Band Level 5 Job Description Summary As the Strategy and Operations Associate Director, you will support defining, executing, and evolving VPG's current and future goals, working across boundaries to influence key areas of GCO initiatives. You will ensure alignment with GCO's goals and embed continuous improvement and novel technology opportunities into VPG's strategy. You will manage operational activities to align with immediate priorities while driving optimal processes for future-focused resource utilization. As a matrix project leader, you will champion an agile mindset and foster a culture of experimentation and accountable delivery. Your role involves managing projects and initiatives, coordinating with team members, overseeing progress, and managing conflicts and risks. Job Description DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Manages specific areas of operationalization of VPG objectives and initiatives goals both for today and for the future, ensuring clear value drivers, KPIs, metrics, and decisions are measurable and impactful with continuous improvement Provides oversight and support around content and ways of working to community / practice areas or other critical capabilities Leading project planning activities, including the creation, approval, and ongoing change control of the project plan Performing risk management on projects/initiatives and managing project priorities Ensures thought leadership through industry trend awareness, standardization and direction for business requirements and set of definitions related to systems and processes to drive operational excellence and cutting-edge delivery on VPG initiatives/projects. Content owner on organizational processes, working practices and guidance to ensure consistency in delivery and synergy with other relevant functions. Responsible for document management and creation where applicable. May be involved in cross-functional / cross-divisional initiatives and innovations which affect VPG to ensure alignment with future portfolio strategy EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS Preferred three years working in global strategy, innovation or clinical operations leadership role; specific experience in clinical trials preferred Strong facilitation and conflict resolution skills, decision making strength, excellent communication and writing skills Three years of experience in global matrix teams Comprehensive project management abilities LEAN / Six Sigma certification / experience preferred Agile / Sprint methodology within project management experience preferred Experience in assessment of solutions and conflict management Understanding of drug development process a plus Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. 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. 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 Budget Management, Clinical Trials, Negotiation Skills, People Management, Process Improvement, Project Planning, Vendor Management, Waterfall Model