Director R&D Strategic Insights

Date Posted: 2026-09-02T00:00:00

Location: The Borough, Greater London, GB, SE1 1

Application Deadline: 2026-12-03T10:00:59.633

Salary Range: 89,950.00 - 167,050.00

Job Description Summary

Role Type: Hybrid Working, #LI-Hybrid

Primary Location: Westworks, London, United Kingdom

Other Locations: Dublin, Ireland

Relocation Support: This role is based in either Westworks, London or Dublin, Ireland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

What if you could help shape the future of one of the industry's most innovative research and development pipelines? As Director, R&D Strategic Insights, you will play a pivotal role in driving high-quality, evidence-based decisions across the Novartis global pipeline. Working at the intersection of science, strategy, operational performance, and competitive intelligence, you will provide independent insights that influence pipeline prioritization, resource allocation, and critical decisions. This is a unique opportunity to partner with senior leaders across Research and Development, contribute to enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, and help bring the right medicines to patients faster.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Partner with project teams and disease area leaders to shape strategic decisions across the research and development portfolio.

Deliver independent insights and actionable recommendations to support critical governance decisions.

Lead project feasibility assessments spanning scientific, clinical, safety, regulatory, technical, and execution considerations.

Analyze competitive landscapes and industry developments to inform asset, platform, and portfolio strategies.

Provide strategic benchmarks and external intelligence to strengthen program and therapeutic area performance.

Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives focused on pipeline strategy, R&D performance, and project acceleration.

Develop disease area and asset insights that strengthen competitive positioning and identify expansion opportunities.

Essential Requirements

Advanced degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; Doctor of Philosophy or equivalent qualification preferred.

Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience across research and development, competitive intelligence, analytics, or strategic functions.

Deep understanding of drug development, pipeline strategy, and the global competitive environment.

Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific and business information into clear, actionable strategic recommendations.

Strong leadership skills with success influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.

Experience leading high-visibility initiatives and delivering results within demanding timelines.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.

Desirable Requirements

Experience spanning pharmaceutical research and development and commercial or competitive intelligence functions.

Extensive experience working in international, multidisciplinary teams across the drug development lifecycle.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 89,950 - 167,050

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Benefits and Rewards

Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

Additional Information

Join our Novartis Network:

If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here:

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Business Development

Business Development Support

Business Partner Relations

Business Strategies

Change Management

Data Analytics

Finance

Go-to-Market Strategies

Influencing Skills

Leadership

Management Consulting

Market Analysis

Market Strategy

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Planning

Strategy Development

Location

London (The Westworks); Dublin (NOCC)

Type

Full time

#s1-Gen

Salary Range:89,950.00 - 167,050.00Job Description SummaryRole Type: Hybrid Working, #LI-HybridPrimary Location: Westworks, London, United KingdomOther Locations: Dublin, IrelandRelocation Support: This role is based in either Westworks, London or Dublin, Ireland. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.What if you could help shape the future of one of the industry's most innovative research and development pipelines? As Director, R&D Strategic Insights, you will play a pivotal role in driving high-quality, evidence-based decisions across the Novartis global pipeline. Working at the intersection of science, strategy, operational performance, and competitive intelligence, you will provide independent insights that influence pipeline prioritization, resource allocation, and critical decisions. This is a unique opportunity to partner with senior leaders across Research and Development, contribute to enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, and help
bring the right medicines to patients faster.Job DescriptionKey ResponsibilitiesPartner with project teams and disease area leaders to shape strategic decisions across the research and development portfolio.Deliver independent insights and actionable recommendations to support critical governance decisions.Lead project feasibility assessments spanning scientific, clinical, safety, regulatory, technical, and execution considerations.Analyze competitive landscapes and industry developments to inform asset, platform, and portfolio strategies.Provide strategic benchmarks and external intelligence to strengthen program and therapeutic area performance.Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives focused on pipeline strategy, R&D performance, and project acceleration.Develop disease area and asset insights that strengthen competitive positioning and identify expansion opportunities.Essential RequirementsAdvanced degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline; Doctor of Philosophy or
equivalent qualification preferred.Significant pharmaceutical or biotechnology experience across research and development, competitive intelligence, analytics, or strategic functions.Deep understanding of drug development, pipeline strategy, and the global competitive environment.Proven ability to synthesize complex scientific and business information into clear, actionable strategic recommendations.Strong leadership skills with success influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.Experience leading high-visibility initiatives and delivering results within demanding timelines.Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.Desirable RequirementsExperience spanning pharmaceutical research and development and commercial or competitive intelligence functions.Extensive experience working in international, multidisciplinary teams across the drug development lifecycle.Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 89,950 -
167,050Why Novartis:Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams' representative of the patients and communities we serve.Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally.Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 89,950 - 167,050Join our Novartis Network:If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: Skills DesiredAnalytical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Development

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