Head Clinical Strategy Implementation

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Primary Location: Westworks, London, UK
Other Locations: Dublin, Ireland
Relocation Support: This role is based in Westworks, London, UK. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
Stepping into this role means shaping how Clinical Science delivers impact across Novartis. You will drive the translation of high level strategy into meaningful, actionable initiatives that elevate how we work and how we serve patients. As a trusted strategic partner, you’ll guide complex cross functional programs, influence senior stakeholders, and bring clarity, structure, and momentum to initiatives that matter. This is your opportunity to lead with vision, champion innovation, and create the conditions for sustainable change—ultimately helping build a more inspired, curious, and unbossed Clinical Development community.

 

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

• Shape functional strategy and translate high‑level goals into clear, actionable implementation roadmaps.
• Lead cross‑functional strategic initiatives from scope definition through end‑to‑end execution.
• Build strong governance structures and stakeholder alignment to enable effective project delivery.
• Drive prioritization of initiatives using qualitative and quantitative insights to optimize impact.
• Oversee sustainable adoption of initiatives by defining KPIs and monitoring performance outcomes.
• Partner with leaders to prepare and facilitate high‑quality leadership meetings and discussions.
• Promote an inspired, curious, and unbossed culture through effective communication and change leadership.

Essential Requirements

• Master’s degree, with preference for an advanced qualification in areas such as management consulting or project management.
• More than ten years of professional experience, including significant experience within life sciences, healthcare, or the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives with measurable impact and clear delivery outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities, including scenario assessment, contingency planning, and implementation of operational improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence without authority, and partner effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills, with the confidence to operate in environments with ambiguity and shifting priorities.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience presenting to senior executive groups with the confidence to influence decisions at multiple organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex environments and balance competing priorities while maintaining strong stakeholder trust.

Why Novartis:
Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here:
https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
You’ll receive:
You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.
Join our Novartis Network:
If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

 

Skills Desired

Budget Management, Clinical Trials, Coaching, Compliance, Cross-Functional Teams, Leadership, People Management, Risk Management, Risk Monitoring, Strategy