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: Product Strategy & Portfolio Management (Revenue Operations & GTM Alignment)

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the long-term strategic vision and sustainable growth for therapeutic areas (TAs) by developing comprehensive portfolio and pipeline strategies.

• Lead cross-functional efforts to build competitive readiness plans, anticipating market shifts, competitor actions, and ensuring legal and compliant execution.

• Provide critical commercial input for asset development, Life Cycle Management (LCM), and integrated evidence plans for both in-line and early-stage pipeline assets.

• Collaborate with Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) and Market Access teams to evaluate new opportunities and provide country-level strategic input.

• Facilitate the seamless transition of late-stage pipeline assets from Global Scientific Affairs (S&G) to the US Commercial team, ensuring robust launch preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for aligning product development and commercialization efforts within a specific therapeutic area, directly impacting revenue generation and market positioning. It requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, cross-functional leadership, and deep understanding of the pharmaceutical market dynamics. The focus on "NS" likely refers to a specific business unit or therapeutic area within Novartis, requiring specialized domain knowledge.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute forward-looking competitive readiness plans, incorporating scenario planning and deep understanding of the external competitive landscape, leveraging Intelligence & Analytics (IDS) deliverables.

• Provide strategic commercial input to S&G, Development, and BioMedical Research teams to maximize the commercial viability and launch value of assets.

• Formulate Life Cycle Management (LCM) strategies for new indications, formulations, and labels for in-line products.

• Develop Integrated Evidence Plans and LCM Plans for early-stage pipeline assets to ensure future commercial success.

• Support US BD&L and US Market Access in evaluating potential deals by providing country-level commercial input, including Target Product Profile (TPP) development and stakeholder research.

• Contribute strategic insights and white papers to the Therapeutic Area Leadership (TAL) on competitive levers, portfolio gaps, and emerging unmet needs.

• Lead or support the transition of late-stage pipeline assets to US Commercial, contributing to FDP submission packages and representing US Commercial needs in critical forums.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on commercial strategy, market shaping activities, and overall launch preparedness.

• Drive continuous improvement in competitive intelligence gathering and strategic planning processes.

• Act as a proactive custodian for consistent competitive readiness excellence across the TA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on proactive strategy development and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires influencing capabilities across multiple departments and levels, including senior leadership. The mention of "FDP submission package" and "GPT" (likely Global Project Team) indicates involvement in critical decision-making milestones within the drug development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Marketing, Life Sciences).

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 or experiences (e.g., sales, marketing, strategy, market access, medical affairs).

• Recent US Market commercialization experience is essential, including launch experience and managing various product lifecycle stages.

• Prior General Manager experience in other countries is also highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Analysis: Ability to develop comprehensive, long-term strategies, conduct competitive analysis, and perform scenario planning.

• Pharmaceutical Commercialization: Deep understanding of US market dynamics, product launch processes, and product lifecycle management.

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

• Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) Acumen: Ability to provide strategic input for deal evaluations and TPP development.

• Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, influence senior stakeholders, and drive consensus in a complex environment.

• Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical problem-solving skills applied to dynamic market conditions.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with leaders.

• Autonomy & Proactiveness: Highly motivated individual capable of working with a high degree of autonomy and taking proactive ownership.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in multiple therapeutic areas, providing broader market insights.

• Direct experience with Market Access strategies and execution.

• Experience navigating highly complex, ambiguous, and dynamic organizational environments.

• Proven ability to manage high-visibility projects with tight timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements emphasize breadth and depth across commercial functions and markets. The preference for an MBA and multiple cross-functional experiences suggests a need for a well-rounded business leader. "NS" in the title may indicate a specific focus on Neuroscience, Oncology, or another specialized area, which would be a significant advantage if candidates have direct experience in those TAs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Frameworks: Demonstrated ability to develop and apply strategic frameworks for portfolio assessment, prioritization, and growth planning.

• Market Analysis & Forecasting: Evidence of utilizing market research, competitive intelligence, and data analytics to inform strategic decisions and forecast commercial potential.

