Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy, NS

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy, NS

Company: Novartis

Location: East Hanover, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Portfolio & Product Strategy / Revenue Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the future growth trajectory of a specific Therapeutic Area (TA) by developing and executing comprehensive portfolio and product strategies.

• It requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape, competitive intelligence, and the ability to translate market insights into actionable plans.

• The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Business Development & Licensing (BD&L), Market Access, Medical Affairs, and R&D, to ensure commercial viability and maximize launch value.

• Key responsibilities include building competitive readiness plans, informing asset development, and managing the transition of late-stage pipeline assets to commercialization, all within a legal and compliant framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy," its core functions—strategic planning, competitive analysis, cross-functional alignment, and driving commercial viability for a product portfolio—align strongly with the strategic pillars of Revenue Operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. This role focuses on the strategic foundation upon which revenue generation is built, making it highly relevant for operations professionals seeking to influence high-level business decisions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop forward-looking competitive readiness plans (strategy, tactical, and scenario planning) by deeply understanding the external competitive environment, leveraging Competitive Intelligence (CI) deliverables, and integrating internal product/portfolio strategies.

• Ensure product/portfolio teams are prepared to anticipate and act on external macro-environmental market changes, competitor launches, and other competitive strategies in a legal and compliant manner.

• Provide strategic input on assets to Sales & Marketing, Development, and BioMedical Research teams to ensure maximal commercial viability and launch value generation, including Life Cycle Management (LCM) planning for new indications, formulations, and labels.

• Develop Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs) and LCM Plans for early pipeline assets to maximize their commercial potential throughout their lifecycle.

• Partner with US Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) and US Market Access teams to provide country-level input for BD&L evaluations, including Target Product Profile (TPP) development, stakeholder research, and preparation for Decision Committee/Internal Market Briefings (DC/IMB).

• Support strategic evaluations and initiatives that inform the Disease Area (DA) and TA strategies, contributing insights for the Therapeutic Area Leadership (TAL) on competitive levers, portfolio gaps, and emerging unmet needs.

• Lead or support the transition of late-stage pipeline assets from S&G to US Commercial teams at least 6 months prior to First Data Presentation (FDP), contributing to the FDP submission package and representing US Commercial needs at critical forums (e.g., Global Product Teams - GPT) until transition to a full Integrated Product Strategy Team (IPST).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "competitive readiness plans," "commercial viability," "launch value generation," and "Life Cycle Management" indicates a strong focus on strategic operations that directly impact revenue potential. The role requires a proactive, data-informed approach to market dynamics, which is a hallmark of successful Revenue Operations and GTM strategists.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of commercial experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, or consulting sectors.

• Experience must encompass at least two different types of cross-functional roles (e.g., sales, marketing, strategy, market access, medical affairs).

• Recent US Market commercialization experience, including launch activities and managing various product lifecycle stages, or General Manager experience in other countries.

• Demonstrated experience partnering with Medical Affairs and/or Development to inform strategic choices.

• Proven ability to work with a high degree of autonomy in a dynamic environment, applying creative problem-solving skills and deep industry knowledge.

• Experience developing and implementing innovative strategies in competitive marketplaces, with a portfolio approach.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management: Ability to develop long-term strategic plans and manage a complex product portfolio.

• Market Analysis & Competitive Intelligence: Deep understanding of market dynamics, competitor strategies, and the ability to translate CI into actionable plans.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to partner effectively with diverse teams (Sales, Marketing, R&D, Medical Affairs, Market Access, BD&L).

• Pharmaceutical Commercialization: Extensive knowledge of US market commercialization, product launches, and lifecycle management.

• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business development, financial viability, and launch value generation.

• Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead initiatives, influence stakeholders (including senior leadership), and drive consensus.

Preferred Skills:

• Therapeutic Area Expertise: Experience in multiple therapeutic areas is highly desirable.

• Market Access Strategy: Experience with or deep understanding of Market Access strategies and challenges.

• BD&L Evaluation: Familiarity with evaluating business development opportunities.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to engage confidently with leaders one to two levels above.

• Change Management: Experience navigating complex, ambiguous, and dynamic environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (8+ years, with 2+ cross-functional roles) and the preference for an MBA or advanced degree signal a senior-level role. The emphasis on "portfolio approach," "innovative strategies," and "competitive readiness" suggests that candidates with a strong background in GTM strategy, product strategy, and operations with a strategic focus will be highly competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio of strategic initiatives that have directly contributed to sustainable growth and competitive advantage in previous roles.

