Executive Director, Oncology Cell & Gene Therapies

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead Cell and Gene Therapy within their Global Oncology Medical Affairs department. This pivotal role involves overseeing the development and execution of medical strategies, ensuring medical leadership influences portfolio decisions, and advocating for patient perspectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. Join a transformative journey in medical innovation and make a significant impact on patient access and care.

Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical Medical Affairs and Clinical Development.
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems and medical project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead medical affairs strategies for priority programs and evidence generation.
• Collaborate with teams to shape portfolio and diversify evidence.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

People Management

Medical Affairs Knowledge

Clinical Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Evidence Generation

Education

MD or PhD/PharmD in Health Sciences

Specialist Qualification

Job description

Job Description 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 lead 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 is integrated into early portfolio shaping, clinical development plans, regulatory approval, patient access, and clinical adoption worldwide. Responsibilities also include implementing medical strategies for early programs globally, focusing on innovative evidence solutions, and developing the Integrated Evidence Plans (IEP).

The Executive Director will serve as a subject matter expert, providing strategic input during program design and execution, and representing GMA with senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development and execution of medical affairs strategies for priority programs, including research, population health, partnerships, and evidence plans.
2. Develop plans for evidence generation, medical launch strategies, MSL/Field Medical Affairs, medical education, publication planning, and network development.
3. Implement innovative education and scientific communication plans for external stakeholders.
4. Manage budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective medical activities.
5. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape the portfolio early and diversify evidence for broad access and impact.
6. Represent GMA to internal and external audiences, including industry partners and regulatory bodies.
7. Advocate for the patient perspective in all activities.
8. Ensure compliance with policies and uphold high medical quality standards.

Requirements:

Must have:

• MD (preferred) or PhD/PharmD in Health Sciences; specialist qualification is an advantage.
• Experience in pharmaceutical medical affairs or clinical development, with knowledge of GCP and regulatory requirements.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence stakeholders and navigate uncertainty.
• People management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems and external stakeholder engagement.
• Credibility as a peer expert and agile leadership mindset.

Preferred:

• Experience in early asset lifecycle, pre-launch, and launch in global organizations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement scalable processes.
• Research experience in oncology is highly desirable.

Why Novartis?

Join us to help people with disease and their families through innovative science and a passionate community. Collaborate, support, and inspire to achieve breakthroughs that change lives. Learn more about our culture.

Benefits and rewards details are available in our handbook.

Accessibility & Accommodation: We are committed to an inclusive, diverse work environment.

Join our Novartis Network for updates on opportunities: Join here.

Skills Desired

Clinical Practices, Clinical Research, Drug Development, E-Learning, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Medical Communication, Microsoft Access, Patient Care, Pharmaceutics, Regulatory Compliance, Strategic Direction, Well-Being.