Platform Operations Lead

Novartis; Dalkeith; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Platform Operations to shape and execute operational strategies within the Regulatory Affairs Data and Technology Function. This pivotal role involves leading a diverse team to ensure efficient operations, overseeing release management, and engaging with stakeholders to drive business benefits. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the technology landscape in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic global environment while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of industry experience with a focus on pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.
• Strong global leadership skills with a proven track record in managing technology initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse global team to align with organizational goals in Regulatory Affairs.
• Define and deploy an integrated platform roadmap in collaboration with stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Problem-Solving

Leadership

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Risk Assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree in Life Science or Related Field

Tools

Technology Process Requirements

Release Management

Validation/Testing

Job description

This job is with Novartis, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Summary: As a key member of the RA Data and Technology Function, the Director of Platform Operations will shape and execute the operational strategy, delivering business benefits through harmonization and continuous improvement. Leading a team of associates, this role ensures efficient Platform Operations for RA systems.

The Platform Operation oversees Release Management, Migration, Validation and Business Administration capabilities. These respectively support RA technology products by ensuring continuous alignment and deployment of releases; defining strategy and executing migration of data and information; ensuring access control, security management and continuous operation and availability of technology products.

The Platform Operation Lead is accountable to ensure that the overall platform strategy delivers business benefits, drives harmonization and continuous improvements. By aligning the digital strategy and initiatives with regulatory priorities, the Platform Operation Lead plays an essential role in enhancing the efficiency, consistency and agility of regulatory activities, strengthening the organization's ability to respond effectively in a dynamic global landscape.

About the Role

Team Leadership:

• Lead a diverse global team to ensure alignment with organizational goals and business priorities related to Submissions and Registration Management.
• Define and communicate the strategic vision for Submission and Registration Management capabilities, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Roadmap Development:

• Define, prioritize, and deploy an integrated platform roadmap in collaboration with RA D&T LT, relevant stakeholders, and DDIT partners, ensuring alignment with the Development and Enterprise technology strategy roadmaps.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent the platform in digital governance boards and leadership meetings across the organization and in digital networks, externally (e.g. across Industries) as needed.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Build and maintain collaborative and productive partnerships across the Platform team and enterprise stakeholders to achieve business priorities.
• Oversee vendors at the Platform level, in collaboration with IT and External Partnership Teams.

Quality and Compliance:

• Ensure on-time, compliant, secure, and quality delivery of portfolio for the assigned capabilities, aligned with the NVS Quality Manual.
• Contribute to the change management strategy to ensure smooth adoption of technology initiatives, as required.

Project and Program Support:

• Provide support and resources for key projects and programs impacting the underlying capabilities to ensure timely delivery of high-quality milestones that align with business requirements.

Demand Management:

• Effectively manage demands for technology services and operational support arising from various functions within Regulatory Affairs.

Industry Trends:

• Stay updated with industry trends and emerging practices to drive agility, speed, efficiency, and effectiveness within the team.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree: master's or commensurate experience. Advanced degree in life science, pharmaceutical, technology, or data science preferred.
• 8+ years of industry experience.
• Matrix / cross-functional leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding and direct relevant experience with the technology landscape operations of pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.
• Strong strategic problem-solving skills and ability to navigate uncharted territory without clear precedent.
• Experience presenting/speaking at a senior management level with a proven track record of effectively communicating complex initiatives.
• Strong global leadership skills demonstrated by a proven track record of successfully managing people, technology initiatives and/or leading groups or teams, inspiring innovative, strategic and big picture thinking.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving risk assessment and mitigation, clear strategic thinking, prioritization, maintaining awareness of global patient and business impact.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communications.
• Strong experience in technology process requirements, migration, release management, and validation/testing including audit and knowledge of regulatory requirements.

This role offers hybrid working and will require 3 days per week or 12 days per month in our London Office.