Execution Excellence Head

About the role

The Execution Excellence Head leads the enterprise-wide evolution of execution standards across the product lifecycle, from pre-launch through loss of exclusivity. The role supports the Country President, Finance and P&O to drive business performance, medical and access outcomes and future ambitions through data-driven decision-making, innovative go-to-market models, digital enablement and capability building, while preserving strict functional independence and compliance standards. It is a hybrid position based in Bucharest.

Key responsibilities

• Define, harmonize and continuously evolve execution standards, processes and ways of working across Commercial, Value & Access and selected Medical Affairs areas.
• Lead a neutral, cross-functional organization covering Field Excellence, Integrated Insights, Data, Analytics & Platforms, Capability Building and Customer Excellence.
• Enable strategic decisions through insights, analytics, market research, forecasting and performance monitoring across the portfolio.
• Optimize territory design, incentives, sizing, resource allocation and launch go-to-market models with data-driven recommendations.
• Localize and operationalize global digital and execution strategies via data platforms, dashboards, AI-enabled solutions and change management programs.
• Drive digital transformation and AI enablement across Marketing, Sales, Medical and Value & Access.
• Build and deploy learning strategies in AI, digital and commercial skills aligned with global standards and local needs.
• Orchestrate omnichannel engagement, content activation, launch readiness reviews and execution metrics.
• Partner with Finance, P&O, Medical, Value & Access, Legal and Supply Chain on resource allocation, governance, compliance and operations.
• Build and retain talent, strengthen succession pipelines and model Novartis leadership and ethical standards.

Required profile

• University degree in business administration, engineering, biosciences or a related field, with extensive senior leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry; consulting background preferred.
• Fluency in English required; local language desirable.
• Proven experience in commercial and execution excellence leadership roles with a track record of driving business performance and transformation.
• Strong understanding of the full pharmaceutical commercialization lifecycle, including Medical Affairs and Value & Access models.
• Leadership in digital transformation, technology adoption and AI enablement at scale.
• Ability to influence without formal authority in complex, matrixed organizations and to partner with senior stakeholders such as the Country President.

Required skills

• Data, analytics, market research and forecasting, turning complex insights into strategic decisions.
• Digital transformation, AI enablement and change management.
• Project management, organizational and execution skills focused on continuous improvement.
• High integrity, compliance-driven mindset with knowledge of industry regulations and local regulatory requirements.