Monitoring Functional Excellence Director

Leads the strategic and operational advancement of field monitoring capabilities across Novartis Global Clinical Operations. Embeds functional excellence, harmonizes monitoring practices, and drives innovation across global hubs and country teams. Supports the Monitoring Excellence Head and collaborates closely with the Central Monitoring Head to ensure alignment with RBQM principles and enterprise-wide transformation goals.

Location: East Hanover (hybrid working principles apply; distant working may be considered in certain states for US associates).

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement excellence strategies across key monitoring roles (CRA, CPM, CRAM/MSOM, SPM, Study Lead) to streamline and strengthen monitoring at Novartis.
• Embed risk-based approaches in all monitoring practices and ensure a clear connection between field monitoring activities and the IQRMP process.
• Lead capability development for field-based staff, ensuring the function operates in an agile, RBQM model.
• Lead transformation programs across multiple geographies and therapeutic areas to modernize trial monitoring.
• Champion innovation, identifying opportunities for advancements and staying ahead of industry trends.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on field excellence and capability gaps.
• Promote implementation and champion of digital tools and advanced analytics to strengthen field monitoring processes.
• Partner with Compliance to identify and implement process improvements across field monitoring.

Essential Requirements

• ≥ 8 years of recent pharmaceutical industry experience, with global strategy and/or clinical research experience.
• Strong leadership skills in a global setting and proven ability to develop high performing teams and diverse profiles.
• Strong understanding of clinical trials and evolving regulatory expectations for trial monitoring.
• Experience building a new capability or transforming significantly an existing capability.
• Proven ability to build effective partnerships with internal and external partners.
• Effective influencing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills with enterprise mindset and demonstrated ability to drive aligned solutions.

Desirable Requirements

• Aptitude for data analytics and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated leadership in innovation for processes, technologies and ways of working, with focus on sustainable and scalable solutions.
• Digital savviness.

Salary range: $185,500 to $344,500 per year. Compensation includes performance-based cash incentive and potential annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees receive comprehensive benefits package (health, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, vacation, holidays).

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EEO Statement
The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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