Business Operations Lead (Translational Medicine)

Novartis Farmacéutica; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking a Business Operations Lead for its Translational Medicine team in Cambridge. This role involves managing site operations and logistics, planning impactful events, and supporting local onboarding experiences, fostering a collaborative environment for optimal team performance.

Benefits

Sign-on bonus

Restricted stock units

Discretionary awards

401(k) eligibility

Paid time off benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in site operations or customer-facing roles.
• Proficient in tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day site operations and logistics.
• Plan and execute local and global events.
• Support site-based communications and internal events.

Skills

Customer focus

Interpersonal skills

Planning

Organizational skills

Proactive mindset

Tech-savviness

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Business Operations Lead (Translational Medicine)

Job ID REQ-10052526

USA

Summary

This is a unique opportunity to elevate the day-to-day operations of the Translational Medicine team at our Cambridge site. In this role, you’ll manage site logistics, events, workplace experiences and moments that matter, helping create a collaborative environment where people can do their best work.

#LI-Onsite

This role is based in Cambridge, MA USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities:

Site Operations & Coordination: Making the everyday work

Lead day-to-day site operations, serving as the key local contact for operational needs, desk management, and on-site logistics . Partner with REFS and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated, efficient operations and act as coordinator for the local TM Site Leadership Team. As a site-based role, this position requires regular on-site presence to contribute meaningfully to the workplace experience and support team needs as they arise.

Event Planning & Delivery: Creating events that deliver

Lead the planning and execution of local and global events, both on- and off-site. Oversee logistics , timelines, and budgets while partnering closely with Facilities, REFS, AV, and other key stakeholders to ensure every event is well-organized, professional, and delivered with impact.

Communications & Production Support : Bringing communications to life
Support site-based communications by coordinating logistics for internal events, local productions, and on-site filming. Collaborate with partners to ensure smooth execution and delivery. Provide support for executive communications and messaging, helping shape clear, timely , and engaging content for local and global audiences.

Local Onboarding Experience: Laying the groundwork for smooth starts and strong connections
Lead local preboarding and onboarding activities in close partnership with hiring managers and key support functions . Ensure new associates feel welcomed and supported from day one by providing the right resources and guidance for a smooth and engaging start .

Administrative Support : Supporting what matters, day to day
Provide flexible administrative support to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day activities. Support a range of local needs as they arise, including acting as the primary contact for visitors to TM Cambridge and helping maintain an efficient and welcoming workplace.

• A proven track record in site operations, coordination, or customer-facing roles , ideally in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment
• 5+ years of relevant experience and a degree in Business Administration or a related field
• Strong customer focus and stakeholder visibility, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills across functions and cultures
• A proactive, results-driven mindset with strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills : Y ou keep things moving without losing sight of the details
• Comfort working across diverse, international teams, and the ability to adapt to different working styles and needs
• Commitment to in-person collaboration, flexing your presence to align with peak operational days and team needs
• Tech-savviness and curiosity : C omfortable using tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, and exploring how technologies like AI can improve the way we work
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical skills, including the ability to optimize processes, manage competing priorities, and communicate clear, actionable solutions
• Positivity, flexibility, and resilience in the face of change : Y ou bring both structure and calm to complex situations

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience in workplace operations or coordination in a cross-functional setting
• Site Operations & Coordination: Making the everyday work

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $70,000 and $130,000/ year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period.Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Novartis will not sponsor visas for this position.

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

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The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Division Biomedical Research

Business Unit Pharma Research

Location USA

State Massachusetts

Site Cambridge (USA)

Company / Legal Entity U175 (FCRS = US175) Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc.

Business Operations Lead (Translational Medicine)