• Provide examples of developing and implementing innovative strategies that addressed competitive market dynamics and unmet needs.

• Showcase experience in Life Cycle Management (LCM) planning, including new indications, formulations, or label expansions for in-line products and early pipeline assets.

• Present evidence of successful collaboration with R&D, Medical Affairs, and Commercial teams to ensure the commercial viability of product assets.

Process Documentation:

• Document the process for building forward-looking competitive readiness plans, detailing how market insights, CI, and internal strategies were integrated.

• Outline the methodology used for developing Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs) and LCM Plans for pipeline assets.

• Describe the process for supporting the transition of late-stage pipeline assets, including FDP preparation and representation in critical forums.

• Showcase experience in stakeholder research and providing input for BD&L evaluations, detailing the steps involved in analysis and recommendation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this section is crucial. A "portfolio approach" in this context means presenting tangible evidence of strategic planning, market analysis, and cross-functional execution. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific projects, methodologies, and quantifiable outcomes related to portfolio strategy and product lifecycle management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health, life, and disability benefits.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company contribution and match.

• Performance & Equity: Performance-based cash incentive and eligibility for annual equity awards (depending on role level).

• Time Off: Generous vacation, personal days, and holidays.

• Additional Resources: Access to a comprehensive "Novartis Life Handbook" detailing culture, rewards, and benefits.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the dynamic nature of strategic planning may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting the senior-level, strategic nature of the Director role. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for large pharmaceutical organizations, and includes performance-based incentives and equity, aligning with high-impact roles. The salary range was researched using the provided AI salary data and common industry benchmarks for Director-level strategy roles in the pharmaceutical sector in the New Jersey area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology. Novartis is a global leader in healthcare, focused on innovative medicines to improve and extend people's lives. This industry demands rigorous scientific research, strategic market understanding, and a commitment to patient outcomes.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Novartis is a global corporation with tens of thousands of employees). This size implies a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for broad impact across various functions and geographies.

Founded: Novartis was formed in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, with a rich heritage dating back over 250 years through its predecessor companies. This long history suggests a culture built on innovation, scientific excellence, and a deep understanding of healthcare needs.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a Therapeutic Area (TA) structure, suggesting specialized teams focused on specific disease areas.

• The position reports to the TA Head, GM, and ED, Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy, indicating a hierarchical structure with clear leadership and strategic oversight.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on leveraging Competitive Intelligence (CI) deliverables and market data to inform strategic decisions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: A core methodology involves partnering with various departments to ensure cohesive strategy development and execution.

• Scenario & Tactical Planning: The role requires proactive planning that accounts for market changes, competitor actions, and future opportunities.

• Compliance-Centric Operations: All strategic actions must be conducted within legal and compliant frameworks, a critical aspect of the pharmaceutical industry.

Company Website: https://www.novartis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Director-level role in a major pharmaceutical company, this position is deeply embedded in the GTM strategy and operations of specific therapeutic areas. The company's focus on innovation and patient outcomes, combined with its large size, means operations professionals will work in a highly regulated, data-intensive, and collaborative environment aimed at bringing critical medicines to market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director. This level signifies significant responsibility, strategic influence, and leadership within a specific functional area (Portfolio & Product Strategy). It implies a move beyond tactical execution to shaping high-level business direction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the TA Head, GMs, and ED, Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy. This structure suggests a matrixed environment where strategic direction is provided by senior leadership, and the Director is responsible for translating that direction into actionable plans and ensuring execution.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the long-term profitability and market position of Novartis's therapeutic area portfolio. Strategic decisions made here can shape R&D investment, commercial launch strategies, and ultimately, patient access to vital medicines. It's a critical link between scientific innovation and commercial success, a core tenet of GTM and Revenue Operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level strategic roles, such as VP of Strategy, Chief Commercial Officer for a TA, or General Manager roles within Novartis.

• Therapeutic Area Specialization: Deepening expertise within a specific therapeutic area can lead to becoming a recognized subject matter expert and leader in that domain.

• Broadening Functional Expertise: Opportunities to gain exposure to or lead other critical functions like Market Access, Business Development, or broader Commercial Operations.

• Global Mobility: Novartis's global presence offers potential for international assignments and exposure to diverse markets and operational challenges.

• Executive Development Programs: Access to internal leadership development programs designed to cultivate future senior leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, this role represents a significant step up in strategic responsibility. It offers a clear path toward executive leadership within the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on the strategic underpinnings of revenue generation and market penetration. The growth opportunities highlight a company that invests in developing its talent for long-term leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This is typical for senior strategic roles requiring high levels of collaboration, access to internal resources, and face-to-face engagement with key stakeholders and leadership.

Office Location(s): East Hanover, New Jersey, United States. This location is a significant hub for pharmaceutical companies, offering a strong professional network and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster interaction with various departments (IDS, Sales, Marketing, R&D, Medical Affairs, BD&L, Market Access), facilitating the comprehensive strategy development required.

• Resource Availability: As part of a large enterprise, expect access to robust data analytics tools, market research platforms, and internal subject matter experts to support strategic planning and decision-making.

• High-Visibility Interactions: The role involves frequent engagement with senior leadership (TA Head, GMs, EDs), requiring a professional and confident presence in internal forums and presentations.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment is standard, with an expected 40-hour work week. However, given the strategic, high-impact nature of the role and its on-site requirement, flexibility may be necessary to meet project deadlines, launch preparations, and critical meeting schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in East Hanover suggests a dynamic, collaborative office setting where strategic discussions and cross-functional alignment are paramount. Operations professionals in this environment will benefit from direct access to leadership and teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required experience, education, and core responsibilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely the ED, Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy or TA Head) to delve into your strategic thinking, leadership experience, and understanding of the pharmaceutical market.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from departments like Commercial, Medical Affairs, Development, or BD&L to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.

• Case Study/Presentation: A potential requirement to present a strategic analysis, competitive readiness plan, or portfolio recommendation, demonstrating your problem-solving and communication abilities.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to evaluate overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact Focus: Highlight projects where your strategic input directly led to improved commercial viability, successful product launches, or enhanced competitive positioning.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your strategies (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, successful LCM implementation, value generated from BD&L evaluations).

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate the strategic frameworks, analytical tools, and cross-functional processes you utilized. For this role, emphasize competitive intelligence integration, scenario planning, and LCM development.

• Collaboration Examples: Showcase instances where you successfully partnered with diverse teams (R&D, Medical, Commercial, Market Access) to achieve strategic goals.

• Tailoring: Adapt your portfolio presentation to align with Novartis's therapeutic areas and strategic priorities as understood from your research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Competitive Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical or real-world competitive scenario within a specific therapeutic area and propose strategic responses.

• Portfolio Optimization: Practice outlining how you would evaluate and prioritize assets within a portfolio to maximize long-term value and competitive advantage.

• LCM Strategy: Develop a framework for creating an LCM plan for a given product, considering new indications, formulations, and market dynamics.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Prepare to discuss how you would gain buy-in from different departments for a complex strategic initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just analytical skills but also strategic foresight and the ability to translate complex market data into actionable, revenue-driving strategies. The portfolio should emphasize strategic planning, competitive analysis, and cross-functional leadership within the pharmaceutical context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM/Sales Force Automation: While not directly managed, understanding CRM systems (e.g., Veeva CRM, Salesforce) is crucial for grasping commercial operations and data flow.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms: Expertise in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization and analysis is essential for understanding market trends and performance.

• Market Research & Data Providers: Familiarity with industry-standard data sources such as IQVIA, Symphony Health, Clarivate, or GlobalData for competitive intelligence and market landscape analysis.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira may be used for managing strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), Google Workspace, and collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack for communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Advanced Excel: Essential for complex data analysis, financial modeling, and scenario planning.

• Statistical Software (Optional but beneficial): Experience with R, Python, or SAS can be advantageous for deeper data analysis.

• Forecasting Tools: Understanding the principles and tools used for sales and market forecasting.

CRM & Automation:

• Life Cycle Management (LCM) Planning Tools: While specific tools might vary, understanding the process flow for LCM is key.

• Process Automation Concepts: Awareness of how automation can streamline reporting, data collection, and workflow management, even if not directly implementing it.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is strategic, a strong command of data analysis tools and an understanding of the systems that drive commercial operations (CRM, BI platforms, market data providers) are critical. Operations professionals should be able to articulate how data and technology enable strategic decision-making and competitive readiness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to developing novel strategies and solutions to address evolving market needs and competitive challenges.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to the highest ethical standards and regulatory requirements, paramount in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared objectives.

