Head of Regulatory Operations

Novartis; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 105,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

14 weeks parental leave

Insurance plans

Job summary

Novartis in London seeks Head of Regulatory Operations to transform global regulatory data, submissions, and operational delivery. You will lead a high-performing, global team and drive enterprise-wide innovation, including AI and automation, to accelerate patient access to medicines.

This role shapes regulatory excellence across development portfolios, partners with Health Authorities, and balances strategic impact with operational rigor.

Qualifications

• Extensive pharmaceutical industry experience in global Regulatory Operations or closely related functions.
• Proven success leading large, geographically dispersed teams and building high-performing organisations.
• Deep expertise in global regulatory submissions and complex filing strategies across international markets.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end drug development lifecycle and portfolio management.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and executive influencing capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, digital transformation, and continuous operational improvement.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the global Regulatory Operations strategy to accelerate patient access to innovative medicines.
• Lead regulatory submissions, publishing, data management, and operational excellence across the development portfolio.
• Drive digital transformation through artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Build and sustain trusted regulatory data foundations, governance frameworks, and quality standards.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to optimise processes, enhance performance, and deliver business value.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing global team while fostering an inclusive culture.
• Ensure compliant, high-quality regulatory submissions and effective engagement with Health Authorities worldwide.

Skills

Pharma industry experience

Global team leadership

Regulatory submissions

Drug development lifecycle

Executive communication

Digital transformation

Job description

Salary Range:

£104,790.00 - £194,610.00

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Primary Location: London, United Kingdom

Other Locations: Remote, United Kingdom

Relocation Support: This role is based in London, United Kingdom. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Imagine leading the transformation of regulatory operations on a global scale, accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients around the world. As Head of Regulatory Operations, you will shape the future of regulatory excellence by driving enterprise-wide innovation across regulatory data, digital platforms, submissions, and operational execution. Leading a high-performing global organisation, you will champion cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, to redefine how regulatory information is managed, submitted, and leveraged across the development portfolio. This is a rare opportunity to influence strategic decisions at the highest levels, build world-class capabilities, and create lasting impact on patient access, business performance, and the future of Novartis.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the global Regulatory Operations strategy to accelerate patient access to innovative medicines.
• Lead regulatory submissions, publishing, data management, and operational excellence across the development portfolio.
• Drive digital transformation through artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Build and sustain trusted regulatory data foundations, governance frameworks, and quality standards.
• Partner with senior stakeholders to optimise processes, enhance performance, and deliver business value.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing global team while fostering an inclusive culture.
• Ensure compliant, high-quality regulatory submissions and effective engagement with Health Authorities worldwide.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive pharmaceutical industry experience within global Regulatory Operations or closely related functions.
• Proven success leading large, geographically dispersed teams and building high-performing organisations.
• Deep expertise in global regulatory submissions and complex filing strategies across international markets.
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end drug development lifecycle and portfolio management principles.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and executive influencing capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, digital transformation, and continuous operational improvement.

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: £104,790 to £194,610

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.