ED, Product Strategy Lead - MS

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Executive Director, Product Strategy Lead - MS

Company: Novartis

Location: East Hanover, New Jersey, United States / Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Strategy & Management (Pharmaceuticals)

Date Posted: August 10, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution for a specific product indication within the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) therapeutic area, driving significant business impact and patient value.

• Orchestrate and measure integrated product strategies across multiple functions, including Marketing, Sales, Market Access, Medical Affairs, and Decision Science, to maximize product performance.

• Contribute significantly to the Profit & Loss (P&L) management of the assigned product, making critical trade-off decisions in resource allocation to achieve topline growth.

• Champion transformational enterprise leadership, fostering agility and speed in a business-critical transformation environment to enhance patient outcomes and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Executive Director (ED) within a Product Strategy organization, suggesting a senior leadership capacity with significant P&L responsibility and cross-functional influence. The focus on "integrated product strategies" and "orchestration" indicates a need for strong strategic planning, execution, and performance management skills, particularly within the complex pharmaceutical landscape. The mention of "business-critical transformation" implies a dynamic environment requiring adaptability and a forward-thinking approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate critical priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the assigned product/indication in close consultation with the cross-functional product strategy team, under the General Manager's final leadership.

• Drive the integration, execution, and measurement of the overall product strategy, making decisive actions against KPIs to elevate product impact and market performance.

• Take significant responsibility for the P&L of the assigned product/indication, enabling partner functions to effectively manage day-to-day resource allocation and expenditure.

• Achieve significant topline results through strategic choices and optimized resource deployment across integrated functions.

• Establish and coordinate the management of KPIs across all functions accountable for the integrated product strategy, ensuring alignment and performance.

• Partner effectively with functional heads to navigate trade-off decisions, balancing competing priorities and resource demands.

• Collaborate with other General Managers and members of the Product Strategy team on enterprise-level decisions, including potential strategic trade-offs between different products or indications.

• Ensure that customer engagement and relationship-building are integral components of the product/indication's strategic approach, informing performance metrics and identifying potential risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic leadership role focused on driving product success through integrated planning and execution. Emphasis is placed on P&L contribution, cross-functional alignment, and decisive action based on KPIs, which are core tenets of effective product strategy leadership in the pharmaceutical sector. The requirement to partner with other GMs highlights the collaborative nature of the role within a broader portfolio context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Required)

• MBA (Preferred) Experience:

• Required:

  • 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, or healthcare consulting industry.
  • This experience must include at least two different types of cross-functional roles, demonstrating breadth of understanding across various business units.
  • 3+ years of direct responsibility for large budget management, including ownership of key product trade-off decisions.
  • 3+ years of experience leading and translating an integrated product strategy that requires both global and local alignment.
  • Experience with the US Market, including launch phases and various stages of the product lifecycle, OR General Manager experience in other countries.

• Preferred:

  • Therapeutic Area experience, specifically within Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

  • Strong US market experience.

  • Global or other country/region experience (through projects, full-time roles, or temporary roles of 6 months or more). Required Skills:

• Integrated Product Strategy Development and Execution

• Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration

• P&L Management and Budgetary Oversight

• Strategic Planning and Decision-Making

• Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Resource Allocation and Optimization

• Pharmaceutical Product Lifecycle Management

• Business Strategy Formulation

• Performance Measurement and KPI Management

• Negotiation and Trade-off Analysis Preferred Skills:

• Deep understanding of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) therapeutic area.

• US Market Launch and Commercialization Expertise

• Global Product Strategy Experience

• Change Management and Business Transformation Leadership

• Customer Engagement Strategy

• Digital Marketing and Commercial Excellence principles

• Medical Affairs and Market Access Strategy Integration

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are substantial, emphasizing a blend of functional expertise and leadership across the pharmaceutical product lifecycle. The preference for US market experience and therapeutic area knowledge is crucial for this specific role. The required skills align with the strategic and managerial demands of an Executive Director overseeing a product's commercial success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of integrated product strategies developed and implemented for pharmaceutical products, showcasing strategic thinking and market impact.

• Case studies demonstrating significant contributions to P&L improvement, including specific trade-off decisions made and their quantifiable outcomes.

• Evidence of successful resource allocation strategies across multiple functions, illustrating how prioritization led to maximized product impact.

