Job ID
REQ-10083442
Jul 17, 2026
India
Available in: English
Summary
The Associate Director, Strategic Projects is an experienced project leader with an entrepreneurial mindset, and an uncompromising drive to transform drug development and improve patient lives. Defined by strong program management expertise, this role is a proven project manager who can drive high-performing cross-functional teams (Development Units and Functions) and deliver measurable organizational impact.This role is accountable for enabling strategic imperatives for Development by supporting and/or leading the creation, planning and independent operationalization of specific strategic projects. The role is expected to enhance the executional certainty of assigned initiatives by deploying best-in-class project management practices, successfully supporting project teams (influencing through the matrix) and integrating insights from internal and external specialists.The impact of this role is measured though executional success as well as the clarity of connection between operational excellence projects and influence on Development objectives, strategy and priorities, including (but not limited to) enhancing drug asset value, financial benefits of efficiency or productivity, improved operational outcomes or accelerating our cultural roadmap. This will require role modeling exceptional values and behaviors, embracing high-challenge conversations to drive change and leading-from-the-front to catalyze future best practices to help stakeholders achieve new performance heights.
About the Role
Major accountabilities: Deliver strategic and operational imperatives for Development as x-functional strategic projects using data as the performance baselineAccountable for the faultless, independent delivery of selected strategic projects that employ project management best practices to enhance certainty of success (i.e., project plans - scope, time, cost/resources, communication plans, impact measures/ metrics)Provide operational support to OpEx executive directors and directors of large-scale strategic projectsDrive standardization of project and workstream structures to ensure effective inter- facing between programsSynthesize clear takeaways from complex information into outcomes and recommendations using both qualitative and quantitative methods (i.e., external benchmarks, internal metrics, process performance analyses etc.)Lead and/or support project teams, influencing without authority, to develop the best solution and move stakeholders and the organization to actEstablish trust-based relationships stakeholders to better serve their organizationsDeploy strong verbal and written communication skills to transmit information effectively to all audiences, in a structured mannerSupport project teams and organizations to comprehensively improve operating model design, process simplification, data & technology enablement, and financial success, whilst ensuring quality standards and regulatory complianceRole model exceptional company values and behaviors, embracing high-challenge conversations, to drive change (ethics, change agent, collaboration, humility)Maintain awareness of process improvement methodologies and best practices (e.g., IQP, Lean six sigma, Scrum, Agile, etc.)Experience/Professional requirement:5-7 years of pharmaceutical industry, life sciences / drug development or equivalent working experience (i.e., CROs)Good understanding of drug research and development: expertise in organizational improvement methodologies (i.e., process reengineering, organizational development etc.).International and/or cross-disciplinary background preferred and proven ability to influence without direct authorityStrong project management capabilities by qualification, training, and experience, and awareness of methodologies (e.g., IQP, lean six sigma, Scrum, Agile …); able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities and unexpected events while maintaining a positive work attitudeInitiative taker, eager to break new ground, create opportunities for othersStrong interpersonal communication skills - both verbal and written: Ability to present complex ideas effectivelyStrong project management capabilities by qualification, training, and experience, and awareness of methodologies (e.g., IQP, lean six sigma, Scrum, Agile …); able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities and unexpected events while maintaining a positive work attitudeCapability to drive an independent workstream in the context of a broader team projectAbility to work collaboratively in a team and create an inclusive environment with people at all levels of an organizationAbility to break down and solve problems through quantitative thinking and analysisSelf-motivated with a remarkably high degree of ownership and accountability for results.
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-cultureBenefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
Division
Development
Business Unit
Development
Location
India
Site
Hyderabad (Office)
Company / Legal Entity
IN10 (FCRS = IN010) Novartis Healthcare Private Limited
Functional Area
Research & Development
Job Type
Full time
Employment Type
Regular
Shift Work
No
Accessibility and accommodationNovartis is 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 recruitment process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Research & Development Development India
Job ID
REQ-10083442
Associate Director, Strategic Projects Lead
Apply to Job
Job ID
REQ-10083442
Associate Director, Strategic Projects Lead
Apply to Job
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that improve and extend people’s lives. We use science-based innovation to address some of society’s most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and develop breakthrough treatments and find new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible. Our company is focused on industry-leading divisions with innovation power and global scale: pharmaceuticals, eye care and generic medicines Novartis is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 120,000 associates and its products are available in more than 180 countries around the world.