovative evidence solutions, including interventional studies, NIS, RWE studies, and implementation science projects.

The role requires developing and owning the Integrated Evidence Plans (IEP), providing input into development, and ensuring the US and international medical perspectives are integrated. You will serve as a subject matter expert, providing strategic input during program design and execution, and representing GMA with senior stakeholders.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead development and execution of medical affairs strategies for priority programs, including research, partnerships, evidence plans, and providing input on new therapeutic indications.
• Develop plans for evidence generation, medical launch strategies, MSL/Field Medical Affairs, medical education, scientific publications, and Medical Expert networks.
• Implement innovative education and scientific communication plans for external stakeholders.
• Manage financial aspects to ensure timely and cost-effective medical activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the portfolio early, diversify evidence, and enhance clinical impact.
• Represent GMA to internal and external audiences, including industry and regulatory partners.
• Advocate for patient perspectives and ensure GMA activities comply with policies and uphold high medical standards.

Requirements:

Must have:

• MD (preferred) or PhD/PharmD in Health Sciences; specialist qualification is a plus.
• Experience in pharmaceutical industry within Medical Affairs and/or Clinical Development, with knowledge of GCP, clinical methodology, protocol design, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong strategic thinking, credibility, and influence across diverse stakeholders.
• People management skills and ability to collaborate across functions and markets.
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems, external stakeholders, and successful project delivery.
• Ability to generate relevant evidence, use innovative communication formats, and demonstrate credibility as a peer expert.

Preferred:

• Experience in early asset lifecycle, pre-launch, and launch in a global setting.
• Experience developing and executing scalable processes.
• Research experience in Oncology is highly desirable.

Why Novartis?

Helping people with disease takes more than science. It takes a community of passionate, collaborative people. Join us to create a brighter future.

Accessibility & Accommodation: Committed to diversity and inclusion.

Join our Novartis Network: Stay connected for future opportunities: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network