Executive Director, International Medical Affairs, Rheumatology

Ready to shape the future of Rheumatology and influence how innovative medicines reach patients across international markets? As Executive Director, International Medical Affairs, Rheumatology, you will lead the international medical strategy across the Rheumatology portfolio, spanning pipeline, pre-launch, launch, lifecycle management, and in-market assets. You will lead and develop the International Medical Affairs Rheumatology team, ensuring priority market needs are reflected in Global and Development strategies while shaping evidence generation, launch readiness, scientific engagement, Field Medical strategy, medical education, publications, and Medical Expert engagement. Working closely with International Commercial, Value & Access, Global Medical Affairs, Development, and regional and country teams, you will help ensure the right evidence and medical capabilities are in place to support clinical adoption, patient access, and meaningful impact across international markets. Reporting to the Head International Medical Affairs Immunology, you will serve as a senior medical leader and strategic partner, helping shape the future of Rheumatology across international markets.

• Lead, develop, and inspire the International Medical Affairs Rheumatology team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Define and drive the international medical strategy across pipeline, pre-launch, launch, and in-market Rheumatology assets.
• Represent International Medical Affairs Rheumatology in senior cross-functional leadership and governance forums.
• Shape Integrated Evidence Plans to address priority market needs and support patient access and clinical adoption.
• Lead international medical launch readiness and execution, equipping priority markets for successful launches and new indications.
• Drive scientific engagement strategies spanning Field Medical, medical education, publications, and Medical Expert network development.
• Build strategic relationships with international thought leaders, medical societies, and key external Rheumatology stakeholders.
• Translate medical insights from international markets into strategic recommendations for Global Medical Affairs, Development, and Commercial teams.
• Partner with International Commercial and Value & Access leaders to shape integrated brand, evidence, and access strategies.
• Lead resource and budget prioritization while ensuring compliant, timely, and high-quality execution of International Medical Affairs activities.

• Doctorate-level degree (MD, PhD, or PharmD) in Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of Medical Affairs experience within the pharmaceutical industry, including significant international or global above-country experience.
• Strong experience across the product lifecycle, including pipeline, pre-launch, launch, and established in-market assets.
• Deep understanding of international healthcare systems and key external stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, medical societies, guideline committees, and payers.
• Proven experience developing and executing international medical strategies, evidence generation plans, and scientific engagement initiatives.
• Previous people leadership experience, with a track record of developing and inspiring high-performing Medical Affairs teams.
• Strong matrix leadership and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to partner effectively across functions, markets, and global teams.
• Fluent English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Experience in Immunology, particularly Rheumatology, with an understanding of relevant disease areas, scientific landscapes, and medical strategies (desirable).
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English (desirable).

• Relocation support.
• Expected annual base salary range: 184,800.00 - 343,200.00 CHF.
• Base salary determined based on gender-neutral objectives, relevant skills, competencies, and experience in accordance with Novartis pay setting policy.
• Performance-based bonus eligibility depending on certain performance parameters.
• Long-term equity awards granted at group level may be part of the package.
• Competitive benefits in kind, including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible.
• Minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities served. Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science; it takes a community of smart, passionate people collaborating, supporting, and inspiring each other to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.