• Examples of KPI frameworks developed and managed to track product performance, with clear metrics and reporting mechanisms.

• Demonstrations of cross-functional leadership, highlighting how you've aligned diverse teams (Marketing, Sales, Medical, Market Access, etc.) towards common product goals. Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization: Showcase examples of how you've streamlined processes for product strategy development, market analysis, or cross-functional alignment.

• Implementation and automation methods: Illustrate any experience in implementing new strategies, systems, or automated processes to enhance efficiency or decision-making within product management.

• Measurement and performance analysis: Present examples of how you've analyzed product performance data, identified trends, and made data-driven recommendations for strategic adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at the Executive Director level, a robust portfolio is essential. It should not only showcase strategic outputs but also demonstrate the candidate's ability to drive tangible business results through effective process management and strategic decision-making. The focus should be on quantifiable achievements and the candidate's role in achieving them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $236,600.00 - $439,400.00 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance benefits.

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

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

• Performance-based cash incentive.

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

• This is a full-time position. While specific daily hours are not detailed, it is expected to align with standard business operations, requiring significant dedication due to the strategic and P&L responsibilities. The role is not remote and requires presence at the East Hanover, NJ or Cambridge, MA site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting the senior Executive Director level and the significant P&L responsibility. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for large pharmaceutical organizations, and includes both standard insurance and retirement benefits, as well as performance-based incentives and equity, aligning with senior leadership roles. The explicit mention of "not remote" and the specific locations reinforces the on-site nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology. Novartis is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medicines to improve patient lives. The company operates within a highly regulated and competitive market, emphasizing scientific rigor, innovation, and patient-centricity.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Novartis has tens of thousands of employees globally). This scale implies access to extensive resources, established processes, and a broad network of expertise, but also requires navigating organizational complexity.

Founded: 1996 (merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz). Novartis has a long history rooted in established pharmaceutical companies, bringing a legacy of scientific innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Integrated Product Strategy Organization, reporting to a General Manager (GM) for the Product or Portfolio.

• This role is a key member of the GM's leadership team.

• Requires close collaboration with functional heads across Marketing, Sales, Patient Support, Market Access, Insights & Decision Science, and Medical Affairs.

• The position involves partnering with other General Managers and Product Strategy team members for enterprise-wide decisions. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a focus on insights from Market Access, Insights & Decision Science.

• Strategic planning involves integrating inputs from various functions to create a cohesive product strategy.

• Emphasis on agility, speed, and quality in execution, especially during business transformation.

• Performance is measured through rigorous KPI management and P&L accountability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis is a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, known for its commitment to R&D and innovation. The company culture likely emphasizes scientific excellence, global collaboration, and a strong focus on patient outcomes. The "integrated product strategy" approach suggests a move towards more holistic and cross-functional management of products.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Executive Director (Level 7). This is a senior leadership position, typically responsible for significant strategic initiatives, P&L oversight, and managing complex cross-functional teams or major product lines. It signifies a move beyond tactical execution to strategic ownership and enterprise-level impact.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to a General Manager (GM) for a specific product or portfolio. This provides direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making at the highest levels of the business unit.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's revenue and profitability through P&L management and strategic product decisions. It influences patient access to critical therapies and shapes the company's market position within the MS therapeutic area.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to General Manager roles, Head of Business Units, or senior leadership positions within Global Product Strategy or Commercial functions.

• Strategic Expertise: Deepen expertise in pharmaceutical product strategy, market access, and commercial execution within a complex therapeutic area.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Gain comprehensive experience managing and influencing diverse functions, building a strong foundation for broader leadership roles.

• Industry Recognition: Develop a strong track record of driving product success in a competitive market, which can lead to industry recognition and further career opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: An Executive Director role at Novartis, particularly in Product Strategy, offers a significant platform for career growth. The direct reporting line to a GM and P&L responsibility provide high visibility and opportunities to develop a broad range of strategic and leadership skills essential for executive-level positions within the pharmaceutical industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring presence at either the East Hanover, NJ or Cambridge, MA campus. These are typically modern, well-equipped corporate office environments designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s):

• East Hanover, New Jersey, USA

• Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, requiring frequent interaction with cross-functional team members, including Marketing, Sales, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and other strategy leads.

