Manager - Field Operations

By Admin · Pharma Sales, Marketing & Commercial

HYDERABAD (IN)HYBRIDPOSTED: 9/25/2026
PHARMAFull time
HIRING ORGANIZATIONNOVARTISPharmaceuticals / Healthcare
Novartis

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Manager – Field Operations at Novartis is a strategic commercial role accountable for delivering field operations excellence across international markets. Based in Hyderabad under a hybrid model, this position combines functional leadership with end-to-end commercial operations expertise, focusing on Incentive Compensation (IC) design, IC operations, and Call Planning & Alignment. As Novartis advances its innovative medicine portfolio, field teams must be equipped with precise targeting, fair incentives, and agile execution. This role directly influences how regional and country teams engage healthcare professionals, optimize resources, and maintain compliance. It offers a compelling career opportunity for commercial operations professionals seeking global matrix exposure, technology-driven transformation, and visible impact on sales force effectiveness. The incumbent will champion continuous improvement, quality assurance, and AI-enabled innovation, shaping the future of pharma field operations.

ROLE DEFINITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • •Own end-to-end Field Operations delivery across international, regional, and country markets, serving as the primary accountability point for senior stakeholders.
  • •Lead execution, governance, and continuous optimization of Incentive Compensation design, IC operations, and call planning and alignment processes.
  • •Establish robust quality assurance frameworks and ensure strict compliance with governance, audit, and internal control requirements.
  • •Communicate plans, risks, dependencies, and outcomes effectively, translating analytics into actionable insights that drive stakeholder follow-through.
  • •Provide thought leadership in at least one core capability: Incentive Compensation Design, Incentive Compensation Operations, or Call Planning & Alignment.
  • •Drive capability building, guideline management, and adoption of Sales Performance Management platforms across global matrix teams.
  • •Support continuous improvement through business reviews, retrospectives, and process optimization to scale operations efficiently.
  • •Collaborate with headquarters, regional, and country teams on strategic initiatives, field transformation, and cross-functional enablement strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 6+ years of progressive commercial operations experience within life sciences or pharmaceuticals.
  • Minimum 3 years of dedicated Field Operations delivery experience in a large pharmaceutical organization.
  • Strong knowledge of commercial sales data, prescription data, and syndicated healthcare analytics.
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional enablement strategies in complex global matrix environments.
  • Demonstrated program and project management expertise with a track record of scaling operations efficiently.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, pharmacy, life sciences, or a related discipline; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  • Familiarity with Sales Performance Management platforms and experience supporting AI-enabled commercial initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • •Go-to-Market Strategy
  • •Change Management
  • •Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • •Digital Marketing & Media Campaigns
  • •People Leadership & Capability Building

REQUIRED VERIFIED SKILLS

Incentive Compensation Design
IC Operations
Call Planning & Alignment
Sales Force Effectiveness (SFE)
Sales Performance Management Platforms
Commercial & Prescription Data Analytics
Stakeholder Management
Program & Project Management
Governance, Audit & Compliance
AI-enabled Commercial Transformation

COMPENSATION & REWARDS

Salary: Competitive / Disclosed upon candidate shortlisting

ORGANIZATION CONTEXT & CULTURE

Novartis AG is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation, one of the largest in the world. It focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative medicines to address significant health needs. The company's portfolio spans various therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular diseases.

TEAM SIZE: 76,000+ employees
INDUSTRY: Pharmaceuticals / Healthcare

EXPECTED CAREER ROADMAP

Starting as Manager, Field Operations, a high performer can advance to Senior Manager or Associate Director, Commercial Operations / Field Excellence within 2–3 years, owning larger international markets or global IC strategy. Further progression includes Director, Sales Force Effectiveness or Head of Commercial Excellence, leading cross-regional teams and AI-driven transformation. The role builds deep expertise in SPM platforms, incentive design, and commercial analytics, opening exits to top pharma companies, biotech, CROs, health-tech SaaS, and management consulting firms in India. Professionals may also pivot into market access, business partnering, or go-to-market strategy. Novartis offers structured leadership development, global exposure, and internal mobility, making this an excellent launchpad for senior commercial operations leadership.

APPLICATION ADVISORY

Tailor your resume to highlight quantified Field Operations impact: sales force size supported, IC plans designed, call plan accuracy improvements, and SPM platform implementations. Prepare STAR stories on stakeholder management across I-R-C markets, governance audits, and AI-enabled initiatives. In interviews, demonstrate deep knowledge of IC design principles, data sources (Rx, sales), and SFE metrics. Be ready to discuss how you scaled operations while maintaining quality. Show cultural fit with Novartis values—collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

READY TO SUBMIT?

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