Commercial Portfolio Head

Role overview

This position is for a commercially focused leader who will grow portfolio value through strategic partnerships, digital activation, and disciplined lifecycle planning in a tightly regulated healthcare setting. Based in Riyadh, the role centers on improving access, strengthening go-to-market execution, and building commercially effective portfolio strategies.

The opportunity suits someone who can lead cross-functional work, shape long-term portfolio direction, and create measurable business outcomes across mature products and late-stage brand assets.

Commercial partnerships and alliances

• Spot and assess partnership opportunities by actively looking for external collaborations that can add meaningful value to the portfolio.
• Negotiate and define agreement structures that support both strategic goals and commercial priorities.
• Maintain strategic partnerships so they continue to deliver value as business needs evolve.
• Lead high-impact pilots that could later be expanded across regions or internationally.

Digital marketing execution

• Use digital channels to preserve brand visibility and keep key stakeholders engaged in line with business priorities.
• Oversee digital content and channel activity so materials stay compliant, relevant, and effective.
• Work with Therapeutic Area Heads to identify opportunities and roll out digital plans that support priority brand performance.

Lifecycle management

• Strengthen loss-of-exclusivity planning by preparing brands with clear strategies before and after LoE.
• Lead brand onboarding from Therapeutic Areas by aligning assets, budgets, analytics, and handover activities for a smooth transition.
• Partner with Legal, Value & Access, Supply Chain, and Finance to estimate erosion in volume and value after LoE.
• Apply late-stage lifecycle actions that help preserve brand value and limit post-LoE erosion.
• Simplify portfolio operations by externalizing or retiring assets where suitable to lower upkeep effort and cost.

Portfolio management

• Own planning and forecasting for budgets to support portfolio priorities and disciplined use of resources.
• Track brand results and market developments to guide evidence-based decisions for supported and carry-over products.
• Coordinate with Regulatory teams to maintain strong portfolio governance, including updates to risk management plans and amendments.
• Handle urgent operational matters such as recalls and packaging questions with quick, practical judgment.
• Work with Supply Chain to reduce stock-outs, lower write-offs, and support dependable product availability.

Requirements

• A university degree in science or business is required; an advanced degree in bioscience, medicine, business, or management is preferred.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector, with a proven background in P&L ownership and commercial management.
• Strong expertise in managing mature portfolios end to end, including onboarding, loss-of-exclusivity planning, and post-LoE value protection.
• Proven ability to develop partnerships, negotiate agreements, and govern arrangements across co-promotion, distribution, or licensing models.
• Hands-on experience in regulated digital marketing, including content control, channel optimization, compliance, and performance analysis.
• Shown success in leading cross-functional teams across Legal, Finance, Market Access, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and CLS in complex stakeholder environments.
• Ability to make strategic decisions using clear prioritization and strong resource allocation across competing portfolio demands.
• An enterprise-oriented mindset that favors long-term portfolio sustainability over short-term wins for a single brand.
• A results-driven leadership style with a strong focus on KPIs, insight-based action, and ongoing improvement.
• Experience in the Saudi market is preferred.

Additional information

Novartis states that it is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to build an outstanding workplace made up of diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities it serves.

The company also emphasizes that improving the lives of people living with disease and their families requires more than scientific innovation. It calls for collaboration, support, and shared purpose to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

A benefits and rewards handbook is referenced for more information about support available to help employees thrive personally and professionally.