VP, CE Future Readiness, Launch, and Field Operations

Band

Level 8

 

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.

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.

The VP, Customer Engagement Strategy, Launch & Field Operations is accountable for shaping and executing an integrated customer engagement strategy that spans virtual and field-based models, go-to-market planning, and operational excellence. This role will lead the transformation of how we engage customers across therapeutic areas, leveraging market insights, digital innovation, and agile operations to drive impact.

As a key advisor to the Chief Customer Engagement Officer and a member of the CE Leadership Team, this role will drive alignment across strategy, operations, and execution to deliver superior customer experiences and business outcomes.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• The role combines strategic foresight with executional rigor, overseeing development of a future-focused customer engagement strategy in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
• Designing and scale-up of innovative virtual engagement models and talent strategies.
• Optimization of field operations, including asset management, field effectiveness, and GTM planning.
• Continuous improvement of operational processes to enhance speed, quality, and adaptability.
• As a key advisor to the Chief Customer Engagement Officer and a member of the CE Leadership Team, this role will drive alignment across strategy, operations, and execution to deliver superior customer experiences and business outcomes
• Strategic Leadership & Transformation
  Lead the development and execution of an integrated customer engagement strategy—spanning virtual and field-based models—aligned with future market trends, customer needs, and business objectives. Oversee transformation initiatives across the Customer Engagement (CE) function, including proof-of-concept innovations, GTM evolution, and field deployment strategies.
• Operational Excellence & Field Effectiveness, oversee end-to-end field operations including Sales Planning, Incentive Compensation, Field Asset Management, Operational Enablement, and Field Force Effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and governance to enhance speed, quality, and adaptability across the CE organization.
• Resource Planning & ROI Optimization, own resource allocation strategy, ensuring optimal coverage, ROI, and responsiveness to market dynamics. Collaborate with Sales, Finance, HR, and Analytics to align resources with national sales targets and business priorities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Innovation, build strong partnerships across CE, Marketing, Access, Medical, IDS and Integrated Marketing to ensure a cohesive and innovative engagement model. Foster a culture of experimentation, knowledge sharing, and best practice dissemination.
• Culture, Compliance & People Leadership, lead and develop a diverse team of ~120 associates across the U.S. and India. Create an inclusive, patient-focused culture grounded in Novartis Values & Behaviors.
• Ensure full compliance with the Novartis Code of Ethics and all relevant policies and procedures.

Essential Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus. Preferred: 4+ years within a significant consultancy group (e.g. McKinsey, BCG, Bain). MBA
• 10+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, or healthcare consulting, including leadership across at least two cross-functional domains such as sales, marketing, market access, or operations.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into execution, with 3+ years of experience in project management and leading complex, cross-functional initiatives that deliver measurable business impact.
• Demonstrated success in attracting, developing, and retaining diverse, high-performing teams. Strong leadership in building specialty sales or account management teams and fostering an unbossed, collaborative culture.
• Strong strategic, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Skilled in leveraging anticipatory analytics, financial acumen, and competitive insights to drive performance. Deep understanding of U.S. market access dynamics, including payer landscape, buy-and-bill models, and specialty pharmacy.
• Experience managing large, complex budgets and contributing to brand launch and commercialization processes

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy (customer-facing ro