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: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic vision and long-term growth of therapeutic areas (TAs) by developing comprehensive portfolio and pipeline strategies, ensuring sustainable and profitable expansion.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to build robust competitive readiness plans, integrating market intelligence and competitor analysis to anticipate and react to market dynamics.

• Provide critical commercial input for early-stage pipeline assets and Life Cycle Management (LCM) strategies for in-line products, maximizing launch value and commercial viability.

• Collaborate with Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) and Market Access teams to support strategic evaluations and country-level input for deal assessments, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy, NS" doesn't explicitly state "Revenue Operations," the core responsibilities include developing strategies for profitable growth, maximizing commercial viability, and informing BD&L evaluations. These activities are deeply intertwined with revenue generation and operational excellence, positioning the role within the broader GTM and Revenue Operations ecosystem. The emphasis on "competitive readiness" and "launch value generation" also points to a strong strategic operational component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute forward-looking competitive readiness plans (strategy, tactical, and scenario planning) in close collaboration with Intelligence & Data Sciences (IDS) and product/portfolio teams, ensuring proactive adaptation to market changes.

• Support the Therapeutic Area (TA) Head and General Managers (GMs) in providing commercial input for S&G, Development, and BioMedical Research to ensure maximal commercial viability and launch value generation for pipeline assets.

• Plan Life Cycle Management (LCM) for new indications, formulations, and labels for in-line products, and develop Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs) and LCM Plans for early pipeline assets.

• Partner with US BD&L and US Market Access to provide country-level input for BD&L evaluations, including Target Product Profile (TPP) development, stakeholder research, and pre-deal preparation.

• Support strategic evaluations and initiatives that inform TA strategies, contributing to TAL discussions 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, contributing to the FDP submission package, market shaping activities, and representing US Commercial needs at critical forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong strategic planning and execution component, crucial for GTM and revenue generation. The emphasis on "maximal commercial viability" and "launch value generation" underscores the revenue-generating aspect of this role, even though it's not a traditional sales operations role. The cross-functional collaboration with R&D, Medical Affairs, and Commercial teams is a hallmark of effective GTM strategy execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

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

• Experience should 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 and various product lifecycle stages, or General Manager experience in other countries.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management: Ability to develop long-term, forward-looking strategies and manage complex product portfolios.

• Market Analysis & Competitive Intelligence: Strong capability in understanding external competitive environments and leveraging insights for strategic advantage.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Proven ability to partner effectively with diverse teams (R&D, Medical, Commercial, BD&L, Market Access) to drive strategic initiatives.

• Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of pharmaceutical commercialization, launch strategies, and product lifecycle management.

• Problem-Solving & Autonomy: Highly motivated individual capable of working independently in dynamic environments, applying creative problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in multiple therapeutic areas.

• Experience with Business Development & Licensing (BD&L) or Market Access.

• Strong influencing, communication, and engagement skills with senior leadership.

• Ability to navigate complex, ambiguous, and dynamic environments with high visibility and tight timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, commercial expertise, and leadership capabilities, crucial for a Director-level role focused on portfolio and product strategy. The "10+ years" experience level suggests a need for deep industry knowledge and a proven track record in strategic roles. The preference for an MBA and advanced degrees points to a need for strong analytical and financial modeling skills, common in strategic operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and present comprehensive strategic plans, including market analysis, competitive landscape assessments, and financial projections.

• Case studies showcasing successful contributions to product launches, Life Cycle Management (LCM), or portfolio optimization initiatives.

• Examples of cross-functional collaboration leading to effective strategic decision-making and execution.

Process Documentation:

• Experience in documenting and communicating complex strategies, including Target Product Profiles (TPPs) and Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs).

• Ability to articulate the process of translating market insights into actionable commercial strategies.

• Familiarity with documenting the transition process for late-stage pipeline assets from R&D to commercial teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and strategic focus, a portfolio demonstrating strategic planning, analytical capabilities, and cross-functional leadership is essential. The emphasis on "process documentation" and "transition process" suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate how they've formalized and managed strategic workflows, a key aspect of operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this position is between $185,500.00 and $344,500.00 annually. This range reflects the seniority and strategic importance of the Director role within Novartis.

Benefits:

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

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

• Incentives: Performance-based cash incentive program.

