Director, Social Impact & Sustainability Strategy

About this role

Responsibilities

• Drive the evolution of Novartis’ SI&S strategy and roadmap - including Environmental Sustainability (incl. carbon, water, waste/circularity, and nature/biodiversity), Social Impact (Health Equity/Inclusive Access, Philanthropy) & other ESG topics.
• Ensure Novartis SI&S targets and priorities are fit for purpose, and aligned with latest external expectations, standards and frameworks.
• Identify opportunities to accelerate progress on Novartis’ ambitious SI&S targets; drive continuous improvement by providing expert guidance across different business functions (incl. Operations, Development, Commercial).
• Support the Global Head SI&S Strategy, Business Integration & Measurement in defining and driving key initiatives; support strategic “bold moves” in Environmental Sustainability & ESG for Novartis Group, the CEO, the Novartis ESG Committee (Executive-level decision body) and Board of Directors.
• Independently drive and lead high profile, company-wide strategic initiatives  with a focus on (1) new strategic priorities, for embedding into the business (e.g., new opportunities in Climate Change & Health, new initiatives to accelerate inclusive access to medicines); (2) acceleration of key existing priorities (e.g., further refining Carbon Transition Plan and requirements to achieve 2030 and 20240 environmental targets); (3) cross-functional initiatives and projects, translating and scaling strategy into enterprise/business unit/function/country programmes.
• Ideate, develop and implement “big bold moves” concepts for SI&S; ensuring Novartis SI&S agenda stays competitive and differentiated vs. peers; partner with public and private stakeholders to drive meaningful impact.
• Support colleagues in business units and functions as advisor and sparring partner, ensuring consistent implementation of global strategy across the business (e.g., teams in Global Health, Patient Access, Ethics & Compliance, Finance & Reporting, Investor Relations).
• Be on the forefront of knowledge in the sustainability and ESG space in the industry; keep abreast of evolving regulations, standards and industry trends; translate external developments into strategic implications and options.
• Participate in industry groups, represent Novartis in external discussions, and shape standards for our industry (e.g., Pharmaceutical Environment Group, WBCSD, Sustainable Markets Initiative).
• Essential Criteria:
• Degree in Business, Strategy, Engineering, Sustainability or Life Sciences (MBA a plus); or equivalent on-the-job experience.
• While acting as an “ESG strategy generalist”, strong expert knowledge of Environmental Sustainability topics and practices (carbon, water, waste/circularity, nature/biodiversity), including key trends, standards and frameworks (incl. science-based targets).
• Proven track record of concrete achievements in ESG, Social Impact & Environmental Sustainability projects and strategy work, driving and influencing corporates’ SI&S agenda.
• Extensive project and program management experience in strategic projects; ability to develop and manage projects with high quality, interact with senior management and lead cross-functional project teams (internal stakeholders and external providers).
• Ability to balance strategic intent with operational reality; experience in enterprise integration, transformation or programme orchestration roles. Confident orchestration without formal line authority and ability to navigate a complex matrix environment.
• Ability to develop presentations for senior leaders (incl. Executive & Board level), communicate and present clearly and make strategic recommendations.
• High proficiency in English - both written and oral.
• Desirable Criteria:
• Previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry (industry knowledge).
• Management consulting background preferred (equal to engagement manager or associate principal level) or other relevant extensive work experience.
• 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.