The Director Pipeline Governance champions best practices that safeguard data integrity and system reliability while fostering collaboration across functions. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence, the Director spearheads adoption and enhancement of cutting-edge planning capabilities/ systems, deliver training and change management to empower teams. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decisions and create impact by ensuring high-quality, timely, and accurate portfolio data that drives smarter, faster development outcomes. Join us and lead the transformation of governance into a true enabler of success.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive strategic governance and continuous improvement of project and portfolio management processes and systems to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Champion best practices that ensure data integrity, process consistency, and system reliability, setting the gold standard for operational performance.
• Shape the future of development by aligning and harmonising workflows, data models, and systems to deliver seamless, compliant planning across global teams.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to solve complex challenges, implement smart enhancements, and unlock new levels of organisational agility.
• Inspire change by leading adoption initiatives, delivering impactful training, and building capabilities that empower teams to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• A graduate degree in life sciences (Master’s or equivalent); PhD or similar advanced qualification strongly preferred, with practical understanding of data governance and analytics tools as an advantage.
• Proven experience in leading governance and optimization of project and portfolio management processes, with strong familiarity with PPM systems, workflows, and data models.
• Track record of driving alignment and standardization across complex, global organizations, ensuring compliance and operational excellence in drug development or related environments.
• Evidence of influencing strategic decisions and leading cross-functional initiatives in matrix organizations, building trusted partnerships and delivering results without formal authority.

• Influence senior leadership and key decision-makers as a trusted partner, ensuring governance strategies align with bold organisational ambitions.
• Drive resource optimisation and proactive risk management, keeping the organisation agile, future-ready, and positioned for success.
• Strong capability in change management and adoption of systems, including delivering training and embedding best practices to enhance organizational performance.
• Ability to operate under pressure, meeting tight timelines, and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders to shape governance strategies and enable informed decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills demonstrated by tailoring messages for diverse audiences, combined with curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to inclusion.switzerland@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

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

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards