Associate Director, Portfolio Management & Operations, Neuroscience

About the role

As Associate Director, Portfolio Management & Operations in Neuroscience, you will act as a strategic partner to senior leaders, shaping portfolio priorities and delivering operational excellence across Novartis' global research organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with senior Neuroscience leaders to define strategy, priorities and portfolio decisions.
• Lead high‑priority cross‑functional initiatives supporting Neuroscience and Biomedical Research objectives.
• Drive alignment across disease areas, functional areas and enterprise partners.
• Manage Basel Neuroscience operations, balancing local site priorities with global objectives.
• Own budget planning, forecasting and resource management for the Basel cost centre.
• Oversee contract execution and governance with Procurement, Legal, Finance and business stakeholders.
• Lead complex organisational integrations and global transition initiatives.
• Strengthen portfolio governance, reporting, analytics and decision‑support processes.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in a scientific, medical, business or technical discipline or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in biotechnology/pharmaceutical research, portfolio management or business operations.
• Proven success leading complex cross‑functional initiatives in a global R&D environment.
• Strong stakeholder influence skills and ability to deliver results without direct authority.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting and cost‑centre accountability.

Required skills

• Account Management
• Business Administration
• Business Relationship Management (BRM)
• Corporate Development
• Drug Development
• Financial Modeling
• IT Portfolio Management
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
• Portfolio Analysis
• Prioritization
• Waterfall Model

What we offer

• Competitive base salary CHF 122,500 – CHF 227,500 per year.
• Performance‑based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits including insurance, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and flexible hybrid working.
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave and commitment to pay equity.