• Patient Focus: A dedication to improving patient lives through the development and delivery of innovative medicines.

• Excellence: Striving for high performance, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making in all aspects of strategy and operations.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of strategic initiatives and driving them to successful outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Partnership-Oriented: Encourages building strong relationships across departments to foster open communication and shared understanding.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are grounded in robust data analysis and market insights.

• Strategic Alignment: Focuses on ensuring all cross-functional partners are aligned with the overarching TA and portfolio strategy.

• Constructive Debate: Values diverse perspectives and encourages healthy debate to refine strategies and identify potential risks or opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Novartis, especially in strategic roles, emphasizes a blend of scientific rigor, commercial acumen, and a strong ethical framework. Operations professionals will find a collaborative environment where data-driven insights are valued, and strategic alignment across diverse functions is key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Volatility & Competition: Navigating a highly competitive pharmaceutical landscape with rapid scientific advancements and evolving market access challenges.

• Long Development & Commercialization Cycles: The extended timelines from early pipeline to market launch require sustained strategic focus and adaptability.

• Regulatory Complexity: Operating within a stringent regulatory environment necessitates meticulous planning and execution.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring cohesive strategy and execution across numerous departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Data Integration & Interpretation: Synthesizing vast amounts of data from diverse sources (CI, R&D, Market Access, Commercial) into clear, actionable strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Therapeutic Area Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specific disease areas, becoming a go-to expert.

• Strategic Leadership Skills: Enhance capabilities in influencing, executive communication, and long-term strategic planning.

• Business Development & Licensing: Gain exposure to deal-making processes and strategic evaluation of external opportunities.

• Market Access & Pricing: Develop a sophisticated understanding of market access strategies, health economics, and pricing dynamics.

• Global Strategy Exposure: Learn about diverse international market dynamics and adapt strategies accordingly.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in strategic planning and market navigation. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, allowing operations professionals to develop deep expertise and advance into senior leadership positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a competitive readiness plan. What were the key components, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data sources, and impact.)

• "How do you approach Life Cycle Management for a pharmaceutical product? Provide an example of a strategic LCM initiative you supported or led." (Highlight your understanding of LCM phases and strategic levers.)

• "Walk me through your process for evaluating the commercial viability of a new asset or indication." (Emphasize your analytical framework, market assessment, and cross-functional input.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Novartis and the pharmaceutical industry, what do you see as the biggest strategic challenge for our portfolio in [relevant therapeutic area]?" (Demonstrate your research and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you embody Novartis's values of [mention relevant values like Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration] in your work?" (Connect your past experiences to company values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by strategic initiative or project type (e.g., Competitive Readiness, LCM Planning, BD&L Support).

• STAR Method: For each example, clearly outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, quantifying the impact whenever possible.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise slides. Focus on key insights, strategic frameworks, and measurable outcomes rather than extensive detail.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about the challenge, your strategic approach, the collaborative effort, and the ultimate business impact.

• Operations Focus: Frame your achievements through the lens of strategic operations – how your planning and execution directly contributed to revenue potential, market positioning, and sustainable growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep pharmaceutical market knowledge, and strong cross-functional leadership. Operations professionals should be ready to articulate how their strategic planning and execution capabilities contribute directly to business outcomes and revenue generation, using specific examples from their experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Novartis Careers portal using the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 8+ years of commercial experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech sector, emphasizing cross-functional roles, US market commercialization, and strategic planning achievements. Use keywords from the job description such as "portfolio strategy," "competitive readiness," "Life Cycle Management," and "commercial viability."

• Develop Your Operations Portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio or presentation that showcases 2-3 key strategic projects. Focus on your role in developing competitive readiness plans, LCM strategies, or supporting BD&L evaluations. Quantify your impact with relevant metrics (e.g., market share growth, revenue contribution, successful launch preparation).

• Research Novartis & TA: Deeply research Novartis, its therapeutic areas (especially those relevant to the NS designation, if known), and its recent strategic moves. Understand their approach to innovation and market access.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common strategy, leadership, and behavioral questions, particularly those related to competitive analysis, product lifecycle management, and cross-functional collaboration, using the STAR method. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.