Director R&D Strategic Insights

Salary Range:

£89,950.00 - £167,050.00

Job Description Summary

Role Type: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid
Primary Location: Westworks, London, United Kingdom
Other Locations: Dublin, Ireland
Relocation Support: This role is based in either Westworks, London or Dublin, Ireland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.
What if you could help shape the future of one of the industry's most innovative research and development pipelines? As Director, R&D Strategic Insights, you will play a pivotal role in driving high-quality, evidence-based decisions across the Novartis global pipeline. Working at the intersection of science, strategy, operational performance, and competitive intelligence, you will provide independent insights that influence pipeline prioritization, resource allocation, and critical decisions. This is a unique opportunity to partner with senior leaders across Research and Development, contribute to enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, and help bring the right medicines to patients faster.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with project teams and disease area leaders to shape strategic decisions across the research and development portfolio.

• Deliver independent insights and actionable recommendations to support critical governance decisions.

• Lead project feasibility assessments spanning scientific, clinical, safety, regulatory, technical, and execution considerations.

• Analyze competitive landscapes and industry developments to inform asset, platform, and portfolio strategies.

• Provide strategic benchmarks and external intelligence to strengthen program and therapeutic area performance.

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives focused on pipeline strategy, R&D performance, and project acceleration.

• Develop disease area and asset insights that strengthen competitive positioning and identify expansion opportunities.

Essential Requirements

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; Doctor of Philosophy or equivalent qualification preferred.

• Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience across research and development, competitive intelligence, analytics, or strategic functions.

• Deep understanding of drug development, pipeline strategy, and the global competitive environment.

• Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific and business information into clear, actionable strategic recommendations.

• Strong leadership skills with success influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.

• Experience leading high-visibility initiatives and delivering results within demanding timelines.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience spanning pharmaceutical research and development and commercial or competitive intelligence functions.

• Extensive experience working in international, multidisciplinary teams across the drug development lifecycle.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

£89,950 - £167,050

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

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.

Benefits and Rewards: 

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

£89,950 - £167,050

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

Analytical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Development, Business Development Support, Business Partner Relations, Business Strategies, Change Management, Data Analytics, Finance, Go-to-Market Strategies, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Management Consulting, Market Analysis, Market Strategy, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Strategy Development