Are you a seasoned commercial leader in the pharmaceutical industry with exposure to medical and scientific disciplines, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the drug development value chain? Do you possess a proven track record of successful product launches that effectively address significant unmet needs for patients? We are seeking an exceptional leader to spearhead our Rare Blood Disorder franchise at Novo Nordisk Rare Disease. Read on and apply today for a life-changing career.

 

About the department

Novo Nordisk Rare Disease is a unit within the leading global healthcare company Novo Nordisk. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat rare blood and endocrine disorders. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. 

 

Novo Nordisk Rare Disease has over 4000 employees across 14 sites around the world working to bring our marketed products to over 100 countries and ensuring a strong development pipeline. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the commercial unit or Rare Disease Global has over 150 dedicated and passionate employees working closely with the broader organisation. Whilst we benefit from our unique positioning as part of the Novo Nordisk stronghold, we possess the flexibility of a biotech enabling us to innovate without limits. As a unit we pride ourselves on being agile and able to strike a balance between vision and action.

 

Rare Blood Disorders or RBD is our largest portfolio area within Rare Disease and consists of five launched brands and several pipeline assets within three key therapeutic areas: Rare Bleeding Disorders (Haemophilia), Hemoglobinopathies (Sickle Cell) and Hemato-Renal. The Rare Blood Disorders team consists of approximately 15 highly qualified and committed professionals, divided into two teams based in Zurich.

 

The position

As the new Corporate Vice President (CVP) of Rare Blood Disorders (RBD), you will report to the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Rare Disease at Novo Nordisk and will play a key role in the leadership team of the area.

You will be responsible for maximizing the commercial value of the Rare Blood Disorders franchise. The franchise is approaching several upcoming global launches that will necessitate strong collaboration at both regional and affiliate levels. The new CVP will be tasked with ensuring the successful global launch of several strategically critical assets and establishing a sustainable growth path for the area. You will:

 

Lead and refine the Rare Blood Disorders franchise strategy to align with the overall Rare Disease and corporate strategies of Novo Nordisk, in close collaboration with early research, clinical development and other areas across the value chain.

Drive the portfolio to maximize project and product value; ensure accountability to governance boards for project progress, following approved objectives and key deliverables.

Lead a small but complex team of 15 highly qualified employees split into two teams. These teams work cross-functionally with medical (anchored in Rare Disease Global) as well as business development and clinical development who are part of the approximately 4000 people working on Rare Disease across Novo Nordisk.

Develop and nurture a high-performing, cross-functional organisation that supports the Rare Blood Disorders commercial agenda, emphasizing personal development and engagement in alignment with the Novo Nordisk Way.

Cultivate relationships and engage with internal and external stakeholders to effectively deploy and execute strategies. Key internal stakeholders include early research, clinical development, and others across the value chain.

Identify and maximize long-term organic growth opportunities while scouting for attractive business development prospects.

 

The role is based in Zurich, Switzerland.

 

Qualifications

You are an accomplished leader in a large pharmaceutical company or biotech, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in commercial roles — preferably at both affiliate and global levels.

In addition, you possess:

Demonstrated expertise in portfolio and therapy area management showcasing a strong history of overseeing product portfolios at various stages with a particular focus on successful global (and local) product launches.

Proven leadership of cross-functional, matrixed teams and a track record of creating ambitious and high-performing organisations with a focus on personal development.

Solid understanding of the drug development value chain with experience in medical and scientific disciplines either through education or professional experience.

Demonstrated history of operating across various therapeutic areas. Exposure to rare blood disorders is considered an advantage.

A global perspective and proven track record of successfully collaborating and influencing within a complex, matrix organization.

An advanced degree in a relevant field.

 

As a person, you are driven and able to operate independently. You are curious, and agile, with a passion for cultural diversity, and a global mindset. As an empowering and resilient leader, you motivate and bring together high-performing teams of exceptional professionals.  You value collaboration, excel in stakeholder management and are adept at navigating complexity in a global matrix. A persuasive communicator, you make clear decisions and influence others, regardless of organisational level.

 

Deadline 

Please submit your application via our online application tool latest by Sunday 18th May. 

You do not need to attach a cover letter to your application, but please include a few sentences about why you are applying in your CV. To ensure an efficient and fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your CV. 

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all our job applicants. 

 

Contact 

For further information please contact Executive Search Partner, Heidi Ashby at HZEA@novonordisk.com. 

 

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. 

 

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.