Executive Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy Theranostics

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Executive Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy Theranostics

Company: Novartis

Location: East Hanover, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation, implementation, orchestration, and measurement of integrated product strategies for an indication within a given therapeutic area, focusing on maximizing product impact and patient benefit.

• Manage cross-functional resource allocation and contribute to key strategic decision-making, partnering closely with Marketing, Sales, Market Access, Medical Affairs, and other critical functions.

• Drive strategic planning for Lifecycle Management (LCM) across the Therapeutic Area portfolio to maximize long-term asset value and ensure successful commercialization.

• Perform comprehensive strategic assessments of competitor activities, market dynamics, and healthcare environment trends to inform competitive response and drive portfolio growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Executive Director, indicating a senior leadership capacity. While the title mentions "Portfolio & Product Strategy," the responsibilities heavily lean into Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy, commercialization, and competitive intelligence, which are core components of advanced Revenue Operations and GTM Operations. The emphasis on P&L management, cross-functional leadership, and strategic decision-making aligns with high-level operations roles focused on driving commercial success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated product strategies for assigned therapeutic areas and indications, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and maximizing commercial impact, particularly within the Theranostics space.

• Conduct in-depth strategic assessments of competitor activities, market landscapes, and evolving healthcare/macroeconomic environments to identify threats, opportunities, and inform competitive response plans in a compliant manner.

• Lead strategic planning for Lifecycle Management (LCM) across the Therapeutic Area portfolio, collaborating with Medical Affairs, Development, Strategy & Growth, Technical Operations, Regulatory, Finance, Supply Chain, Trade, and Market Access to maximize long-term asset value.

• Inform commercial implications for early asset development plans and drive the development of US-centric commercialization strategies for pipeline assets, ensuring seamless transition to established Integrated Product Strategy Teams (IPSTs).

• Partner closely with functional heads (Marketing, Sales, Market Access, Medical, Finance, Supply Chain) to manage resource allocation, optimize P&L performance for the assigned product/portfolio, and deliver accelerated impact for patients.

• Act as a key member of the General Manager's leadership team, demonstrating accountability for the assigned product or indication and fostering enterprise leadership across the US Pharma organization.

• Ensure customer engagement and relationship building are integral to the product/indication's strategic approach and performance metrics, optimizing strategy and identifying potential risks.

• Liaise with key cross-functional partners to develop US go/no-go positions and critical success factors for pipeline assets, and collaborate with International TA to maximize commonalities and address differences.

• Develop and champion center of excellence capabilities within the product strategy team, fostering best practices and continuous improvement in strategic planning and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on strategic planning, market intelligence, cross-functional leadership, and commercial execution. This role requires a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical product lifecycle, competitive dynamics, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders. The emphasis on "Theranostics" suggests a specialized focus within oncology or related fields, demanding specific industry knowledge.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant area (required).

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of commercial experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industry.

• Demonstrated experience across multiple functional areas, ideally including new product launches, pipeline management, and lifecycle management.

• Recent US market experience with product launches and various product lifecycle stages.

• Proven experience partnering effectively with Medical Affairs and Development teams to inform strategic choices and product profiling.

• Experience in managing or significantly influencing product P&L and resource allocation.

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

• Possess a portfolio approach and demonstrated success in uncovering and implementing innovative strategies in competitive marketplaces.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Analysis: Ability to develop comprehensive, data-driven product strategies, conduct market assessments, and forecast based on competitive intelligence.

• Lifecycle Management (LCM): Deep understanding of pharmaceutical LCM, from early development to market maturity, and strategies to maximize asset value.

• Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams (Marketing, Sales, Market Access, Medical Affairs, Development, Finance, Supply Chain).

• Competitive Intelligence & Response: Proficiency in analyzing competitor activities, identifying threats/opportunities, and developing proactive, compliant competitive response plans.

• Business Acumen & P&L Management: Strong understanding of financial principles, P&L drivers, and resource allocation to maximize ROI and product impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in multiple therapeutic areas, with a specific advantage for Theranostics or related oncology fields.

• Experience with Market Access strategies and payer dynamics.

• Experience with advanced data analytics and business intelligence tools for insights generation.

• Demonstrated ability to influence, communicate effectively, and engage confidently with senior-level leaders (ECN, USLT, SVP).

