Director, Program Data Lead

Novartis India; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis India is seeking a senior leader to drive clinical data strategy across multiple programs. You will provide portfolio-level leadership, coordinate data standards, and ensure delivery quality with a focus on regulatory compliance.

The role requires extensive experience in clinical data management, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to lead in a global matrix environment. This is a senior, impact-driven position within the Clinical Data Operations function.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of Clinical Data Management with study- and program-level oversight.
• Experience leading multiple trials and complex programs with focus on quality and timely delivery.
• Strong knowledge of clinical data standards, regulatory requirements, and trial governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end clinical data strategy execution across programs, aligning with objectives and standards.
• Drive consistency and quality across trials through standardized data collection, review, and delivery.
• Own portfolio-level prioritization, coordination, and data strategy integration across programs.
• Provide people leadership, coaching, and performance oversight for Program Leads.
• Serve as primary escalation and decision authority for program-level data and delivery issues.
• Represent CDO in Global Clinical Teams and governance forums, delivering unified direction.
• Embed data and vendor strategy into program execution plans and delivery strategies.
• Ensure proactive risk management and adherence to lean data principles across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with standards and delivery teams to drive scalable, fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Enhance program predictability and operational excellence while shaping DU-level capabilities.

Skills

Clinical data strategy

Portfolio leadership

Stakeholder management

Global collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Advanced degree in Life Sciences / Healthcare

Job description

Summary

The Director Program Lead provides portfolio level leadership and accountability for Clinical Data Strategy execution across a portfolio of programs, ensuring coherent prioritization, risk resolution, and predictable delivery outcomes aligned with DU direction. This role serves as the single CDO escalation and coordination point at program level, represents CDO on Global Clinical Team (GCT), interfaces with GCO sub teams, with direct operational accountability and people leadership for Study Data Leads. Should be able to perform assigned tasks in an independent capacity, needing minimal to no supervision and support. Should be able to provide mentoring and support to the Program Leads (Associate Director (AD), Snr AD). Perform peer/senior review of some of the critical deliverables, as per allocation by Study Data Leads. Act as delegated authority to CDO DU Leads.

Job Description

Major Accountabilities

• Lead end-to-end clinical data strategy execution across programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives, DU priorities, and enterprise standards.
• Drive consistency and quality across trials through standardized data collection, review, cleaning, and delivery approaches.
• Own portfolio-level prioritization, coordination, dependency management, and integration of data strategies across multiple programs.
• Provide people leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance oversight for Program Leads while developing organizational capability.
• Serve as the primary escalation and decision‑making authority for program‑level data, delivery, quality, and stakeholder issues
• Represent Clinical Data Operations (CDO) in Global Clinical Teams (GCTs) and GCO governance forums, delivering unified program‑level data strategy direction.
• Embed data strategy, vendor strategy, and operational delivery considerations into program execution plans and Operational Delivery Strategies (ODS).
• Ensure proactive risk management, issue resolution, Quality by Design implementation, and adherence to lean data principles across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with standards, vendor, and delivery teams to drive scalable, fit‑for‑purpose solutions and continuous improvement of data strategy practices.
• Enhance program predictability, stakeholder experience, and operational excellence while contributing to DU‑level capability, resource, and operating model decisions.

Minimum Requirements

• 15+ years of Clinical Data Management experience with demonstrated expertise across both study‑level and program‑level oversight.
• Proven ability to lead multiple clinical trials and complex programs concurrently, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Strong operational leader with sound decision‑making capabilities and deep knowledge of clinical data standards, regulatory requirements, and trial governance.
• Experienced in managing complexity across portfolios, driving alignment and execution across diverse studies, stakeholders, and geographies.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively in a global matrix environment.
• Established people leader and coach, with a track record of building high‑performing teams, developing talent, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

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:

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