Executive Director, Strategic Projects Lead

Job Description Summary

This position is based in East Hanover, NJ and will not have the ability to be located remotely. Please note that this role would not provide relocation and only local candidates will be considered. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will require up to 20% travel.

Reporting into the VP, Head of US Strategy & Execution, this role leads the US Strategic Projects team and is accountable for ensuring the highest-priority non-Reimagining Work US Commercial enterprise projects are framed, resourced, governed, and delivered through disciplined cross-functional execution with measurable business impact.

The ED, US Strategic Projects Lead is responsible for owning the strategic project portfolio delivery model, resource deployment across Directors / Associates / Analysts, engagement standards, sponsor alignment, and quality control for strategic project outputs and implementation handoffs.

This role will interface closely with senior leadership including US LT project sponsors, Therapeutic Area and Functional leaders, and cross-functional leaders while leading a core team of Strategy Engagement Leads and Associates to provide the US strategic agenda into a repeatable strategic-project delivery muscle. This team will have capacity to support four US strategic projects per quarter.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Define the US Strategic Projects operating model, engagement intake standards, staffing model, project cadence, stage gates, and quality bar. 

• Select, scope, and mobilize priority strategic projects with sponsors, ensuring each has a clear problem statement, measurable outcome, decision path, and execution owner. 

• Lead the portfolio of strategic projects, managing throughput, capacity, risks, dependencies, and leadership escalations. 

• Guide Directors and project teams through ambiguous, high-stakes work requiring structured problem solving, data-backed recommendations, and cross-functional alignment. 

• Ensure project outputs move beyond recommendations to implementation-ready roadmaps, KPIs, owners, and governance handoffs. 

• Build internal strategy project capability and reduce reliance on external consultants for recurring strategic work. 

Essential Requirements:

Education (minimum/desirable): 

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a related field 

• Preferred: Advanced degree (Master of Science and/or MBA)  

Experience: 

• 12+ years strategy consulting, corporate strategy, enterprise transformation, commercial strategy, strategic operations, or large-scale program leadership. 

• Proven ability to lead multiple high-profile strategic initiatives in a matrix environment with senior stakeholders and no direct authority over functions. 

• Strong project portfolio leadership, executive communication, facilitation, problem framing, change navigation, and business impact orientation. 

Desirable Requirements:

• Top-tier strategy consulting, pharma / healthcare strategy, commercial operations, AI / digital, or enterprise transformation experience. 

• Experience working with senior leadership teams and translating strategy into measurable execution. 

The salary for this position is expected to range between $236,600.00 and $439,400.00 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will 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. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

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 [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$236,600.00 - $439,400.00

Skills Desired