The Strategy and Operations Associate Director supports strategic planning, business performance, and operational execution across Novartis’s EMEA cluster. Requirements typically include significant experience in strategy consulting, commercial operations, business planning, or the pharmaceutical industry; strong analytical, financial modelling, and project management skills; and the ability to translate complex data into practical recommendations. The successful candidate is expected to work effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, manage multiple priorities across markets, communicate clearly, and influence decisions without direct authority. Experience working across European countries, knowledge of healthcare markets, and fluency in English are likely to be important. The role also requires sound judgement, flexibility, and a results-focused approach.
Novartis is a global medicines company headquartered in Switzerland, focused on discovering and developing innovative treatments for serious diseases. Its work spans areas such as oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and renal conditions, and other high-need therapeutic fields. The company combines pharmaceutical research, clinical development, advanced data capabilities, and commercial expertise to bring medicines to patients worldwide. Novartis operates across numerous countries and employs a diverse international workforce, with regional teams responsible for adapting global priorities to local healthcare systems and patient needs. In the United Kingdom and wider Europe, the organisation works with healthcare professionals, regulators, patient groups, and public health stakeholders. Novartis promotes scientific innovation, ethical business practices, inclusion, and collaboration, making it a significant employer for professionals in life sciences, commercial strategy, operations, technology, and corporate functions.
The United Kingdom offers strong opportunities in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, finance, consulting, engineering, and public services, with major employment centres in London, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Leeds. British culture generally values punctuality, personal privacy, direct but polite communication, and work-life balance. Lifestyle options range from busy city living to quieter coastal and rural communities, supported by extensive public transport, though housing can be expensive in London and the South East. Skilled professionals usually need a work visa unless they hold British or Irish citizenship, settled status, or another exemption. The Skilled Worker visa requires an eligible sponsored role, an approved employer, and meeting salary and English-language requirements. Applicants should budget for visa fees, healthcare charges, deposits, and relocation costs. Healthcare is primarily provided through the National Health Service, while taxes and employment rights apply nationally.
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