Associate Director, Strategy, Oncology Disease Area

Associate Director, Strategy, Oncology Disease Area

Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Relocation Support: Yes

What if your strategic thinking could shape the future of oncology research? As Associate Director, Strategy, Oncology Disease Area, you will play a pivotal role in translating scientific ambition into actionable strategy—guiding high-impact decisions that advance our portfolio and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Working at the intersection of science, strategy, and innovation, you will lead cross-functional initiatives, generate decision-ready insights, and harness AI-enabled approaches to elevate how we prioritize and execute across the Oncology enterprise. This is a unique opportunity to partner with senior leaders, influence critical investments, and help define the future direction of cutting-edge biomedical research.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate Oncology research strategy into actionable scientific and operational plans
• Lead strategic analyses to inform disease area, platform, and portfolio decisions
• Drive cross-functional projects aligned with Oncology priorities and enterprise objectives
• Generate portfolio analytics and insights to support prioritization and investment decisions
• Apply artificial intelligence tools to enhance strategic workflows and analytical efficiency
• Develop executive-ready materials for portfolio reviews, leadership discussions, and Board presentations
• Partner with senior stakeholders to align priorities, evaluate trade-offs, and enable timely decisions

Essential Requirements

• Postgraduate degree in a scientific discipline; medical or doctoral degree preferred
• Relevant experience in strategy, business, or finance within biopharma or related sectors
• Experience in management consulting, venture capital, or in-house biopharma strategy
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes
• Advanced analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations
• Experience applying artificial intelligence and digital tools to enhance strategic workflows
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders in matrixed environments
• Experience preparing executive-level materials, including portfolio reviews and leadership presentations

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in competitive intelligence, benchmarking, and expert-informed insight generation
• Strong change management and implementation skills

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $132,300.00 - $245,700.00 USD Annual per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Skills Desired

Business Development, Business Networking, Business Partners, Business Strategy, Collaboration, Corporate Development, Curiosity, Diversity & Inclusion, Finance, Go-To-Market Strategy, Influencing Skills, Key Account Management, Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Management Consulting, Pmp (Project Management Professional), Strategic Planning, Transformation Programs