Senior Director, US Risk Management & Product Safety (REMS)

U014 (FCRS = US014) Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; East Hanover (NJ); Hybrid; USD 204,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis seeks a Senior Director, US Risk Management & Product Safety in East Hanover, NJ to lead the US safety strategy for high-profile medicines, overseeing REMS design, product safety governance, FDA engagement, and risk management execution.

This role requires a BS in Health Care/Life Sciences, 10+ years PV leadership, 8+ years pharma experience, and deep REMS knowledge; you will partner with senior leaders to shape US risk management strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Care / Life Sciences; advanced degree preferred (PharmD, PhD, or MD).
• 10+ years of PV leadership experience, including risk management planning and operational execution.
• Minimum of 8 years pharmaceutical industry experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of FDA REMS requirements, US pharmacovigilance regulations, and audit/inspection management.
• Proven leadership, communication, influencing, and decision-making capability.
• Strong executive presence and ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives.
• Expertise leading large-scale strategic initiatives related to drug development and regulatory requirements.
• Deep understanding of risk management principles and best practices for REMS implementation.

Responsibilities

• REMS Strategy & Leadership: Lead US REMS safety strategy aligned with FDA requirements, global risk management plans, and evolving patient safety priorities.
• REMS Operational Oversight: Manage REMS vendor performance to ensure compliance, high quality training, and robust data integrity.
• US Product Safety Strategy: Oversee US safety labeling and timely submission of US aggregate reports.
• Regulatory Compliance & Quality Oversight: Maintain readiness for inspections and CAPAs to closure; keep current with evolving regulatory requirements.

Skills

PV leadership

FDA REMS requirements

Executive presence

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Health Care / Life Sciences

Advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, or MD)

Job description

Band Level 6 Job Description Summary

Location: East Hanover, NJ #LI-Hybrid Relocation Support: Novartis is unable to offer relocation support - please only apply if this location is accessible to you Join Novartis in a pivotal leadership role where patient safety and innovation intersect. As Senior Director, US Risk Management & Product Safety, you will lead the US safety strategy for a portfolio of complex, high-profile medicines, overseeing REMS design, product safety governance, FDA engagement, and risk management execution. This is a rare opportunity to influence how breakthrough therapies reach patients safely, while partnering with senior leaders to shape the future of risk management across the US healthcare landscape.

Job Description

1. REMS Strategy & Leadership
   - Lead the US REMS Safety Strategy, ensuring alignment with FDA requirements, global risk management plans, and evolving patient safety priorities.
   - Drive development, approval, and launch of innovative, commercially feasible REMS programs including restricted distribution, prescriber/pharmacy certification, and patient enrollment systems.
   - Provide US input into Risk Management Plans (RMPs) and REMS assessments; ensuring the implementation of recommendations and continuous optimization of risk minimization measures.
2. REMS Operational Oversight
   - Manage REMS vendor performance (including call centers, specialty pharmacies, prescriber certification platforms) to ensure compliance, high quality training, and robust data integrity.
   - Oversee execution of REMS commitments and risk mitigation activities.
3. US Product Safety Strategy
   - Oversee US safety related labeling (USPI, Medication Guides, REMS safety language) and oversee timely, accurate submission of US aggregate reports (e.g., PADERs, PBRERs).
   - Serve as the primary contact for US product safety inquiries, escalations, and Health Authority requests.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Oversight
   - Maintain readiness for inspections and audits; manage findings, corrective actions, and CAPAs to closure.
   - Keep current with evolving regulatory requirements and provide insights to support REMS and safety risk management strategy.
   - Participate in FDA interactions, REMS negotiations, advisory boards, and industry forums.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Care / Life Sciences required; advanced degree preferred (PharmD, PhD, or MD).
• 10+ years of PV leadership experience, including risk management planning and operational execution.
• Minimum of 8 years pharmaceutical industry experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of FDA REMS requirements, US pharmacovigilance regulations, and audit/inspection management.
• Proven leadership, communication, influencing, and decision-making capability.
• Strong executive presence and ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives.
• Expertise leading large-scale strategic initiatives related to drug development and regulatory requirements.
• Deep understanding of risk management principles and best practices for REMS implementation.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with safety databases, REMS platforms, and data analytics tools.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $204,400 and $379,600 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like relevant skills and experience and may be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Compensation includes a performance-based cash incentive and eligibility for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, disability benefits, 401(k) with company match, and generous time off.

Join Novartis and play a defining role in advancing patient safety and regulatory excellence in the United States.

Salary Range $204,400.00 - $379,600.00

Skills Desired Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Functional Teams (Inactive), Leadership, Medical Strategy (Inactive), Process Safety Management, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Safety Science

EEO Statement

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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and 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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.