• A track record of navigating complex, ambiguous, and dynamic environments with high visibility and tight timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements emphasize a blend of strategic, commercial, and cross-functional leadership skills. The mention of "Theranostics" and "US Market experience" are critical differentiators. The preferred skills highlight a need for advanced analytical capabilities and executive-level communication, essential for a senior operations and strategy role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and presenting comprehensive product strategy portfolios, including market assessments, competitive analyses, and lifecycle management plans.

• Ability to articulate the strategic rationale behind resource allocation decisions and their projected impact on product performance and P&L.

• Evidence of successful cross-functional collaboration, showcasing how integrated strategies were developed and implemented with diverse teams.

• Case studies demonstrating the successful application of innovative strategies in competitive marketplaces, with quantifiable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Proficiency in documenting and communicating complex strategic plans, competitive analyses, and LCM initiatives to ensure clarity and alignment across all stakeholders.

• Ability to outline and manage processes for gathering and analyzing competitive intelligence, market trends, and healthcare environment shifts.

• Experience in establishing and maintaining processes for cross-functional team coordination, ensuring efficient decision-making and execution of strategic priorities.

• Capability to develop frameworks for monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of implemented strategies and identifying areas for continuous improvement and adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a "portfolio" likely refers to a collection of strategic initiatives, successful product launches, LCM strategies, and competitive responses that the candidate has led or significantly contributed to. The emphasis is on demonstrating strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and quantifiable impact, rather than a traditional operational process documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Disability Benefits: Income protection in case of disability.

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

• Performance-Based Cash Incentive: Annual bonus tied to individual and company performance.

• Annual Equity Awards: Potential for stock options or grants, depending on role level.

• Generous Time Off Package: Includes vacation days, personal days, holidays, and other applicable leaves.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time, with potential for extended hours due to the strategic and dynamic nature of the role).

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting the Executive Director level and the specialized nature of the Theranostics field within a major pharmaceutical company like Novartis. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for senior-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry, including performance-based incentives and equity. The standard 40 hours are a baseline, but leadership roles often require flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology / Healthcare

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Novartis is a global pharmaceutical leader with tens of thousands of employees worldwide).

Founded: 1996 (formed from the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz).

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the US Pharma organization, likely reporting to a General Manager for the Product or Portfolio, and is a key member of their leadership team.

• This position requires extensive collaboration with various functional heads and teams, including Marketing, Sales, Novartis Patient Support, Market Access, Insights and Decision Science, Medical Affairs, Development, Strategy & Growth, Novartis Technical Operations, Regulatory, Finance, Supply Chain, and Trade.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strategies are informed by market analysis, competitive intelligence, and performance metrics.

• Agile & Adaptive Strategy: Emphasis on speed, agility, and responsiveness to market changes and competitive actions, especially during critical transformations.

• Patient-Centric Approach: Focus on maximizing impact for patients, customers, and healthcare systems through strategic planning and execution.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Core methodology involves orchestrating strategies across multiple functions to ensure a unified and effective go-to-market approach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis is a well-established global pharmaceutical company known for its innovation, research, and development. The culture likely emphasizes scientific rigor, ethical conduct, patient focus, and a drive for excellence in a highly regulated industry. For operations and strategy roles, this translates to a need for precision, data integrity, and a collaborative spirit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Executive Director (Level 7) - This is a senior leadership position responsible for significant strategic direction and impact. It sits at the highest tiers of operational and strategic management within the organization, often preceding roles like VP or Head of Department.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to a General Manager (Product or Portfolio).

• Manages cross-functional teams and influences decisions across numerous departments, requiring strong matrix management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the P&L and commercial success of assigned products/portfolios, impacting revenue generation and market share.

• Drives critical decision-making for resource allocation, ensuring optimal investment for accelerated impact and patient benefit.

• Shapes the strategic direction of product lifecycles, maximizing long-term value and contributing to Novartis's overall market leadership and legacy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive roles, such as VP of Product Strategy, General Manager, or Head of a larger therapeutic area portfolio.

• Broader Strategic Scope: Opportunity to oversee larger and more complex portfolios or therapeutic areas.

• International Exposure: Potential to transition into global strategy roles or lead international product strategy initiatives.

• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepen expertise within niche areas like Theranostics, oncology, or specific commercialization models.

