Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and drive cross-functional project teams to clear decision points, integrating scenario planning, timeline trade-offs, risk/opportunity assessments, and preparation for- and interaction with- governance/Decision Boards.
• Partner with project and functional leaders to define strategy aligned to Disease Area goals, build and maintain integrated project plans, and lead diverse, multi-site teams to meet milestones.
• Continuously adapt program strategy to internal and external landscape; ensure project plans remain firmly aligned with Oncology/Biomedical Research strategy and broader portfolio priorities.
• Apply strong scientific and drug development expertise (preclinical and early clinical) to integrate inputs across all line functions into clear program plans and decisions.
• Establish data-driven milestones and explicit go/no-go criteria; ensure realistic forecasts with timely articulation of variance and rationale.
• Own the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of program data in enterprise systems.
• Proactively manage and communicate status, risks, issues, and resolution options to stakeholders and governance to enable timely, informed decisions.
• Build a high-trust, transparent team culture with open, proactive communication across programs and functions to clarify goals, progress, and issues.
• Elevate program management excellence by mentoring PMs, standardizing BR GPM processes and tools, and leading or contributing to continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Advance assigned programs toward key decisions in line with site and leadership objectives (e.g., SD and Oncology), translating strategic goals into executable plans and measurable outcomes.

Essential Requirements:

• This position will be located at the San Diego, CA site and will not have the ability to be located remotely. This position will require approximately 4% travel as defined by the business (domestic and/ or international).
• This is a dual posting. The final level and title of the offer role would be determined by the hiring team based on the skills, experience, and capabilities required to perform the role at the level the role has been offered (Associate Director / Director).
• Master’s or Doctorate in life sciences OR MBA with bachelor’s degree OR equivalent experience in life science. 
• 8+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience for the Associate Director and 12+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience for the Director. 
• Previous track record of success working with and managing international and multidisciplinary drug development teams. 

Preferred Requirements:

• PMP certification (or similar). 

The salary for this position is expected to range between $138,600 and $257,400 per year for the Associate Director and $185,500 and $344,500 per year for the Director.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.