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

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

• Additional Resources: Access to a detailed handbook outlining company culture, rewards, and benefits.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• Given the strategic and leadership nature of the role, flexibility may be expected to meet project deadlines and business needs, especially during critical launch phases or strategic planning cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting a senior Director-level position in the pharmaceutical industry in the US. The benefits package is competitive and comprehensive, typical for large pharmaceutical companies. The mention of equity and performance-based incentives aligns with senior leadership roles focused on driving business results.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology. Novartis is a global leader in developing innovative medicines to improve and extend people's lives. The company operates at the forefront of medical science, focusing on areas of high unmet medical need.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This scale offers significant resources, global reach, and opportunities for diverse career paths, but also implies a structured, often matrixed, organizational environment.

Founded: 1996 (merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz). This history provides a strong foundation of scientific expertise and market presence.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a Therapeutic Area (TA) commercial or strategy unit, reporting to a TA Head, GM, or ED, Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy.

• It involves close collaboration with Global Strategy (G&S), Development, BioMedical Research, US BD&L, US Market Access, and other commercial functions.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging insights from Intelligence & Data Sciences (IDS) and competitive intelligence.

• Strategic planning grounded in robust market understanding, scenario planning, and risk assessment.

• Collaborative approach to strategy development, ensuring buy-in and alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Focus on innovation, identifying unmet needs and emerging areas for portfolio expansion.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis is a well-established player in the pharmaceutical industry, known for its research-intensive approach and global presence. The company culture likely emphasizes scientific rigor, innovation, and a patient-centric focus. For operations roles, this translates to a need for data-driven strategies, robust process management, and strong cross-functional collaboration within a highly regulated environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director. This is a senior leadership position, overseeing strategic initiatives and influencing key business decisions. It requires a blend of deep industry expertise, strategic foresight, and strong leadership capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior leader within the TA (TA Head, GM, or ED, Portfolio & Pipeline Strategy), indicating direct influence on TA strategy and significant visibility.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the long-term profitability and sustainability of Novartis's therapeutic areas by shaping the product portfolio and ensuring commercial readiness for future growth. It bridges the gap between R&D and commercialization, optimizing the value chain.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles such as VP of Strategy, TA Head, or General Manager positions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific therapeutic areas or strategic functions like M&A, BD&L, or global portfolio management.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into broader commercial leadership roles or strategic operational leadership positions within Novartis or its affiliates.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in areas of market analytics, strategic foresight, competitive intelligence, and advanced therapeutic areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Director level signifies a significant step in a career path within pharmaceutical strategy and operations. The growth potential is substantial, offering pathways to executive leadership and specialized strategic roles, leveraging the company's global footprint and diverse business units.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in East Hanover, New Jersey. The work environment is likely a modern corporate office setting within a major pharmaceutical hub.

Office Location(s): East Hanover, New Jersey, United States. This location is part of the broader pharmaceutical corridor in the Northeast, offering access to a rich talent pool and industry network.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment designed to foster interaction and knowledge sharing among cross-functional teams.

• Access to advanced analytics tools, market intelligence platforms, and internal company systems necessary for strategic planning and execution.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

• Given the strategic nature and potential for global collaboration, some flexibility may be required to accommodate different time zones and critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in East Hanover suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and strategic alignment, crucial for high-level decision-making and team cohesion in a complex R&D and commercial environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and cover letter by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on strategic thinking, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Expect questions about past strategic projects and competitive scenarios.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from R&D, Market Access, Commercial, and potentially BD&L. These will assess collaboration skills, understanding of different functional perspectives, and ability to influence.

• Case Study / Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a strategic analysis of a hypothetical market scenario, a therapeutic area, or a product portfolio challenge. This is where portfolio examples will be crucial.

• Final Round: Meeting with senior leadership (e.g., TA Head, VP) for final assessment of strategic fit and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Depth: Showcase portfolio items that demonstrate deep strategic thinking, market analysis, and long-term planning.

• Impact & Results: Quantify the impact of your contributions using metrics where possible (e.g., market share growth, revenue impact, successful launch preparation).

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Highlight projects where you effectively partnered with diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives.

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate the processes you followed, including market intelligence gathering, strategic framework application, and decision-making criteria.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio in a clear, organized, and concise manner, focusing on key achievements relevant to the Director role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Market Analysis: Be prepared to analyze a therapeutic area, identify key market drivers, competitive threats, and unmet needs.

• Strategic Recommendations: Develop actionable recommendations for portfolio optimization, LCM, or market entry strategies.

