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Strategy and Operations Associate Director, EMEA Cluster

Hybrid in Barcelona·Full-time·Added 4 days ago

Novartis

28 open roles

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Overview

Job details

€63,600 - €118,000 a year
Gross, as stated in the ad.
About €3,650 - €6,150 a month after tax, or €3,710 - €7,150 under the Beckham regime.
Full-time hours
Per the ad.
Hybrid
Office and home days — the ad has the split.

Requirements

Have the right to work in Spain
Novartis doesn't mention sponsorship in the ad.
Be near Barcelona for hybrid days
No relocation package mentioned.
University degree
“Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.” — per the ad.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

€63,600.00 - €118,000.00

At Novartis, we're committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: €63,600 to €118,000

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering:

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Visa & relocation

Relocation Support: This role is based in Barcelona, Spain. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support: please only apply if accessible.

Requirements

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related scientific discipline.
Experience in pharmaceutical development, clinical research, or clinical trial delivery within a complex global environment.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives that drive operational excellence, productivity, and business performance.
Strong understanding of clinical development processes, industry regulations, and Good Clinical Practice requirements.
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive change across matrix organisations without direct authority.
Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders.

The role

Internal job title: SSO Strategy & Operations Cluster Head

Primary Location: Barcelona, Spain

Imagine helping shape the future of clinical trial delivery across an entire cluster. As the Strategy & Operations Cluster Head, you will be at the centre of driving strategic execution, operational excellence, innovation, and transformation across Study & Site Operations (SSO). Partnering with senior leaders across local and hub teams, you will translate strategy into action, lead high-impact initiatives, and deliver meaningful improvements that enhance productivity, performance, and the execution of clinical development programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how Novartis operates, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and help bring innovative medicines to patients faster.

What you'll do

Translate hub strategies into actionable plans that drive cluster performance and business outcomes.
Lead strategic initiatives that enhance operational excellence, productivity, and clinical trial execution across the cluster.
Identify cluster opportunities, risks, and challenges, implementing solutions that support long-term success.
Drive innovation, transformation, and change management initiatives across Study & Site Operations.
Oversee cluster communication and information management strategies to strengthen stakeholder alignment.
Partner with senior leaders to optimise resource planning, portfolio execution, and operational effectiveness.
Leverage data, market insights, and industry trends to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement.

About Novartis

Novartis is a global healthcare company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, operating across the pharmaceutical, generics, biosimilars, and eye care sectors. With over 100,000 employees worldwide and a presence in more than 140 countries, it is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, known for innovative medicines in areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular health.

In Spain, Novartis has a significant presence with offices in Barcelona and Madrid, employing a diverse workforce across clinical development, data science, IT, and audit functions. The company is a major employer of international talent, offering roles in English and fostering a multicultural, science-driven environment. For international professionals, Novartis provides structured career paths in clinical research and development, with opportunities to work on global projects from its Spanish hubs.

Industry: Pharma
Founded: 1796
Employees: 100,000–200,000
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
In Spain: Barcelona, Madrid
Website: novartis.com

Good to know if you are moving

Novartis operates in English as its corporate language, making it accessible for international professionals without local language requirements.
The Barcelona office hosts a large hub for clinical development and global functions, offering roles in data science, clinical programming, and medical affairs.
Spain is a key market for Novartis, with a strong pipeline of clinical trials and digital health initiatives.
The company offers structured career paths and global mobility programs, allowing employees to move between countries and functions.
Novartis provides a comprehensive relocation package for international hires, including visa support and settling-in assistance.

In their own words

Additional information

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

All open roles at Novartis