The Innovation Project Lead for the Europe Central Cluster (ECC) Cluster will drive experimentation, partnership development, and scaling of innovative initiatives across ECC countries. This role focuses on identifying high-impact opportunities, building innovation capabilities, and fostering cross-country collaboration to enhance NVS ECC strategic innovation agenda. The Innovation Project Lead will operate at the intersection of digital transformation, customer engagement, and health system strategy, ensuring scalable solutions that align with both local and cluster-wide objectives.

This would be a temporary 12-month assignment at 50%, or 6-months at 100%. Limited travel is expected, depending on project needs.

Innovation & Opportunity Identification

• Collaborate with ECC country teams to identify, prioritize, and assess high-impact innovation opportunities aligned with business goals, including HCP engagement, patient journey improvements, and digital transformation.
• Explore and tailor new healthcare partnerships, technologies, and scalable business models for ECC, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
• Monitor and adapt external innovation trends and initiatives, incorporating best practices to address ECC needs.
• Foster an Innovation Incubator approach to develop and cultivate new ideas within ECC by partnering with internal and external collaborators, identifying growth opportunities, and accelerating proof-of-concept validation.

Innovation Project Leadership & Scaling

• Drive an Outside-In approach, focusing on monetizable, high-value initiatives for external stakeholders, prioritizing practical, results-driven micro-experimentations with scalable, cross-country outcomes.
• Work with country teams to adapt global/regional/country innovations into locally viable solutions while preserving core value propositions.
• Partner with stakeholders to develop pilot-testing plans, iterative improvements, and full-scale rollouts, with an emphasis on value creation aligned with ECC objectives.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Capability Building

• Champion a customer-centric approach, co-developing solutions with ECC country teams, customers, and external partners using agile methodologies, design thinking, and iterative prototyping.
• Cultivate a collaborative, entrepreneurial mindset across ECC functions and country teams to drive innovation.
• Engage ECC team members in capability-building activities to strengthen skills in agile innovation, digital literacy, and partnership management.

Strategic Support and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure close alignment with ECC leadership and SERCE/RE/International on strategic initiatives, addressing regional priorities effectively.
• Shape the ECC innovation agenda, identifying key pillars and strategy to guide innovation efforts across the cluster.
• Serve as an advocate for ECC innovation in external forums, industry events, and partnerships, enhancing visibility and influence for ECC initiatives.
• Lead and oversee the development and implementation of key projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, within budget and timely delivery.

• Innovation Impact: Number and quality of scaled projects across ECC, with defined metrics showcasing value and tangible outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: High engagement and collaboration with ECC teams, external partners, and internal SPOCs to drive innovation.
• Customer & Patient Outcomes: Demonstrable improvements in patient journeys, HCP engagement, and ECC promotional effectiveness.
• Capability Development: Growth in team expertise in digital innovation, agile methodologies, and partnership-driven initiatives.
• Scalability & Sustainability: Success in overcoming budget and operational challenges to achieve ECC-wide scalability, with clearly defined innovation pillars guiding ECC’s strategic focus.

Education: University degree in business, digital innovation, healthcare management, or a related field; MBA or relevant postgraduate degree is preferred.

Desirable education: Postgraduate training

Languages: Fluent in English; knowledge of additional languages within the ECC region is an advantage.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in innovation management, digital transformation, or project management, preferably within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Proven track record of successfully scaling digital or innovative projects, ideally across diverse markets or regions.
• Strong understanding of healthcare policy, patient-centric solutions, and digital innovation trends.
• Strong negotiation and organizational skills.