REQ-10083155
Jul 15, 2026
China

Summary

Due Diligence (DD) Director in his/her role as DD Lead leads cross-functional team(s) of subject matter experts (SME) in DD phase of external partnering evaluations. The focus of the role lies on evaluating partnerships with partners in China and covers all development stages.
DD Director as DD Lead is accountable to ensure robust, fair balance, and timely scientific / technical DD evaluations and to develop an integrated DD team recommendation.DD Director as DD Lead is a partner for Transactions and Alliance Management in deal implementation/execution for out-licensing projects.

About the Role

DD Director as Due Diligence Lead

  • Due Diligence Scientific / Technical evaluation
  • Manages and drives the due diligence for the review, evaluation, and recommendation of BD&L opportunities under guidance of a DD Therapeutic Area (TA) Head as applicable

-        Ensures the correct handling of confidential information and compliance with confidential disclosure obligations and ensures the DD teams do the same

-        Lead for scientific / technical DD evaluation (focused DD to address key questions) and for the full assessment DD (in-depth opportunity review) in close partnership with Search & Evaluation (S&E) / Transaction Lead

-        Responsible for operational excellence in the set-up and conduct of DD (adherence to C&BD process; review of data, integrated development plan / timelines, on site visits etc.)

-        Ensures fair balance and accuracy

-        Leads development of an integrated and aligned risk management plan

-        Co-ordinates and leads DD team review, discussions and recommendation

-        Leads and accountable for reporting and communicating scientific / technical DD findings to Therapeutic Area Leadership (TAL) and all relevant decision bodies, e.g., Executive Committee Novartis - Deal Committee (ECN DC)

-        Contributes to presentations of scientific / technical DD findings to management

  • Due Diligence Project Management – Development plan

-        Leads the elaboration of comprehensive, accurate and aligned development plans and costs

-        Ensures the appropriate integration of considerations for feasibility, uncertainties, and competitive challenges in the market, including appropriate scenario generation and contingency planning

  • Due Diligence Finance and Deal contribution

-        Ensures R&D costs for the project in scope of the DD are prepared in coordination with Finance and the respective line functions

-        Liaises with relevant functions incl. Finance and TRD/TechOps to prepare COGS estimates

-        Ensure assumptions for PoS and OPA are aligned with relevant stakeholders

-        Understands high-level financial valuation (such as NPV) and challenges development-related assumptions

-        Co-ordinates in collaboration with S&E / Transaction Lead and Commercial / Therapeutic Area Strategy Lead alignment on Target Product Profile (TPP).

-        As member of Deal Team, contributes to the preparation / review of offers, term sheets, and contracts, by ensuring major DD findings and risk inflection points are appropriately considered

  • Due Diligence Leadership
  • Fosters a ‘collaboration with courage’ team environment

-        Drives team recommendation based on integrated view on the C&BD opportunity with fair balance of opportunities and risks, and with solution focused outlook

-        Ensures professional and positive interactions with the external company / partner

-        Raises contentious issues in a manner that drives resolution, and enables others to do the same

-        Documents that DD team members are trained according to requirements.

 

Key Performance Indicators  (Indicate how performance for this role will be measured)

 

DD Director as DD Lead

-        Objective, balanced scientific and technical due diligence evaluations of high quality leading to clear opportunity and risk profiles, supporting decision making and solution focused risk mitigations strategies

-        Seamless and smooth interaction with senior management decision bodies

-        Realistic planning of key milestones, plans, risk mitigation, costs and timelines to ensure best forecast assumptions

-        Preparation of high-quality deal presentations to senior management in support of recommended deals

 



Job Dimensions  (Indicate key facts and figures)

 

  • Number of associates:
  • Direct: One (in China)
  • In-direct as DD Lead: Matrix management of global DD team(s) of 40-80 Subject Matter Experts (SME) for each assigned Due Diligence in a given TA
  • Financial responsibility:
  • (Budget, cost, sales, etc.)

Development cost forecast for C&BD evaluations for assigned Due Diligences

  • Impact on the organization:

High impact in driving the right recommendations based on balanced opportunity and risk assessments for in-licensing and M&A opportunities with optimal use of internal resources

 

 

 

Ideal Background  (State the preferred education and experience level)

 

  • Education and/or professional experience:
  • Doctoral or equivalent degree in life science
  • Experience in pharmaceutical industry
  • Business management training or equivalent
  • undefined
  • Languages:

Fluent English (oral and written) and Mandarin

 

  • Experience / Professional Requirements:      

-        Extensive drug development expertise, with 8+ years’ experience in pharma drug development spanning across several disciplines and stages (from research to commercial) including in due diligence

-        Past contribution to and experience in in-licensing and M&A due diligences;

-        Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to integrate across functions and organizations to build collaborative relationships

-        Planning and tracking skills with attention to detail including experience with project management and tools

-        Well-organized, excellent time management with respect to priorities and self-management

-        Fast action taker, ability to quickly grasp the essence of new projects. Involves the right team members in the right situation at the right time

-        Expert verbal and written communication skills

-        Sound judgement of which risks and issues need to be highlighted and properly communicated to management.

 

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.
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Strategy & Growth
Strategic Planning & BD&L
China
Shanghai (Shanghai)
BD&L & Strategic Planning
Full time
Regular
No

Accessibility and accommodation

Novartis is 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 recruitment process, or in order to perform 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.

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REQ-10083155

Due Diligence Director China

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