Band

Level 5

Job Description Summary

#LI-Hybrid
Location: Hungary

The Strategic Assistant plays a critical role in shaping and driving the country strategy by acting as a strategic thought partner and operational lead for the Country President and Leadership Team. The role leads the country strategic planning cycle and ensures execution of strategic priorities, major initiatives, and transformation projects. Operating with a high level of autonomy, the Strategic Assistant connects strategy to execution, strengthens leadership effectiveness, and helps build organizational capabilities—particularly in launch readiness, transformative partnerships, and AI/Digital—while ensuring that decisions, commitments, and actions are tracked, executed, and communicated effectively across the organization.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the country strategic planning cycle, including launch excellence, strategic workforce planning, and capability building initiatives.

• Partner closely with the Country President and Leadership Team to identify, prioritize, and structure enterprise‑critical initiatives and strategic questions.

• Translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable roadmaps and maintain an integrated Leadership Team strategic agenda.

• Support preparation and execution of key business reviews, country visits, and strategic engagements with regional and global stakeholders.

• Manage the operating rhythm of the Leadership Team, including governance forums, meeting cadences, and decision tracking.

• Ensure follow‑through by monitoring decisions, commitments, and milestones, escalating issues as required.

• Lead end‑to‑end strategic projects, from problem framing and analysis through execution tracking and delivery.

• Design and manage stakeholder communication plans to ensure transparency on progress, risks, and outcomes.

• Drive strategic workforce planning and key commercial capability development in partnership with P&O, linking strategy to skills, succession, and organizational design.

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and represent the Country President in selected strategic forums and engagements.

Requirements

• University degree in a scientific, economics, or business discipline; fluent English; at least 5 years of experience in international organizations, preferably pharmaceutical.

• Proven experience in strategic planning and strategy execution within complex environments.

• Strong ability to operate in matrix organizations and influence across multiple levels.

• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.

• Strong business and financial acumen.

• Experience leading cross‑functional projects and transformation initiatives.

• Well‑developed negotiation and deal‑making skills.

About Novartis Hungary:

Novartis is a leading pharmaceutical company renowned for its innovation. In Hungary, we pioneered the introduction of advanced cell and gene therapies. Our commitment to research and development spans a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, chronic conditions, and rare diseases. We take pride in being a proactive partner, contributing to the advancement of healthcare solutions.

As a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Switzerland, Novartis is among the largest pharmaceutical companies in Hungary. Our mission is to lead in delivering innovative medicines to patients across the country. We are dedicated to fostering a dynamic work environment that promotes personal development and professional growth.

Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Skills Desired

Business Development, Business Networking, Business Partners, Business Strategy, Collaboration, Corporate Development, Curiosity, Diversity & Inclusion, Finance, Go-To-Market Strategy, Influencing Skills, Key Account Management, Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Management Consulting, Pmp (Project Management Professional), Strategic Planning, Transformation Programs