Head of Drug Substance Project Leadership

Posted on March 23, 2026
Basel
Posted on March 23, 2026

About this role

Summary

Role Purpose: Manage the local Drug Substance Project Leaders (DSPL) group. Provide oversight, senior expertise and guidance to the projects driven by the DSPL

About the Role

Major Accountabilities:

  • Contribute to the definition and execution of the DSD strategy as member of the global DSD extended leadership team.
  • Drive DS Project management and execution
  • Ensure that the objectives for DSD are met, or exceeded, by setting appropriate priorities and ensuring optimal use of resources.
  • Keep oversight that the right and consistent development requirements are applied, as part of each specific project strategy, balancing cost versus risk while ensuring timely deliverables at the acceptable quality. Ensure top performance compared to internal and external benchmarks (as far as available).
  • Review and approve relevant DS Development plans and reports.
  • Escalate risks and potential issues as appropriate for timely resolution.
  • People management within the DSPL group. Drive associate development and retention of key talents, as well as talent attraction

Ideal Background:

Education:

  • Advanced degree in life science >10 years of experience within a pharmaceutical/biotechnology environment

Languages:

  • Fluent in English (oral & writing)
  • Local language skills of advantage

Experience:

  • Thorough understanding of early and late phase biologics drug substance development or equivalent
  • Strong dedication to manage processes required
  • Strong organizational skills, team player, flexible and dedicated personality, demonstrated in cross-functional/ international environment (matrix organization)
  • Strong communication skills in English
  • Ability to coordinate a number of tasks simultaneously, prioritize and deliver against tight timelines

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

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

Want more jobs like this?Get IT & technology jobs in Basel delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy.
More jobs from this employer
You might be interested in
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

© 2026 IamExpat Media B.V.
Apply for this position