Head of External Partnerships

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Global Strategic Partnerships: Responsible for managing partnerships risk analytics governance and projects with External Service Providers (ESPs) to ensure top-tier service delivery.

• Strategy Development: Develops and implements a global Regulatory Affairs (RA) strategy to transform EPs capabilities for maximum impact.

• Performance Optimization: Drives ESPs towards greater independence automation and innovation.

• Alliance Management: Accountable for proactive management and risk mitigation to deliver best-in-class services from a streamlined ESPs portfolio.

• Performance Management: Designs and implements a robust performance management ecosystem.

• Trend Identification: Independently tracks industry trends to create a future-ready ESPs environment.

• Governance & Spend Control: Maintains governance and control over external spend reducing complexity and acting as the single point of contact (SPoC) for key partners.

• Stakeholder Representation: Represents RA needs across senior leadership and cross-functional governance.

• Agreement Negotiation: Leads negotiations and builds a sustainable ESPs portfolio aligned with organizational frameworks.

• Alliance Quality & Compliance: Establishes strategic alliances with ESPs ensuring quality compliance and productivity.

Minimum requirements:

• Fluent in English (oral and written).

• Extensive experience in Regulatory Affairs.

• Strong background in vendor management and procurement.

• Proven people management and team development skills.

• In-depth understanding of the full Regulatory Affairs lifecycle.

• Demonstrated success in innovative resource planning and management for onshore and offshore teams.

• Technology optimization and quality oriented.

• Excellent negotiation conflict resolution decision-making problem-solving communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.

• Results-driven self-starter with a proactive transparent and accountable working style even under pressure.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

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

Skills Desired