Novartis: Executive Director, Oncology Cell & Gene Therapies

Lisebleijs; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead the Cell and Gene Therapy division. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership within Global Oncology Medical Affairs, ensuring that medical and scientific insights shape clinical development and regulatory strategies. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize patient access and enhance clinical practice through innovative evidence solutions. If you are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of healthcare systems and a passion for improving patient outcomes, this opportunity is tailored for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs and Clinical Development.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to navigate uncertainty independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of medical affairs strategies.
• Manage financial tracking for timely and cost-effective medical activities.

Skills

Clinical Practices

Clinical Research

Drug Development

Leadership

Medical Communication

Regulatory Compliance

Strategic Direction

Influencing Skills

Education

MD

PhD/PharmD in Health Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Access

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 building on our heritage pioneering this field.

We are currently 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.

In this critical role, you will lead the C&G Global Medical Directors and act as the C&G enterprise medical voice for the assets and/or disease areas across the lifecycle (early to in-market). You will be a strategic partner to Research, Development, US and International Medical Affairs for all assets on this platform.

You'll ensure that medical & scientific leadership input is reflected to shape the early portfolio (pre TDP) and that medical practice and patient needs are incorporated into the clinical development plans, leading to optimal regulatory approval & patient access, and supporting clinical adoption worldwide.

The Executive Director is also responsible for implementing medical strategies for early programs globally, focusing on innovative evidence solutions including interventional studies, NIS, RWE studies, and implementation science projects.

This role requires developing and owning the Integrated Evidence Plans (IEP) and providing input into development while ensuring the US and international medical perspectives are reflected.

The Executive Director will act as a subject matter expert in developing overarching strategies, providing inputs during design and execution of programs across different disease areas. You will provide leadership and deep medical expertise in the TA, supporting business priorities and representing GMA with senior stakeholders as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead development and execution of medical affairs strategies for priority programs, including research, population health, innovative partnerships, and integrated evidence plans. Provide input to Development on new therapeutic indications, registration programs, and new therapeutic opportunities.
2. Co-develop plans for evidence generation, medical launch strategies, MSL/Field Medical Affairs, medical education programs, scientific publication planning, and Medical Expert network development with TAs.
3. Co-own the development and implementation of innovative education and scientific communication plans for external stakeholders.
4. Manage financial tracking to ensure timely and cost-effective medical activities.
5. Partner with Development, S&G, US, and international teams to shape the portfolio early and diversify evidence to achieve broad access at launch and impact clinical practice.
6. Represent GMA in discussions with internal and external audiences, including collaboration with TAs, regulatory, and industry partners.
7. Represent 'the voice of the patient' internally, evaluating factors relevant to informed decision-making.
8. Ensure GMA activities, including Patient Access programs, comply 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 and/or Clinical Development with knowledge of GCP, clinical methodology, protocol designs, and regulatory requirements.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to navigate uncertainty independently.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence stakeholders in a matrix organization.
• People management experience and collaborative skills across functions and markets.
• Deep understanding of healthcare systems, external stakeholders, and delivery of medical projects.
• Ability to generate evidence addressing unmet medical needs and communicate effectively using innovative formats.
• Credibility as a peer expert and an agile leadership style.

Preferred:

• Experience in early asset lifecycle, pre-launch, and launch in global organizations.
• Experience developing and executing scalable 'Best in Class' processes.
• Research experience in Oncology within a pharmaceutical or academic setting is strongly desired.

Why Novartis?

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

Benefits and rewards details are available in our handbook: Benefits & Rewards.

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

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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