Description

Job Description Summary
Location: this role can be based in Cambridge MA, or East Hanover NJ US, or Basel Switzerland. If based in Europe please apply to REQ-10072527.

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 companys 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

• A proven track record (10+ years) 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.

Novartis Compensation Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $274,400.00 and $426,000.00 USD 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.

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 us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com 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
$274,400.00 - $509,600.00

Skills Desired