• Product Lifecycle Management (LCM): Case studies showcasing successful LCM strategies for maximizing asset value across different stages of development and commercialization.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Examples of leading complex, cross-functional projects involving R&D, commercial, and market access teams.

• Business Case Development: Portfolio pieces demonstrating the ability to build robust business cases for new product investments or strategic initiatives, including ROI analysis.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning Process: Documented examples of strategic planning methodologies used, including competitive readiness planning and scenario development.

• LCM Planning Process: Outlines of processes for developing integrated LCM plans and evidence generation strategies for pipeline assets.

• BD&L Evaluation Process: Contributions to or documentation of processes for evaluating and providing commercial input for BD&L opportunities.

• Asset Transition Process: Examples of managing the transition of late-stage assets from development to commercialization, including key milestones and deliverables.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Methodologies for tracking the performance of strategic initiatives and portfolio assets against defined KPIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role focused on strategy, the portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and cross-functional execution. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they have driven significant business outcomes through well-defined processes and strategic planning, particularly in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

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

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

• Performance Incentives: Performance-based cash incentive program.

• Equity: Eligibility for annual equity awards, depending on the role's level.

• Time Off: Generous paid time off package including vacation days, personal days, and holidays.

• Additional Perks: Access to a variety of other benefits and resources detailed in the Novartis Life Handbook.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. However, given the strategic and demanding nature of the role, flexibility may be required to meet business needs, including occasional work outside of standard business hours to manage critical deadlines or global collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is at the higher end, reflecting a senior-level Director position in a major pharmaceutical company. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for large corporations, and includes performance-based incentives and equity, aligning with senior leadership roles. The mention of "Level 6" in the raw data suggests a specific internal grading system that implies a certain level of responsibility and compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology. Novartis operates at the forefront of medical innovation, developing and commercializing novel therapies across a wide range of disease areas. This industry context demands a rigorous, data-driven, and highly regulated approach to strategy and product development.

Company Size: Novartis is a global pharmaceutical giant with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This large scale implies robust internal processes, extensive resources, and significant opportunities for career development, but also requires navigating complex organizational structures.

Founded: Novartis was formed in 1996 through the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz. This long history in the industry provides a foundation of expertise and a track record of significant contributions to healthcare.

Team Structure:

• This role likely sits within a Therapeutic Area (TA) Commercial Strategy or Portfolio Management group, reporting to a senior leader such as the TA Head, GM, or ED of Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy.

• The team will be highly cross-functional, with close collaboration expected from colleagues in Market Access, Medical Affairs, Development, Business Development & Licensing (BD&L), and potentially competitive intelligence (CI) teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on utilizing robust data analytics, market insights, and competitive intelligence to inform strategic choices.

• Integrated Planning: A systematic approach to integrating commercial, medical, and development strategies for optimal asset progression and launch success.

• Proactive Risk Management: Developing strategies to anticipate and mitigate market, competitor, and regulatory risks.

• Agile Adaptation: The ability to adapt strategies quickly in response to evolving market dynamics and scientific advancements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Novartis is likely characterized by a strong scientific foundation, a commitment to innovation, and a global perspective. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values data integrity, strategic alignment, and a deep understanding of the complexities of drug development and market entry. The "NS" in the job title strongly suggests a specialization within a particular therapeutic area, which would require candidates to demonstrate relevant domain expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Director-level position (Band Level 6), signifying a senior leadership role with significant strategic responsibility and influence. It sits at a critical juncture, bridging early-stage research and late-stage commercialization, and requiring a comprehensive understanding of the entire product lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior executive (TA Head, GM, or ED of Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy), indicating direct access to high-level decision-making forums and exposure to executive leadership. This provides significant visibility and opportunity for mentorship from seasoned leaders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Novartis's future revenue streams and market leadership within its therapeutic areas. By shaping portfolio strategy, driving competitive readiness, and ensuring successful asset transitions, the Director influences the commercial success and profitability of key product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into executive leadership roles such as Vice President, General Manager, or Head of Therapeutic Area Strategy.

