Strategic Projects Director: Transformation & Execution

Novartis UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 71,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible & hybrid working

Parental leave (14 weeks)

Job summary

Novartis UK in London seeks a Director, Strategic Projects Lead to drive transformation across Advanced Quantitative Sciences (AQS). You’ll partner with senior leaders to translate strategic ambitions into enterprise-wide execution and ensure priorities are delivered and embedded for lasting impact.

The role requires leading large-scale transformations, strong program management, and the ability to influence across matrix organizations while delivering data-driven insights and governance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related discipline.
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical R&D, life sciences consulting, or transformation environments.
• Proven success leading large-scale cross-functional transformations or strategic initiatives.
• Strong understanding of drug development and pharmaceutical R&D environments.
• Ability to translate complex strategies into executable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Expertise in program and project management with governance and delivery.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders within matrix organizations.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of strategic transformation initiatives with measurable business impact across AQS.
• Develop and maintain integrated transformation roadmaps aligned with priorities and goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into executable plans with clear milestones and dependencies.
• Establish governance frameworks to monitor progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Drive alignment and execution across cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Influence and lead matrix teams to deliver complex initiatives without direct authority.
• Implement scalable operating models, processes, and ways of working.
• Champion change adoption through communication and capability building.
• Provide data-driven insights to optimize execution and prioritization.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior leaders on transformation strategy and delivery.

Skills

Strategy leadership

Stakeholder influence

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Communication

Data-driven decisions

Education

Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or related

Job description

Novartis UK in London seeks a Director, Strategic Projects Lead to drive transformation across Advanced Quantitative Sciences (AQS). You’ll partner with senior leaders to translate strategic ambitions into enterprise-wide execution and ensure priorities are delivered and embedded for lasting impact.

The role requires leading large-scale transformations, strong program management, and the ability to influence across matrix organizations while delivering data-driven insights and governance.