Head of Finance - M&A and Divestments

Sandoz continues to go through an exciting and transformative period as a global leader and pioneering provider of sustainable Biosimilar and Generic medicines. As we continue down this new and ambitious path, unique opportunities will present themselves, both professionally and personally. Join us, the future is ours to shape!

The Head of Finance – M&A and Divestments leads the financial component of the group strategy and, alongside the M&A team, the execution of all inorganic growth and divestment initiatives across the organization.

In this role you will be responsible for evaluating, structuring, and executing the financial component of complex transactions that support the company’s strategic objectives, including acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. You will be a key business partner for the M&A team and provide an essential bridge between the world of transaction‑related finance and internal corporate finance.

Job Purpose

The Head of Finance – M&A and Divestments plays a pivotal role in driving the financial strategy and execution of high‑impact initiatives that shape the future of the organization. This role is responsible for leading financial workstreams across Mergers & Acquisitions and divestments (M&A), Integration & Separation, and broader strategic transformation initiatives.

Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the incumbent will provide financial insights, deal support, and strategic analysis to enable data‑driven decision‑making and ensure value creation through inorganic growth and transformation activities.

The role requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, transaction experience, financial acumen, and cross‑functional collaboration to support the company’s long‑term growth agenda. This will include risk assessments, negotiation support and presentation to the corresponding governance bodies, building in‑depth knowledge of the business and work closely with all needed stakeholders (eg tax, treasury, funds flow, and supply hubs) and conduct post‑evaluation of M&A and divestment deals.

The incumbent will be a key business partner for the M&A team, connecting them through a lens of financial transactions to the broader Sandoz internal finance team and bridging that gap.

Major Responsibilities

• Lead financial evaluation, modeling, and structuring of M&A and divestment transactions.
• Oversee financial due diligence and coordinate cross‑functional deal teams within broader transaction teams.
• Partner with Strategy, Legal, Tax, and Operations to ensure seamless execution.
• Present financial recommendations to senior executives and the Board.
• Manage external advisors (investment banks, consultants, legal counsel).
• Develop and maintain robust financial frameworks.
• Support assessment of strategic opportunities alongside strategy and M&A team
• Build and lead a high‑performing finance team focused on transactions.
• Governance & Reporting: Ensure financial governance, risk management, and compliance across all transformation and growth initiatives. Prepare and present materials for senior leadership and board‑level discussions.
• Market & Competitive Analysis: Provide financial insights on market trends, competitor activity, and industry benchmarks to inform strategic decisions.
• Evaluate risks or opportunities through financial analysis, providing recommendations to mitigate these risks, and flagging them in the thorough sensitivity analysis.
• Ensure compliance with the Management Authorization Limits and Capital Appropriation Request guidance and supporting the various teams in the corresponding alignment, presentations and approval processes.

What you’ll bring to the role

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field. CFA appreciated but not required
• Business level English language skills (written and spoken).
• 10+ years of experience in corporate finance, investment banking, or strategy consulting.
• Proven track record in leading complex M&A and divestment transactions.
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry preferred.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams in a global, matrixed organization.
• High integrity, strategic mindset, and sound business judgment.

Why Sandoz?

Generic and Biosimilar medicines are the backbone of the global medicines industry. Sandoz, a leader in this sector, provided more than 900 million patient treatments across 100+ countries in 2024 and while we are proud of this achievement, we have an ambition to do more!

With investments in new development capabilities, production sites, new acquisitions, and partnerships, we have the opportunity to shape the future of Sandoz and help more patients gain access to low‑cost, high‑quality medicines, sustainably.

Our momentum is powered by an open, collaborative culture driven by our talented and ambitious colleagues, who, in return for applying their skills experience an agile and collegiate environment with impactful, flexible‑hybrid careers, where diversity is welcomed and where personal growth is supported!

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

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

Accessibility and accommodation

Sandoz is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, please send an e‑mail to claire.gratton@sandoz.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message