Associate Director - Portfolio Strategy & Operations

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Portfolio Strategy & Operations supports the effective strategic management and operational execution of the Therapeutic Area (TA) functions that comprise Translational Medicine Discovery & Profiling (TMDP). Reporting to the TMDP – Strategy & Planning Lead Director, this role contributes to TA strategic planning, business operations, portfolio coordination of key TAs, and delivery of key initiatives that enable the TA(s) and TA Heads to achieve their objectives. The position aligns closely with Functions, cross‑functional teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and effective execution of strategic priorities.

Location

Cambridge, MA, USA

Key Responsibilities

• Act as strategic thought partner for TMDP TA Head(s), reflecting on key topics and trends across therapeutic pillars; maintain an integrated portfolio view for the assigned TA(s), overseeing study tracking, milestone progression, and identifying risks or shifts requiring alerts.
• Provide comprehensive TA portfolio assessments in TM relevant projects, including analysis of scale, speed, and efficiency metrics to guide portfolio alignment with strategic objectives and deliver value efficiently.
• Continuously engage in portfolio analysis and strategy topics to bring TMDP TA strategic perspective into various portfolio reviews and prioritization across TM and different management/decision boards.
• Lead goals tracking, portfolio analysis, bring insights, and support effective alignments among project management, DA Portfolio Strategy Development (PSD), TA Leadership (TAL) and Disease Area Decision Board (DADBs).
• Support TMDP TA Head(s) in coordinating essential internal processes and priority initiatives such as TA objective planning, internal TA meetings, cross‑TA meetings, FTF meetings with partner groups, external reviews and collaborations, headcount planning, resource forecasting, and performance tracking of responsible TA(s).
• Assist TA Heads in internal communication across strategic meetings, presentations and updates; coordinate TA‑level team meetings, including agenda setting, material preparation, facilitation and action follow‑up.
• Lead operational excellence, process simplification, automation opportunities, AI‑enabled improvements, and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives to address enterprise‑level challenges.
• Coordinate a strategy for KOL interactions, including oversight of logistics.
• Contribute to organizational development activities, including change management, capability initiatives and trainings.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MSc, PhD) strongly preferred in life sciences or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industry.
• Prior experience with pharma portfolio analysis, portfolio management and strategy or portfolio operations.
• Experience within early development, clinical development, business operations or R&D operations preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across teams and levels.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clearly.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable Requirements

• Ability to leverage technologies and AI.
• Proficiency with business tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, AI agents, etc.).
• Ability to work in global matrixed organizations preferred.

Compensation

The salary for this position is expected to range between $132,300 and $245,700 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors such as relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis it will be reviewed periodically. Additional compensation may include a performance‑based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility for annual equity awards.

Benefits

US‑based eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. Employees are also eligible for a generous time‑off package including vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

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, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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

Skills Desired

• Analysis
• Decision Making
• Operational Excellence
• Operations
• Problem Solving
• Reporting
• Results‑Oriented
• Team Management
• Waterfall Model

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