Head, Risk and Assurance

Job Description Summary

The Head of Risk & Assurance provides strategic leadership for the US ERC Risk & Assurance team, overseeing second-line risk management and assurance activities for Novartis US. This role drives risk-based prioritization by identifying areas of greatest residual risk, fosters cross‑functional collaboration to enhance transparency and alignment, and ensures adherence to enterprise healthcare compliance frameworks. Additionally, it tailors risk assessment and assurance processes to meet the specific needs of the US market.

This role is required to be in our East Hanover, NJ office 3x/week. Please only apply if this works for you.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Risk & Assurance team, fostering a high‑performance, collaborative, and innovative culture.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all risk management and assurance activities, ensuring alignment with enterprise risk frameworks and business priorities.
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders across the organization to drive risk awareness, accountability, and proactive risk management.
• Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of the US risk and control register, annual risk assessments, controls testing, and deep‑dive risk analyses.
• Ensure effective integration of key risk indicators (KRIs) and testing outcomes into risk scoring, reporting, and decision‑making processes.
• Champion the adoption of technology and data‑driven solutions to enable integrated risk management and reporting at both functional and US levels.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies, action plans for high‑risk areas, and overall risk and compliance health.
• Represent US ERC in enterprise risk forums and cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring local needs are reflected in global risk strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement in risk management processes, leveraging best practices, benchmarking, and external insights.

Desirable Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., MBA, MS in Risk Management, Data Science, or related field)
• Significant experience in risk management, compliance, or assurance leadership roles, within the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry
• 10+ years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, or related fields
• Proven track record of strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement

Benefits & Rewards

The salary for this position is expected to range between $204,400 and $379,600 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.

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together?

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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 [email protected] 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

$204,400.00 - $379,600.00

Skills Desired

Auditing, Compliance Risk, Detail‑Oriented, Effectiveness, Enterprise Risk Management, Finance, Financial Accounting, Influencing Skills, Internal Control System, Law (Legal System), Leadership, Operational Risk, Risk Management, Software Frameworks