Executive Director, Field Activation and Execution Excellence

Job Description Summary

#LI-Remote

This position can be based remotely anywhere in the U.S. (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will require 50% travel.

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Company will not sponsor visas for this position.

As Executive Director of Field Activation and Execution Excellence, you’ll lead strategic initiatives and daily operations that elevate field-based organizations. You’ll guide expert teams in transformation, communications, and planning – ensuring their work aligns with enterprise priorities and is delivered with precision. Your role centers on setting a clear vision, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and turning big ideas into measurable impact. By championing operational discipline and embracing new ways of working, you’ll help the organization thrive today and prepare for tomorrow.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape the vision and strategy for operating models and governance, ensuring teams have clear routines, decision-making paths, and accountability that foster alignment and operational excellence.
• Support teams in adopting and refining processes that help the organization run smoothly and stay focused on strategic goals.
• Empower teams to enhance business operations, optimize resources, and maintain daily discipline, with a strong emphasis on tracking and achieving key performance indicators.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and scaling best practices across the organization.
• Seamlessly integrate transformation efforts into everyday work, equipping teams to embrace and sustain new approaches.
• Turn enterprise goals into practical plans with clear milestones and success measures and monitor progress to ensure meaningful results.
• Guide internal communications to reflect organizational priorities and build engagement across teams.
• Prepare leaders for key forums and milestones, helping teams craft compelling narratives and materials that drive clarity and alignment.
• Lead the planning and execution of strategic meetings and leadership forums, ensuring agendas and outcomes are tied to priorities and tracked for impact.
• Advocate for smart use of technology in operations, encouraging teams to leverage digital tools, automation, and data insights to boost decision-making and performance.

Essential Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree required from 4-year college or university.
• 10+ years’ experience leading enterprise-wide transformation within complex, matrixed environments, with a proven ability to embed new ways of working.
• Deep expertise in B2B engagement strategies, with a strong track record of managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships and delivering impactful outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in program and change management, including initiative tracking, milestone delivery, and driving cultural and operational shifts.
• Strong communication capabilities, with the ability to craft and deliver clear, compelling messages across diverse audiences and channels.
• Hands-on experience in business operations, including the design and implementation of governance frameworks and process improvements that enhance performance.
• Skilled in strategic meeting planning and execution, with a focus on aligning leadership forums to business priorities and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Advanced proficiency in digital tools and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), enabling efficient, insight-driven decision-making and operational transparency.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in regulated industries or complex B2B environments (e.g., pharmaceutical, biotech, technology, financial services, logistics).
• Familiarity with agile methodologies, transformation frameworks, and enterprise planning tools.

Novartis Compensation Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $225,400.00 and $418,600.00 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 eligibl