Director Pipeline Governance

Job Description Summary

Job Description

The Director Pipeline Governance champions best practices that safeguard data integrity and system reliability while fostering collaboration across functions. With a focus on innovation and operational excellence the Director spearheads adoption and enhancement of cutting-edge planning capabilities/ systems deliver training and change management to empower teams. This is an opportunity to influence strategic decisions and create impact by ensuring high-quality timely and accurate portfolio data that drives smarter faster development outcomes. Join us and lead the transformation of governance into a true enabler of success.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive strategic governance and continuous improvement of project and portfolio management processes and systems to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

• Champion best practices that ensure data integrity process consistency and system reliability setting the gold standard for operational performance.

• Shape the future of development by aligning and harmonising workflows data models and systems to deliver seamless compliant planning across global teams.

• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to solve complex challenges implement smart enhancements and unlock new levels of organisational agility.

• Inspire change by leading adoption initiatives delivering impactful training and building capabilities that empower teams to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• A graduate degree in life sciences (Masters or equivalent); PhD or similar advanced qualification strongly preferred with practical understanding of data governance and analytics tools as an advantage.

• Proven experience in leading governance and optimization of project and portfolio management processes with strong familiarity with PPM systems workflows and data models.

• Track record of driving alignment and standardization across complex global organizations ensuring compliance and operational excellence in drug development or related environments.

• Evidence of influencing strategic decisions and leading cross-functional initiatives in matrix organizations building trusted partnerships and delivering results without formal authority.

• Influence senior leadership and key decision-makers as a trusted partner ensuring governance strategies align with bold organisational ambitions.

• Drive resource optimisation and proactive risk management keeping the organisation agile future-ready and positioned for success.

• Strong capability in change management and adoption of systems including delivering training and embedding best practices to enhance organizational performance.

• Ability to operate under pressure meeting tight timelines and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders to shape governance strategies and enable informed decision-making.

• Exceptional communication skills demonstrated by tailoring messages for diverse audiences combined with curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

• Fluent in English (oral and written).

Accessibility and accommodation:
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired