Director, CRM DU Strategy & Engagement (80-100%)

Novartis Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 151,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance plans

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Global recognition programs

Flexible and hybrid working options

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Director, CRM DU Strategy & Engagement in Basel to partner with senior leaders, shaping portfolio strategy, engagement and governance across the Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit.

You will drive strategic communications, enable cross-functional collaboration, and lead external engagement initiatives, contributing to long-term success and stakeholder alignment. This role combines strategic thinking with operational execution in a global setting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Doctorate in Life Sciences, or MBA with relevant scientific background.
• Significant pharmaceutical industry experience within drug development or a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional initiatives and strategic programs.
• Strong project management capabilities with a track record of delivering outcomes in matrixed organizations.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute an integrated communications, engagement, and culture strategy that strengthens alignment and stakeholder engagement across the Development Unit.
• Develop and deliver strategic communications articulating Development Unit priorities, achievements, and value creation.
• Advance portfolio strategy initiatives and business development priorities through collaboration across Development, Biomedical Research, and partner functions.
• Lead competitive intelligence activities and provide actionable portfolio insights for stakeholders.
• Drive participation in TransCelerate activities and coordinate leadership engagement and internal communications.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Analytical skills

Drug development knowledge

Global teams experience

Education

Master's/MBA in Life Sciences

Tools

SharePoint

Data visualization

AI-enabled productivity tools

Portfolio management platforms

Job description

Summary

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Are you passionate about shaping strategy, strengthening engagement, and enabling organizational impact across one of Novartis' most innovative Development Units?

The Director, CRM DU Strategy & Engagement serves as a strategic partner to the Head of Strategic CRM Development and External Liaison, helping drive Development Unit priorities through communications, engagement, portfolio strategy, competitive intelligence, operational excellence, and external collaboration. This highly visible role combines strategic thinking with operational execution and provides an opportunity to influence cross‑functional initiatives that support the Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Development Unit's vision and long‑term success.

About The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute an integrated communications, engagement, and culture strategy that strengthens organizational alignment, visibility, and stakeholder engagement across the Development Unit.
• Develop and deliver strategic communications that clearly articulate Development Unit priorities, achievements, and value creation.
• Advance portfolio strategy initiatives and business development priorities through collaboration across Development, Biomedical Research, and other partner functions.
• Lead competitive intelligence activities, providing actionable portfolio insights and ensuring stakeholders have access to relevant information.
• Drive Novartis participation in TransCelerate activities, including stakeholder alignment, portfolio oversight, leadership engagement, and internal communications.
• Facilitate cross‑functional forums and leadership discussions that support enterprise collaboration and shared learning.
• Support portfolio governance, prioritization, resource planning, and risk management activities across the Development Unit.
• Prepare strategic analyses, reports, and presentations for senior leadership reviews and decision‑making forums.
• Establish and maintain SharePoint‑based collaboration and knowledge‑sharing platforms supporting Development Unit operations.
• Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, inclusion, transparency, and high performance.

Essential Requirements

• Master's degree or Doctorate in Life Sciences, or MBA with relevant scientific background and equivalent experience.
• Significant pharmaceutical industry experience within drug development or a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross‑functional initiatives and strategic programs.
• Strong project management capabilities with a track record of delivering outcomes in matrixed organizations.
• Broad understanding of early and late‑stage drug development.
• Experience supporting partnerships, external collaborations, business development, competitive intelligence, or strategic portfolio activities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience working with global teams and international business environments.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience engaging with industry consortia and external collaborations.
• Familiarity with SharePoint, data visualization, AI‑enabled productivity tools, and portfolio management platforms.
• Experience supporting senior executive leaders and governance forums within a global pharmaceutical organization.

Why Novartis?

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people, collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Together we achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives.

Ready to create a brighter future together?

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: CHF 142,500 to CHF 263,500

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.

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

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)