Development Unit Head Patient Safety - Oncology

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and execute the Oncology Development Unit safety strategy across the entire product lifecycle.
• Lead benefit-risk assessments to support informed decision-making and optimal patient outcomes.
• Build, inspire, and develop a high-performing global Patient Safety organization.
• Drive proactive identification, evaluation, and management of emerging safety signals and risks.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, compliant and timely medical safety assessments and documentation.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to advance innovative medicines through development and registration.
• Provide strategic oversight of safety governance, escalation processes, and regulatory engagement.
• Champion scientific excellence through coaching, capability building, and succession planning.
• Represent Novartis in interactions with health authorities, industry groups, and external experts.
• Foster operational excellence by driving innovation, process simplification, and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements:

• Medical degree required with extensive experience in clinical development and patient safety within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Significant leadership experience overseeing global drug development and safety activities across multiple development programs.
• Deep expertise in benefit-risk evaluation, safety signal detection, and clinical safety assessment methodologies.
• Proven experience leading regulatory interactions and presenting safety data to global health authorities.
• Strong understanding of drug development, clinical trial methodology, regulatory requirements, and scientific principles.
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing high-performing, multicultural teams in a global environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills across complex organizational settings.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken, with the ability to communicate effectively in global environments.

​Desirable Skills 

• Specialty Board Certification is considered an advantage. 
• Postgraduate qualification in Pharmaceutical Medicine, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related scientific discipline is desirable. 
• Proficiency in an additional major international language, such as French, German, or Spanish, is advantageous.

Ready to make a Global Impact? 

At Novartis, our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As Development Unit Head Patient Safety – Oncology, you will have the opportunity to shape global safety strategy, influence critical development decisions, and help bring innovative therapies to patients around the world. If you are passionate about scientific leadership, patient safety, and driving transformative change, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey. 

Benefits & Rewards 

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen. 

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:  CHF 207,900.00 - 386,100.00

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. Long-term equity awards granted at group level may also be part of your package. Further details will be provided during the application process.  

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. 

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics. 

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: 

https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf 

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.

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 diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.