Director R&D Strategic Insights

Novartis UK; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 104,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a Director, R&D Strategic Insights to shape strategic decisions across the global pipeline. This hybrid role connects science, strategy, and operational performance, partnering with senior leaders to influence resource allocation and prioritization of assets and programs.

The role requires an advanced degree in life sciences, substantial pharma/biotech R&D experience, and proven leadership in cross-functional environments. London or Dublin-based with hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences or related discipline; PhD preferred.
• Significant pharma/biotech experience across R&D, competitive intelligence, analytics or strategic functions.
• Deep understanding of drug development, pipeline strategy and global competitive environment.
• Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific and business information into clear strategic recommendations.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience leading high-visibility initiatives and delivering results within demanding timelines.

Responsibilities

• Partner with project teams and disease area leaders to shape strategic decisions across the R&D portfolio.
• Deliver independent insights and actionable recommendations to support governance decisions.
• Lead feasibility assessments spanning scientific, clinical, safety, regulatory, technical and execution considerations.
• Analyze competitive landscapes and industry developments to inform asset, platform and portfolio strategies.
• Provide strategic benchmarks and external intelligence to strengthen program and therapeutic area performance.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives focused on pipeline strategy and R&D performance.
• Develop disease area and asset insights that strengthen competitive positioning.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Complex information synthesis

Communication excellence

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Advanced life sciences degree

Job description

Summary

Role Type: Hybrid Working,

Primary Location: Westworks, London, United Kingdom

Other Locations: Dublin, Ireland

Relocation Support: This role is based in either Westworks, London or Dublin, Ireland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

What if you could help shape the future of one of the industry's most innovative research and development pipelines? As Director, R&D Strategic Insights, you will play a pivotal role in driving high-quality, evidence-based decisions across the Novartis global pipeline. Working at the intersection of science, strategy, operational performance, and competitive intelligence, you will provide independent insights that influence pipeline prioritization, resource allocation, and critical decisions. This is a unique opportunity to partner with senior leaders across Research and Development, contribute to enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, and help bring the right medicines to patients faster.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with project teams and disease area leaders to shape strategic decisions across the research and development portfolio.
• Deliver independent insights and actionable recommendations to support critical governance decisions.
• Lead project feasibility assessments spanning scientific, clinical, safety, regulatory, technical, and execution considerations.
• Analyze competitive landscapes and industry developments to inform asset, platform, and portfolio strategies.
• Provide strategic benchmarks and external intelligence to strengthen program and therapeutic area performance.
• Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives focused on pipeline strategy, R&D performance, and project acceleration.
• Develop disease area and asset insights that strengthen competitive positioning and identify expansion opportunities.

Essential Requirements

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; Doctor of Philosophy or equivalent qualification preferred.
• Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience across research and development, competitive intelligence, analytics, or strategic functions.
• Deep understanding of drug development, pipeline strategy, and the global competitive environment.
• Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific and business information into clear, actionable strategic recommendations.
• Strong leadership skills with success influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience leading high-visibility initiatives and delivering results within demanding timelines.

  Desirable Requirements

  • Experience spanning pharmaceutical research and development and commercial or competitive intelligence functions.
  • Extensive experience working in international, multidisciplinary teams across the drug development lifecycle.

  Expected Annual Base Salary Range For Role

  £89,950 - £167,050

  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

  Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion

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

  Benefits And Rewards

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