Field Medical Excellence Lead (f/m/d), Vienna, Austria

The responsibilities of a Field Medical Excellence Lead at Novartis in Vienna include leading the field medical associates, ensuring the implementation of strategies aligned with both local and global objectives, and developing compliant field medical plans across all therapy areas. You will actively collaborate with Medical Therapeutic Area Leads and the Country Medical Head to support MSL objective setting, provide day-to-day guidance, and maintain operational excellence within the team.

To be considered for the Field Medical Excellence Lead position at Novartis, candidates should possess an MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent advanced healthcare degree, along with five years of experience in a strategic leadership role within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Experience as an MSL and strong managerial skills are highly preferred. Proficiency in both German and English is also required to effectively communicate within this role.

Essential skills for the Field Medical Excellence Lead role at Novartis include a strong understanding of medical affairs and drug development, superior matrix leadership capabilities, and the ability to foster collaboration across teams. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills, an innovative mindset, and effectiveness in people management to support and guide field-based scientific professionals.

Novartis is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace for the Field Medical Excellence Lead role and beyond. The company believes that a diverse team is essential to understanding and serving the communities and patients they support. Recruitment decisions are based on qualifications and experience, regardless of gender, religion, age, race, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability, fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive.

Working as a Field Medical Excellence Lead at Novartis comes with numerous benefits, including a competitive salary with incentive programs, a modern pension scheme, and access to ongoing learning and development opportunities. The company promotes flexible and remote working arrangements, supporting a work-life balance that meets the diverse needs of its employees.

In answering this question, focus on your previous roles where you effectively led teams, outlining specific initiatives or projects where you showcased your leadership skills. Highlight how you motivated your team towards achieving clinical objectives and the impact of your leadership on overall organizational success.

Emphasize your attention to detail and systematic approach to compliance. Discuss the protocols you implement to monitor adherence to regulations and how you cultivate a culture of compliance within your team through training and proactive communication.

Talk about your analytical skills and collaborative strategies in developing MSL plans. Detail how you work with various departments to gather insights, ensuring that local objectives remain in sync with broader strategic goals throughout the organization.

Provide a specific example from your experience where you effectively collaborated across different teams, illustrating how you managed conflicting priorities and led teams to equitable resolutions that benefited the organization.

Outline your coaching philosophy and the specific techniques you employ to mentor field professionals. Offer examples of how your coaching has led to measurable improvements in team performance or individual development.

Discuss your problem-solving process when confronted with operational issues, including how you prioritize resolving various concerns, engage your team for input, and ensure timely and compliant resolution.

In your response, highlight the communication tools and strategies you adopt to ensure everyone is aligned and engaged, regardless of location. Provide an example of a scenario where your communication strategy led to positive outcomes.

Elucidate your data-driven approach in defining MSL objectives, considering both local patient needs and global directives. Mention how you involve team input and best practices in the objective-setting process.

Discuss any digital tools and platforms you have successfully integrated into your field medical activities, emphasizing how they've improved efficiency, data collection, or communication with healthcare professionals.

Illustrate your patient-centric approach by sharing how you’ve led initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Reinforce your belief in the importance of aligning field activities to meet patient needs and preferences.