Executive Director - International Medical Affairs, Rheumatology

Salary Range:

CHF184,800.00 - CHF343,200.00

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Relocation Support: Yes

Ready to shape the future of Rheumatology and influence how innovative medicines reach patients across international markets?

As the 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.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Essential Requirements:

• 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.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in Immunology, particularly Rheumatology, with an understanding of relevant disease areas, scientific landscapes, and medical strategies.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English.

Accessibility and accommodation
Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Benefits: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: Novartis Life Handbook

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:  184,800.00 - 343,200.00 CHF

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. 

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. 

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave. 

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process. 

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process. 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Clinical Protocols, Clinical Research, Data Pipelines, Drug Development, Influencing Skills, Leadership, Medical Communications, Microsoft Access, Online Learning, Patient Care, Personal Development, Pharmaceutics, Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), Product Placement, Regulatory Compliance, Software Releases, Strategic Direction, Writing Job Descriptions