Executive Director, US Strategic Projects Lead

Novartis Group Companies; East Hanover (NJ); On-site; USD 237,000 - 439,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in East Hanover, NJ seeks an ED, US Strategic Projects Lead to drive the US Strategic Projects team. The role delivers prioritized, governance-driven strategic initiatives with measurable business impact, reporting to the VP, Head of US Strategy & Execution.

The position leads a core team, interfaces with senior leaders, and ensures delivery of four US strategic projects per quarter. Travel up to 20% is expected, with no remote work and no relocation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• Advanced degree (MS and/or MBA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define the US Strategic Projects operating model, engagement intake standards, staffing model, project cadence, stage gates, and quality bar.
• Select, scope, and mobilize priority strategic projects with sponsors, ensuring each has a clear problem statement, measurable outcome, decision path, and execution owner.
• Lead the portfolio of strategic projects, managing throughput, capacity, risks, dependencies, and leadership escalations.
• Guide Directors and project teams through ambiguous, high-stakes work requiring structured problem solving, data-backed recommendations, and cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure project outputs move beyond recommendations to implementation-ready roadmaps, KPIs, owners, and governance handoffs.
• Build internal strategy project capability and reduce reliance on external consultants for recurring strategic work.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Cross-functional coordination

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MS/MBA)

Job description

Novartis Group of Companies in East Hanover, NJ seeks an ED, US Strategic Projects Lead to drive the US Strategic Projects team. The role delivers prioritized, governance-driven strategic initiatives with measurable business impact, reporting to the VP, Head of US Strategy & Execution.

The position leads a core team, interfaces with senior leaders, and ensures delivery of four US strategic projects per quarter. Travel up to 20% is expected, with no remote work and no relocation.