Commercial Portfolio Head

About the role

The Commercial Portfolio Head at Novartis in Bucharest maximises value generation and patient access across the product portfolio through innovative go-to-market models, commercial alliances and partnerships, and effective lifecycle management. The role works closely with above- and in-country functions to deliver strategy in a resource-constrained environment, in a hybrid setting.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, structure, negotiate and manage commercial partnerships and alliances that support strategic objectives across the country portfolio.
• Pilot innovative commercial and international projects with potential to scale regionally or internationally.
• Drive digital marketing execution with Therapy Area leaders, managing compliant channels, content and engagement.
• Lead end-to-end lifecycle management of mature brands, including onboarding from TAs, loss-of-exclusivity preparation and post-LoE value retention.
• Partner with Legal, Value & Access, Supply Chain, Finance and Regulatory to manage risks, volume and value erosion and governance.
• Manage portfolio P&L, budgets and forecasting, keeping spend disciplined and aligned with ROI targets.
• Monitor brand and portfolio performance and market trends to inform prioritisation and decisions.
• Oversee operational matters such as ad hoc requests, recalls, packaging queries and supply continuity with Supply Chain.
• Lead cross-functional teams and build a high-performance culture through talent development and succession planning.

Required profile

• University degree in science or business, with extensive senior leadership experience in pharma or life sciences; advanced degree preferred.
• Fluency in English required; Romanian desirable.
• Proven track record of P&L ownership and commercial portfolio management.
• Experience leading mature product portfolios, including onboarding, LoE planning and post-LoE optimisation.
• Expertise in commercial partnerships, regulated digital marketing, and leading cross-functional teams.

Required skills

• Product lifecycle management (PLM)
• Digital marketing and content governance
• Profit and loss (P&L) management
• Business development and stakeholder engagement