Job Description Summary
Location: this role can be based in Basel Switzerland or in Cambridge MA / East Hanover NJ US. If based in the US, please apply to REQ-10072526.Novartis is seeking an accomplished M&A leader to take on a pivotal transaction role at the centre of its strategic growth agenda. This executive will lead complex, high-value acquisitions and divestments, shape investment decisions at the highest levels of the organisation, and play a critical role in securing the external innovation and capabilities that will define the company’s future portfolio.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full strategic and execution agenda for major acquisitions and divestments, from deal shaping through signing and closing.
- Advise and influence senior leadership on transaction strategy, valuation, risk, and capital deployment, partnering closely with finance, legal, tax, diligence, research, development, and commercial leaders.
- Direct complex cross-functional workstreams in competitive environments, ensuring clear decision-making and high-quality materials for executive committees and the Board.
- Oversee corporate diligence, governance, and approval processes, while supporting post-signing diligence, integration readiness, and strategic knowledge transfer.
- Develop internal transaction capability through leadership of a small team of direct reports, mentoring junior deal leaders, and maintaining strong relationships with external advisors and market participants.
Required Experience
Essential
- A proven track record of leading complex, end-to-end M&A transactions across multiple structures, sectors, and geographies.
- Deep experience in corporate strategy, valuation, financial modelling, scenario analysis, and value creation assessment.
- Strong judgement in evaluating and managing strategic, financial, operational, legal, and regulatory risk in high-stakes transactions.
- Credibility and presence to lead large, senior cross-functional teams and operate effectively with executive stakeholders and boards.
- An academic background in life sciences is preferred, with an advanced degree viewed favourably.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.
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.
Skills Desired
Skills Required
- 10+ years' experience in leading end-to-end M&A deals
- Thorough understanding of corporate strategy
- Strong financial background with financial modelling expertise
- Skilled in identifying and mitigating strategic, financial, and operational risks
- Understanding of legal frameworks for licensing and acquisition deals
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Ability to work under pressure and tight timelines
- Education: Business, finance, or life-science education
Novartis 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.
Novartis Insights
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.