• Financial Acumen: Understand how to link strategic initiatives to financial outcomes and ROI.

• Communication: Practice articulating complex strategies clearly and persuasively to different audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director-level strategy role will be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, leadership, and demonstrated impact. A well-curated portfolio that showcases strategic execution and cross-functional influence will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Strategic Planning Software: Tools for scenario planning, roadmapping, and project management (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com).

• Presentation Software: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint or similar for developing high-impact strategic presentations.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for seamless cross-functional communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Intelligence Platforms: Access to and proficiency with industry-specific databases and analytics tools (e.g., IQVIA, EvaluatePharma, Clarivate).

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for presenting complex data insights.

• Financial Modeling Tools: Excel for financial analysis, forecasting, and ROI calculations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM/automation role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms inform strategy and customer engagement is beneficial.

• Familiarity with business intelligence tools for data extraction and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is strategic, proficiency with tools that support data analysis, strategic planning, and effective communication is essential. The ability to interpret data from various sources and translate it into actionable strategic insights is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to find new solutions, identify unmet needs, and develop novel strategies for growth.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to the highest ethical standards and regulatory requirements in all strategic and commercial activities.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively across diverse functions to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: A pursuit of high performance, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement in all strategic endeavors.

• Patient Focus: Ultimately, all strategies are geared towards improving patient outcomes and access to innovative medicines.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring strong partnerships with R&D, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Global Strategy, and Commercial teams.

• Emphasis on building consensus, influencing stakeholders, and driving alignment on strategic direction.

• Open communication and a willingness to engage in constructive debate to arrive at the best strategic outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis's culture likely emphasizes scientific rigor, ethical conduct, and a patient-first approach. For a strategy role, this means balancing commercial objectives with clinical value and regulatory compliance, requiring a strong ethical compass and collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity: Managing a complex portfolio and pipeline within a highly dynamic and regulated pharmaceutical market.

• Competitive Pressures: Staying ahead of aggressive competitor strategies and market shifts in fast-evolving therapeutic areas.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and effective collaboration across multiple departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Long-term Horizon: Developing strategies that yield results over a 10+ year horizon, requiring foresight and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Therapeutic Area Expertise: Deepening knowledge in specific, cutting-edge therapeutic areas.

• Strategic Foresight: Developing advanced skills in trend analysis, scenario planning, and predictive modeling.

• Leadership Development: Access to executive coaching, leadership training programs, and opportunities to lead high-impact strategic initiatives.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to participate in key industry conferences, forums, and networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant strategic challenges in a leading pharmaceutical company, fostering professional growth in areas critical to GTM and revenue strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a comprehensive competitive readiness plan. What were the key components, and what was the outcome?"

• "How would you assess the commercial viability of an early-stage pipeline asset? What data points would you prioritize?"

• "Walk us through your process for developing a Life Cycle Management strategy for an in-line product."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Novartis's strategy in [specific therapeutic area] and how does this role contribute to it?"

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting into a large, matrixed organization like Novartis?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an executive summary, followed by the strategic challenge, your approach/methodology, key findings/recommendations, and quantifiable results/impact.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that highlight problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration.

• Data Visualization: Use clear charts and graphs to illustrate market trends, competitive landscapes, and financial projections.

• Tailoring: Emphasize portfolio pieces that directly align with the responsibilities and requirements of the Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy role at Novartis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to drive commercial success through robust portfolio and product strategies. Understanding Novartis's current therapeutic focus areas and strategic priorities will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any supplementary materials to highlight your experience in strategic planning, portfolio management, competitive analysis, and cross-functional leadership within the pharmaceutical or biotech sector. If you have a formal portfolio, select case studies demonstrating successful product lifecycle management, launch strategy development, or market entry planning.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in roles that required strategic decision-making, market assessment, and influencing senior stakeholders. Quantify achievements with specific metrics related to revenue impact, market share growth, or successful project outcomes.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic approach using frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, and Porter's Five Forces. Be ready to discuss your experience with Life Cycle Management (LCM), Target Product Profiles (TPPs), and Integrated Evidence Plans (IEPs). Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions focusing on leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Novartis's current therapeutic areas of focus, recent product launches, pipeline developments, and stated strategic priorities. Understand their competitive landscape and identify how this role contributes to their overall business objectives.

⚠️ 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.