Director, Strategic Delivery

Job Description Summary

Are you ready to lead the delivery of large-scale, enterprise initiatives that directly accelerate scientific discovery and innovation within Biomedical Research? As Director, Strategic Delivery, you will sit at the heart of Data & Digital, partnering closely with senior leaders to translate strategy into measurable outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to shape how complex programmes are executed across a global research organisation - driving clarity, accountability and pace while enabling cutting-edge science. You will empower teams, elevate delivery standards and ensure the successful realisation of initiatives that ultimately help bring transformative medicines to patients faster.

Location: Cambridge, USA #LI-Hybrid

This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

 

Job Description

Responsibilities:  

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, cross-functional programmes aligned to Data & Digital and Biomedical Research strategic priorities  

• Own execution of critical initiatives, ensuring clear accountability for outcomes, timelines, dependencies and realisation of intended value  

• Act as the central delivery leader for high-priority initiatives, proactively identifying, escalating and mitigating risks and delivery challenges  

• Maintain an enterprise-wide view of the delivery portfolio, identifying interdependencies, systemic bottlenecks and opportunities to optimise execution  

• Partner closely with senior stakeholders to align strategic priorities with execution plans and ensure successful value realisation  

• Define and evolve delivery frameworks, selecting and adapting Agile, project or hybrid models to meet diverse programme needs  

• Lead and AI-enable a high-performing project and programme management capability across the organisation  

• Drive delivery excellence through robust governance, clear standards and continuous improvement of ways of working  

• Provide insightful, decision-focused reporting to senior leadership on progress, risks, dependencies and required interventions  

• Ensure delivery execution embeds information security, quality and risk standards across all initiatives from planning through to completion 

 

Essential for the role: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Informatics, Data Science or a related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred  

• Formal training in project management methodologies (e.g. PMP, PMI-ACP, Certified Scrum Master)  

• 10+ years’ experience delivering complex technology programmes within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry  

• 6+ years’ experience leading and developing high-performing, global teams in a senior leadership capacity  

• Proven track record of delivering large-scale, cross-functional initiatives with measurable business and scientific outcomes  

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives and competing stakeholder demands in a complex global environment  

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with strong experience engaging and advising senior and executive stakeholders  

• Good understanding of global research organisati