Strategic Transformation Director, Life Sciences

Novartis; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 71,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

14 weeks paid parental leave

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Job summary

Novartis in London is seeking a Director, Strategic Projects Lead to drive large-scale transformation across Advanced Quantitative Sciences. You will translate strategic ambitions into enterprise-wide execution, partnering with senior leaders to deliver measurable outcomes in a complex global environment.

This hybrid role offers exposure to cutting-edge transformation programs, governance disciplines, and a chance to shape operating models while leading cross-functional teams without direct

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Program management

Project management

Influencing skills

Leadership

Communication

Data-driven decision making

Analytical

Requirements gathering

Education

Degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Novartis in London is seeking a Director, Strategic Projects Lead to drive large-scale transformation across Advanced Quantitative Sciences. You will translate strategic ambitions into enterprise-wide execution, partnering with senior leaders to deliver measurable outcomes in a complex global environment.

This hybrid role offers exposure to cutting-edge transformation programs, governance disciplines, and a chance to shape operating models while leading cross-functional teams without direct