• Strategic Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific therapeutic areas, market access, or portfolio management, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on global strategy initiatives or transition to international leadership roles within Novartis.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop advanced skills in influencing, negotiation, and strategic collaboration across diverse business units and functions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a major pharmaceutical company. The strategic scope and high visibility provide a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities. Candidates should highlight their experience in driving significant strategic initiatives and their ability to influence outcomes at an executive level.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within Novartis's East Hanover, NJ campus. This setting fosters in-person collaboration, team building, and direct engagement with colleagues and leadership.

Office Location(s): East Hanover, New Jersey. This location is a significant hub for Novartis's US operations, offering a well-established corporate infrastructure and proximity to other key business functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to facilitate cross-functional collaboration, with ample meeting spaces and opportunities for informal interactions.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to the latest technology, communication tools, and data platforms necessary for strategic analysis and global project management.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with diverse teams, participate in strategic planning sessions, and contribute to a dynamic work culture.

• Professional Atmosphere: A corporate setting that upholds high professional standards and a focus on achieving business objectives.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the dynamic nature of strategic roles in the pharmaceutical industry often necessitates flexibility. This may include occasional work outside standard business hours to accommodate global time zones, critical deadlines, or urgent market events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests that in-person collaboration and immediate access to company resources are considered crucial for this strategic role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their preferences and ability to thrive in a structured, collaborative office environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and alignment with company culture.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely the ED, Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy or TA Head) focusing on strategic experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of the pharmaceutical market.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Medical Affairs, Development, Market Access, BD&L, and potentially other commercial leaders to assess collaboration skills and strategic alignment.

• Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic analysis or portfolio recommendation based on a hypothetical scenario or a prior project. This will evaluate analytical skills, strategic thinking, and presentation abilities.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior executive (e.g., TA Head, GM) to assess overall fit, leadership potential, and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Showcase examples where your strategic recommendations led to measurable business outcomes (e.g., increased market share, successful product launch, optimized portfolio value).

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership: Include projects where you successfully partnered with diverse teams, managed competing priorities, and drove consensus.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics to illustrate the impact of your work. For example, "Increased forecast accuracy by 15%" or "Contributed to a $50M increase in projected revenue."

• Showcase Process Rigor: Present clear documentation of strategic planning processes, LCM development, or BD&L evaluation methodologies you've utilized.

• Tailor to Novartis: Research Novartis's therapeutic areas of focus and recent strategic initiatives. Frame your portfolio examples to align with their business priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Competitive Readiness Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a competitive readiness plan for a new asset in a crowded market.

• Portfolio Prioritization: Practice articulating the criteria and process you would use to prioritize R&D investments or pipeline assets.

• LCM Strategy Development: Be ready to outline strategies for extending the lifecycle of an in-line product or optimizing the development path for a pipeline asset.

• BD&L Evaluation: Prepare to discuss how you would assess the commercial viability of a potential in-licensing opportunity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess strategic acumen, cross-functional leadership, and alignment with Novartis's business objectives. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates tangible impact and a strong understanding of pharmaceutical strategy is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint (for strategic presentations and proposals), Excel (for financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting), and Word (for documentation).

• Strategic Planning Software: Familiarity with tools that support scenario planning, competitive analysis, and portfolio optimization (specific tools may vary, but conceptual understanding is key).

• Project Management Tools: Experience with platforms like Asana, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for effective communication and collaboration with global teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary tool for this role, understanding CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) and its implications for market insights is beneficial.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization and reporting, enabling clear communication of strategic insights.

• Market Research Databases: Familiarity with industry-specific databases and analytics platforms (e.g., IQVIA, EvaluatePharma, GlobalData) for competitive intelligence and market forecasting.

CRM & Automation:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in statistical software or advanced Excel functions for in-depth data analysis.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in creating compelling visual narratives for strategic recommendations and executive reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is strategy-focused, a strong command of data analysis and presentation tools is essential for effectively communicating complex strategic concepts and supporting data-driven decision-making. Familiarity with pharmaceutical market intelligence platforms is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, particularly crucial in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

• Innovation & Boldness: Encouraging creative thinking and the pursuit of novel solutions to address unmet medical needs and market challenges.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional partnerships are prioritized for optimal outcomes.