• Mentorship & Development: Opportunity to mentor junior strategists and contribute to building internal capabilities within the product strategy function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step in a career path focused on pharmaceutical strategy and operations leadership. The impact is directly tied to commercial outcomes and strategic direction, offering substantial growth potential within a large, global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Based on the location being East Hanover, New Jersey, this is likely a corporate office environment within a major pharmaceutical research and development hub. It will be a professional, typically collaborative office setting.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location: East Hanover, New Jersey, United States. This is a significant Novartis campus, likely housing R&D, commercial, and administrative functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction with various functional teams, fostering a culture of shared strategy development and problem-solving.

• Resources & Technology: Access to advanced analytical tools, market intelligence platforms, and internal Novartis systems necessary for strategic planning and execution.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct engagement with the General Manager, peer leaders, and project teams, crucial for driving consensus and alignment on complex strategies.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with the expectation of flexibility. Given the executive level and the dynamic nature of product strategy, strategic initiatives, competitive responses, and critical decision-making may require extended hours or focused work periods outside of standard business hours, particularly around key decision points or market events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is situated in a key Novartis hub, implying a professional, corporate environment. The emphasis on collaboration and access to resources suggests a well-supported operational setting, though the executive nature implies a need for personal initiative and flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application by HR and potentially the hiring manager to assess alignment with core requirements (experience, education, key skills).

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your strategic thinking, leadership experience, understanding of the pharmaceutical market (especially Theranostics), and how you've driven product strategy and commercial success in past roles.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Marketing, Sales, Medical Affairs, Market Access, and Development to assess collaboration style, influencing skills, and ability to integrate diverse perspectives into strategy.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for senior strategy roles. You may be asked to analyze a hypothetical market scenario, develop a competitive response, or present a strategic plan for a product. Your portfolio's relevance will be key here.

• Senior Leadership Interview: Final interview with the General Manager or other senior executives to assess strategic vision, leadership potential, cultural fit, and overall executive presence.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project or initiative in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, your specific role, the actions taken, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., market share growth, revenue increase, successful launch metrics, ROI on strategic investments).

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Highlight your ability to analyze complex market dynamics, identify strategic opportunities, and develop innovative, data-driven solutions.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you successfully partnered with diverse teams, managed conflicting priorities, and drove consensus towards a unified strategy.

• Highlight LCM Expertise: Include examples of strategic decisions made throughout a product's lifecycle, demonstrating how you maximized value at different stages.

• Tailor to Theranostics: If possible, include any relevant experience or insights related to Theranostics or similar specialized therapeutic areas, showcasing your domain knowledge.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by product lifecycle stage, therapeutic area, or type of strategic initiative. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and impactful visuals where appropriate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Competitive Analysis Simulation: Be prepared to analyze simulated competitor actions and propose strategic counter-moves. Focus on speed, data-backed reasoning, and compliance.

• LCM Strategy Development: Practice outlining strategies for extending product value, managing patent cliffs, or preparing for new indications.

• Resource Allocation Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would allocate limited resources across competing strategic priorities to achieve maximum impact.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've managed complex stakeholder relationships, influenced senior leaders, and navigated organizational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an Executive Director role will be rigorous, focusing on strategic depth, leadership capabilities, and proven impact. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates these qualities, especially in a relevant therapeutic area, is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Expertise in leveraging CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) for market insights, customer segmentation, and sales strategy alignment.

• Data Analysis & Visualization Tools: Proficiency with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel for analyzing market data, competitive intelligence, and performance metrics.

• Market Research & Intelligence Platforms: Familiarity with industry-specific platforms (e.g., IQVIA, Clarivate, GlobalData) for competitive benchmarking, epidemiology data, and market forecasts.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing cross-functional initiatives and tracking progress against strategic timelines.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint or similar for developing compelling strategic presentations for senior leadership.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Statistical Analysis Software: Potentially R, Python, or SAS for advanced data modeling and forecasting if the role involves deep analytical work.

• Business Intelligence Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product strategy, market share, and financial performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce or similar: Understanding how CRM data informs strategic planning and how to leverage its capabilities for market insights.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that automate data collection, reporting, or workflow processes within strategy teams, enhancing efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, a role at this level in a large pharma company will likely involve sophisticated analytical, reporting, and project management tools. The emphasis is on leveraging data and technology to inform strategy and drive execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A fundamental value at Novartis, ensuring that all strategic decisions ultimately serve to improve patient outcomes and access to medicines.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business practices, especially critical in the pharmaceutical industry concerning competition and market access.

• Innovation & Agility: A drive to push boundaries, embrace new approaches (like Theranostics), and adapt quickly to a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

• Collaboration & Empowerment: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and individuals are empowered to contribute their best work across functions.

• Performance & Accountability: A strong focus on achieving measurable results, driving P&L growth, and taking ownership of strategic outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Influence: The role requires a collaborative style that leverages influence rather than direct authority across departments. Building strong relationships and trust is paramount.

• Data-Driven Consensus Building: Strategies are developed and validated through rigorous data analysis, facilitating consensus among diverse functional stakeholders.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels with all relevant parties, ensuring alignment on strategic direction, risks, and opportunities.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking input and integrating perspectives from Medical, Commercial, Market Access, and Development to create a cohesive and robust product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Novartis's culture is deeply rooted in scientific innovation, patient focus, and ethical conduct. For this role, it means operating with a high degree of integrity, embracing change, and excelling in collaborative environments to achieve strategic goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulatory & Market Access Landscapes: The Theranostics field, like much of oncology, is subject to intense regulatory scrutiny and complex market access hurdles, requiring sophisticated strategic navigation.

• Intense Competitive Environment: The pharmaceutical sector, particularly oncology, is highly competitive. Staying ahead of competitors requires continuous market intelligence and agile strategic adjustments.

• Balancing Short-Term Impact with Long-Term Value: Effectively managing the product lifecycle requires balancing immediate commercial needs with strategies that maximize long-term asset value and future pipeline development.

• Driving Transformation: Leading strategic initiatives during "business-critical transformation" periods demands resilience, adaptability, and strong change management leadership.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and coordinated action across numerous departments with potentially competing priorities is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Strategic Frameworks: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge strategic planning methodologies within the pharmaceutical and Theranostics sectors.

• Executive Leadership Development: Access to leadership training and mentorship programs designed for senior executives within Novartis.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in key industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends in Theranostics, oncology, and pharmaceutical strategy.

• Exposure to Diverse Business Functions: Deepened understanding of R&D, commercial operations, market access, and finance through close collaboration.

• Mentoring and Talent Development: Opportunity to develop and mentor emerging talent within the product strategy and operations functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a level where challenges are significant but directly tied to substantial growth and learning opportunities, particularly in specialized therapeutic areas and executive leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed and implemented a comprehensive product strategy for a complex pharmaceutical asset. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the quantifiable outcomes?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic planning, execution, and impact measurement).

• "How do you approach competitive intelligence and develop a proactive response plan in a highly dynamic market? Provide an example." (Highlight your analytical skills, foresight, and ability to translate insights into action).

• "Walk us through your experience in Lifecycle Management (LCM). How have you maximized the long-term value of pharmaceutical assets through strategic planning?" (Showcase your understanding of product evolution and value optimization).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Novartis's commitment to Theranostics, and how would your experience contribute to our success in this area?" (Demonstrate research and domain-specific interest).

• "How do you foster collaboration and drive alignment across diverse functional teams like Marketing, Medical Affairs, and Market Access?" (Assess your cross-functional leadership and communication style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method for Case Studies: Structure your portfolio examples using Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clearly define the context, your role, the specific actions you took, and the measurable impact.

• Focus on "Why" and "So What": Don't just present what you did; explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions and the business implications of your achievements.

• Visual Storytelling: Use concise, impactful visuals (charts, graphs, timelines) to illustrate complex strategies, market dynamics, and results.

• Concise & Compelling Narrative: Be prepared to articulate your portfolio highlights efficiently, focusing on the most relevant achievements for the role. Practice your delivery to be confident and clear.

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to dive deeper into any aspect of your portfolio, explaining nuances of strategy, execution challenges, or data interpretation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, deep market understanding (especially in Theranostics), and a proven ability to drive commercial success through cross-functional collaboration. Your portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Executive Director, Portfolio & Product Strategy Theranostics position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Review your professional experience and identify 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best demonstrate your strategic planning, LCM, competitive response, and cross-functional leadership capabilities, especially if they relate to specialized therapeutic areas or complex market environments.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of relevant commercial experience, cross-functional roles, US market launch experience, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords like "Product Strategy," "Lifecycle Management," "Competitive Analysis," "P&L Management," and "Theranostics" where applicable.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic approach, leadership style, and portfolio achievements using the STAR method. Research Novartis's current pipeline, particularly in Theranostics, and be prepared to discuss industry trends.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Novartis's mission, values, and recent strategic moves, especially concerning innovation and their commitment to patient care in therapeutic areas like oncology.

⚠️ 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.