The Executive Director, Value and Access for the Direct Report Markets in Region Europe leads and executes the patient access strategy for Novartis portfolio products in a region/country - working strategically and operationally in partnership with Regional TAs, Medical, CE&E and priority Country teams to maximize access to IM assets. This senior leader drives the execution of innovative Patient Access strategy across the strategic TAs for compounds/brands from (pre) POC up to the end of their commercial lifecycle post launch and is also responsible for building and continually enhancing best in class Patient Access capabilities to establish and retain competitive advantage in a dynamic market environment.

Reporting to the Region Europe V&A Head, the ED is an active member of the Region Europe Access leadership team and provides strategic directions to access leaders in the region.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

 

·       Develops and implements access solutions serving strategic TAs and maximizing IM assets, with focus on our priority geographic markets, major HTA architypes and budget impact archetypes needs and feasibility.

·       Representation of region access at the international level.

·       Responsible for pricing strategy across brands and countries.

·       Provides effective and inspiring functional leadership for the market access team(s), actively works on career development.

·       Work in close collaboration with International V&A and the Cluster countries​.

·       Utilizes sound understanding and knowledge of local healthcare systems to support countries in development and execution of V&A strategies.

• Partners with Medical Affairs, Commercial, Regulatory, Public Affairs, Communications & Patient Engagement to ensure robust launch readiness plans and integrated approaches to access.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders (payers, HTA bodies, government agencies, patient organizations) to advocate for patient access and shape policy.
• Monitors and influences healthcare policy developments impacting access, collaborating with public affairs to create a favorable access environment.
• Represent Novartis in external governmental, payer, HTA, and patient advocacy forums, actively promoting access-related initiatives, shaping evidentiary standards, and supporting innovation in market access and patient outcomes through education and policy engagement.

• Accountable for Value and access performance management, incl. metrics & KPIs being updated and tracked. KPIs include Revenue, market availability/level of access, time to market, pricing vs. targets, Reimbursement / Listing status of Key Brands - Performance vs. functional targets.

• Role models ethical standards and contribute proactively to a credible image for Novartis in the Region Europe.
• Optimizes Value and Access resources and allocation: Advocates early resourcing where and when appropriate, while ensuring cost adherence in spend of V&A activities and resourcing. Ability to articulate and defend priorities and needs of access with strong influencing skills.
• Leads and develops the value and access team, fostering leadership, talent, and critical capabilities across the region.
• Ensures all access activities adhere to governance, compliance, quality, and ethical standards.

Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 10-15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with significant senior leadership experience in market access, pricing, reimbursement, or health policy.
• Advanced degree in life sciences, health economics, public health, or related field; business qualification (e.g., MBA) is desirable.
• Experience in both country and regional/global roles; strong knowledge of key European markets and HTA-based systems.
• Proven track record in developing and executing access strategies and leading cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of National Health Care, regulatory environment of drug.
• Able to understand changing dynamics of pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong business acumen, superior leadership, and influencing skills.
• Strategic and enterprise thinking, with flexibility to manage complexity.

Competencies:

• Demonstrates strong communication skills and can influence across a range of diverse stakeholders to drive change
• Balances strategy and operational excellence to ensure end to end execution of the strategy
• Effectively balances the needs of various stakeholders and defines priorities based on highest impact for business and patients
• Strong solution-orientation and enterprise mindset
• Competitive and entrepreneurial mindset with proven track record of fostering innovation