• Access to advanced analytics, market research tools, and internal reporting systems will be crucial for data-driven decision-making.

• The culture likely encourages open communication, strategic debate, and a shared commitment to achieving product goals. Work Schedule:

• Full-time position. While specific daily hours are not mentioned, the demanding nature of the role, including P&L responsibility and strategic leadership, suggests a significant time commitment, likely exceeding a standard 9-to-5 schedule. The role requires on-site presence, implying a structured workday within the office environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for on-site presence in either East Hanover or Cambridge indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and immersion in the company's operational hub. These locations are significant hubs for the pharmaceutical industry, offering a dynamic professional ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and Hiring Manager review of resume and application, focusing on alignment with the 10+ years of experience, cross-functional background, and P&L responsibility.

• First Round Interviews: Typically with the direct manager (General Manager) and key cross-functional leaders. Focus will be on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, understanding of the pharmaceutical market, and experience with integrated product strategies.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for senior strategy roles. Candidates may be asked to analyze a product scenario, develop a strategic recommendation, and present it to a panel. This assesses strategic acumen, problem-solving skills, and presentation abilities.

• Final Round Interviews: May involve interviews with higher-level executives (e.g., VP of Commercial, Head of therapeutic area) to assess enterprise leadership qualities, cultural fit, and strategic alignment with Novartis's broader objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For every project or strategy described, clearly articulate the measurable results (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost savings, ROI).

• Showcase Strategic Process: Detail your approach to strategy development, from market analysis and insight generation to execution planning and performance monitoring.

• Highlight Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced and aligned diverse teams, managed competing priorities, and fostered collaboration.

• Demonstrate P&L Ownership: Present a clear understanding of financial management, including budget oversight, trade-off decisions, and their impact on profitability.

• Tailor to Novartis: Research Novartis's current strategic priorities, therapeutic areas of focus (especially MS), and recent product launches or challenges. Frame your portfolio examples to resonate with these priorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical product scenario (e.g., a new launch, a declining product, competitive entry) and propose a comprehensive strategy. Focus on market assessment, target audience, value proposition, go-to-market plan, and financial projections.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Practice explaining how you would gain buy-in and drive execution from different departments (e.g., Medical, Sales, Market Access) for a strategic initiative.

• P&L and Resource Allocation: Be ready to discuss how you would manage a product P&L, prioritize investments, and make difficult trade-off decisions when resources are constrained.

• Industry Trends: Stay updated on key trends in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in oncology, immunology, and MS, including digital health, market access challenges, and evolving customer engagement models.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role like this, the interview process is rigorous and will heavily weigh strategic thinking, leadership presence, and a proven track record of driving business results. A well-curated portfolio is essential for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Salesforce (likely used for sales force automation, customer relationship management, and pipeline tracking). Proficiency in utilizing CRM data for strategic insights is key.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms: Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools for data visualization and dashboard creation to monitor KPIs and product performance.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing cross-functional projects and timelines, though formal enterprise solutions may also be in place.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for internal communication and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Software: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with statistical analysis tools or understanding of their output from dedicated analytics teams is beneficial for interpreting clinical and commercial data.

• Market Research Databases: Access to and understanding of data from sources like IQVIA, Symphony Health, or similar market intelligence providers is critical for market analysis and strategy formulation.

• Internal Reporting Tools: Novartis likely has proprietary systems for sales reporting, financial tracking, and performance dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Experience with platforms like Marketo, HubSpot, or Veeva (specific to pharma) for executing targeted marketing campaigns and customer engagement strategies.

• Data Integration Tools: Familiarity with how data flows between different systems (CRM, ERP, marketing automation) is important for ensuring data integrity and comprehensive analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, proficiency in standard pharmaceutical industry tools for CRM, analytics, project management, and marketing automation is expected. The ability to leverage data from these systems to inform strategy and drive decision-making is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient Centricity: A core value in the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing that all strategic decisions should ultimately benefit patients. This translates to a focus on access, adherence, and improving quality of life.

• Innovation: Novartis actively seeks innovative solutions in medicine discovery, development, and commercialization. This role will be expected to drive innovative strategies for product growth.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business practices, particularly critical in a regulated industry.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals. The integrated product strategy model inherently relies on this.