• Patient Focus: A deep-seated commitment to improving patient lives through the development and delivery of groundbreaking medicines.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, driving results, and being accountable for strategic decisions and their impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Actively seeks to build strong relationships with colleagues across all functions, viewing them as strategic partners in achieving TA objectives.

• Transparent Communication: Encourages open dialogue, honest feedback, and clear communication to ensure alignment and mitigate misunderstandings.

• Data-Informed Debate: Values constructive debate grounded in data and scientific evidence to arrive at the best strategic decisions.

• Proactive Engagement: Takes initiative to engage with stakeholders early and often, ensuring buy-in and addressing potential concerns proactively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis's values emphasize scientific rigor, patient-centricity, and collaborative innovation. For operations professionals, this translates to an environment where strategic initiatives must be ethically sound, data-backed, and developed through strong cross-functional teamwork, with a clear focus on the ultimate goal of patient well-being.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Market Complexity & Competition: Navigating dynamic and highly competitive pharmaceutical markets with evolving scientific landscapes and competitor strategies.

• Balancing Portfolio Needs: Effectively prioritizing investments and resources across a diverse portfolio of early-stage pipeline assets and in-line products with varying commercial potential.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and driving action among diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities and perspectives.

• Regulatory & Compliance Landscape: Operating within a stringent regulatory environment that requires meticulous attention to compliance and ethical standards.

• Translating Strategy to Execution: Ensuring that strategic plans are effectively translated into actionable tactics and successfully implemented by various commercial and development teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Strategic Frameworks: Access to training and resources on cutting-edge strategic planning methodologies and competitive intelligence techniques.

• Therapeutic Area Expertise: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in specific therapeutic areas through internal resources, conferences, and collaborations.

• Executive Leadership Development: Participation in leadership programs designed to hone executive presence, strategic decision-making, and global management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Attending key pharmaceutical industry events to stay abreast of trends, network with peers, and gain insights from thought leaders.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Novartis to guide career development and provide strategic counsel.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to strategic complexity and cross-functional influence, common in senior roles within large pharmaceutical companies. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering clear pathways for career advancement and skill development within a leading global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a long-term competitive strategy for a product or therapeutic area. What were the key components, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic framework, market analysis, and impact.)

• "How do you approach identifying and prioritizing unmet needs within a therapeutic area to inform portfolio strategy?" (Highlight market assessment, data utilization, and strategic alignment.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a Life Cycle Management (LCM) strategy for a pharmaceutical asset." (Emphasize understanding of development, regulatory, and commercial levers.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Novartis's current strategic priorities, particularly within the [Therapeutic Area related to 'NS']?" (Showcase research into Novartis's pipeline, recent news, and therapeutic focus.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and alignment when working with teams from R&D, Medical Affairs, and Commercial?" (Provide examples of influencing, communication, and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentations logically, starting with the business challenge, detailing your strategic approach and execution, and concluding with quantified results and key learnings.

• Quantify Your Contributions: For each case study, clearly articulate your specific role and the measurable impact of your work. Use metrics that resonate with a pharmaceutical business context (e.g., market share, revenue growth, forecast accuracy, launch success metrics).

• Emphasize Strategic Thinking: Beyond execution, highlight the strategic rationale behind your decisions and how they aligned with broader business objectives.

• Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you worked effectively with various departments, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your portfolio examples, including the challenges faced, alternative approaches considered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, analytical rigor, cross-functional leadership, and a solid understanding of the pharmaceutical product lifecycle and market dynamics. A strong portfolio that quantifies impact and showcases strategic thinking will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Novartis careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to portfolio strategy, product lifecycle management, competitive analysis, and cross-functional leadership within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best demonstrate your strategic planning, analytical skills, and ability to drive commercial success. Prepare concise summaries and be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on process, impact, and learnings.

• Research Novartis: Thoroughly research Novartis's therapeutic areas (especially those related to "NS"), recent product launches, pipeline assets, and stated strategic priorities. Understand their competitive landscape and key challenges.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Practice articulating your approach to common strategic challenges, such as competitive response, portfolio prioritization, or LCM planning, and be ready to present your thought process clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.