Job Description Summary
The Head of US Risk Management & Product Safety (REMS) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and execution of US Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) and local product safety activities across the product lifecycle. This role ensures high quality implementation of risk management programs, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and optimal patient safety outcomes. The position partners cross functionally with Medical, Regulatory, Commercial, Quality, and Global Safety teams, and serves as the primary US authority on REMS and product safety.
Job Description
#LI-Hybrid
Location: East Hanover, NJ
Key Responsibilities:
1. REMS Strategy & Leadership
- Lead the design, regulatory development, and launch execution of innovative REMS programs, ensuring operational feasibility and alignment with commercial strategy through collaboration with cross functional leaders
- Design, execute, and continuous improvement of REMS programs that minimize stakeholder burden while enhancing patient safety
- Lead cross‑functional project and product teams across the lifecycle to develop and operationalize evidence‑based risk management solutions, including enhanced pharmacovigilance and risk‑minimization activities.
2. REMS Operational Oversight
- Oversee performance and governance of REMS vendors to ensure quality execution, compliance, and data integrity.
- Ensure accurate, timely compliant execution of REMS commitments and assessments, including monitoring of KPIs and escalation of risks.
3. US Local Product Safety Management
- Serve as the primary US authority for product safety inquiries, escalations, and Health Authority interactions across the lifecycle.
- Oversee safety‑related US labeling (USPI, Medication Guides, REMS language) and ensure timely submission of required US aggregate reports.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Oversight
- Ensure inspection and audit readiness for all REMS and US product‑safety operations; lead response management, corrective actions, and CAPA implementation through closure.
- Maintain deep expertise in evolving US regulatory and REMS requirements; translate regulatory expectations into operational guidance
- Represent the company in FDA interactions, REMS negotiations, advisory committee discussions, and relevant industry forums to advocate for science‑based, patient‑centric risk management approaches.
Essential Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree preferred (PharmD, M.D, PHD)
- 10+ years' experience in risk management operations, including risk management planning and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry required
- 5+ years of leading REMS programs a matrix role that encompasses managing cross-functional teams across all areas of an organization
- Strong knowledge of FDA REMS requirements, US PV regulations, risk minimization strategies, and audit/inspection management.
- Proven leadership in cross-functional settings; excellent communication, influencing, collaboration, and decision-making skills
- Strong executive presence with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication abilities, organizational acumen, and the capability to manage multiple high‑priority projects simultaneously
- Proven expertise leading large-scale, strategic initiatives related to drug development, risk management and regulatory requirement
- Deep understanding of risk management principles and best practices for REMS development implementers, and experience implementing risk management practices and/or managing risk in complex and/or conflict related environments
Desirable Requirements:
- Familiarity with safety databases, REMS platforms, and data analytics tools.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $176,400 and $327,600 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.
To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.
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 [email protected] or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.
Salary Range
$176,400.00 - $327,600.00
Skills Desired
Auditing, Compliance Risk, Corrective Action Plans (Cap), Cross-Functional Teams, Drug Development, Due Diligence, Global Project Management, Internal Audit, Regulatory Reporting, Risk Assessment, Risk ManagementNovartis Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Novartis and has not been reviewed or approved by Novartis.
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Healthcare Strength — Pay and benefits are described as a strong overall package, supported by medical, dental, and vision insurance alongside FSAs/HSAs and disability and life coverage. Mental-health support is reinforced through an employee assistance program with psychological support and a network of mental health first aiders.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout element, with an automatic company contribution plus dollar-for-dollar matching in the 401(k). Additional retirement funding is described through an age-based defined contribution program and access to an employee share purchase plan discount.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-related benefits are framed as robust, including a global minimum of paid parental leave for new parents following birth or adoption. Added supports include domestic partner coverage, dependent-care resources, and benefits such as adoption assistance and child/elder care options.
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What We Do
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, working to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.