• Agility & Speed: The role is expected to operate with agility, responding quickly to market changes and driving business-critical transformations efficiently.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative style, acting as a bridge between commercial, medical, market access, and other functions. Success hinges on building strong relationships and fostering a shared sense of ownership.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making should be grounded in data and insights, encouraging objective analysis and strategic debate.

• Influence Without Authority: As a strategy lead, you will often need to influence stakeholders across different departments who may not directly report to you. Effective communication and persuasive argumentation are key.

• Forward-Looking: The culture likely encourages proactive planning and anticipation of future market dynamics and patient needs, rather than solely reacting to current conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis's stated values of patient centricity, innovation, integrity, collaboration, and agility are directly relevant to this role. The ability to embody these values, particularly in fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving innovative strategies, will be crucial for success and cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Balancing the needs and priorities of various internal functions (Marketing, Sales, Medical, Market Access, Legal, Regulatory) and external stakeholders (payers, physicians, patient advocacy groups).

• Driving Change in a Large Organization: Leading a product through "business-critical transformation" requires significant change management skills to overcome inertia and resistance within a large, established company.

• P&L Accountability in a Dynamic Market: Managing financial performance and resource allocation in the highly competitive and evolving pharmaceutical market, especially for a product in a critical therapeutic area like MS.

• Balancing Global vs. Local Strategy: Integrating global product strategies with specific US market requirements and dynamics, ensuring alignment while optimizing for local impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to hone executive-level strategic planning, decision-making, and P&L management skills.

• Therapeutic Area Expertise: Deepen knowledge and strategic acumen within the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) therapeutic area.

• Industry Trends and Innovation: Exposure to cutting-edge developments in pharmaceuticals, including digital health, personalized medicine, and new commercial models.

• Mentorship and Networking: Access to senior leaders within Novartis, providing opportunities for mentorship and building a valuable professional network.

• Professional Development: Potential for participation in industry conferences, leadership development programs, and advanced training to enhance skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges, particularly related to change management and complex stakeholder environments, but also offers substantial growth opportunities for seasoned professionals looking to make a strategic impact in the pharmaceutical industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and executed an integrated product strategy that significantly impacted topline results. What were the key drivers, and what was your specific role?" (Focus on your process, strategic choices, and quantifiable outcomes).

• "How would you approach managing the P&L for a product facing increased competitive pressure or market shifts? Detail your thought process for resource allocation and trade-off decisions." (Demonstrate financial acumen, prioritization skills, and strategic agility).

• "Imagine you need to gain buy-in from Medical Affairs and Market Access for a bold new commercial strategy. How would you approach this, considering their respective priorities and constraints?" (Showcase your cross-functional influence, communication, and negotiation skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Novartis's mission and its work in the Multiple Sclerosis therapeutic area?" (Research Novartis's pipeline, recent news, and MS strategy).

• "How do you embody a patient-centric approach in your strategic decision-making?" (Connect your experience to patient outcomes and Novartis's core values).

• "Describe a situation where you had to lead through significant organizational change. What were the challenges, and how did you navigate them?" (Highlight your adaptability, resilience, and change leadership capabilities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Cases: For each key project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly define the challenge, your specific responsibilities, the actions you took, and the measurable results.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize quantifiable achievements (e.g., % revenue growth, market share gain, cost savings, ROI).

• Illustrate Strategic Thinking: Explain why you made certain decisions and how they aligned with broader business objectives.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed diverse stakeholder interests.

• Be Concise and Compelling: Practice your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, leadership presence, and a data-driven approach to product management. Candidates should be ready to articulate complex strategies and their impact with clarity and confidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Novartis careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, specifically emphasizing cross-functional roles, P&L management, product strategy leadership, and US market experience. Use keywords from the job description and AI-generated skills.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to develop and execute integrated product strategies, manage P&L, and drive cross-functional alignment. Quantify your achievements and be ready to present them.

• Research Novartis: Understand their current portfolio, especially in MS, their strategic priorities, and their company values. This will be crucial for interview discussions and tailoring your application.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare thoughtful answers to strategy, leadership, and company-specific questions, using your experience and the job description as a guide. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and impact.

⚠️ 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.