Associate Director - Human Resources

About the Department

Novo Nordisk R&D US (NNRDUS) employs a robust workforce of over 800 professionals within a fully integrated global R&D hub within a matrix structure, encompassing end-to-end capabilities spanning the entire R&D spectrum, from pioneering scientific breakthroughs to the development of transformative medicines poised to substantially enhance the lives of patients. The R&D Hub is home to various critical functions, including Global Drug Discovery (GDD), Global Research Technologies (GRT), Global Nucleic Acid Therapies (GNAT), Bio Innovation Hub (BiH), Cell Therapy (CT), Digital Science and Innovation (DSI), Global Translation, and the East Coast Hub (ECH) within the Development area. Additionally, it accommodates employees from other EVP areas, such as FLGS and PSQIT.

While the headquarters of NNRDUS is situated in Lexington, MA, the organization also operates in other key locations including Cambridge (MA), Watertown (MA), Fremont (CA), Seattle (WA), Boulder (CO), and Plainsboro (NJ), along with virtual positions. In 2023, Novo Nordisk strategically opted to expand its research and development footprint within the greater Boston area, a globally acclaimed life sciences ecosystem. Presently, NNRDUS stands primed and equipped to steer Novo Nordisk's future scientific aspirations and sustained expansion.

The Position:

The HR Business Partner acts as a strategic and tactical business partner to facilitate the achievement of the business goals through all People & Organization (P&O) activities, including organizational development and effectiveness (e.g. structure, systems/processes, workforce planning), leadership development, employee engagement, talent development, etc. Drives annual HR wheel activities, and acts as a sparring partner to senior leaders, shaping and influencing business decisions and processes from a P&O perspective. Proactively shares best practices and collaborates with other HR Business Partners. Serves as a valued advisor to client groups by anticipating needs and developing P&O solutions that align with business strategies and desired outcomes. Also participates in other global/regional/local P&O initiatives and may lead special projects/communications on behalf of the P&O team for all client areas.

Relationships

This job will report to the Head of People & Organization (P&O) in US R&D and be part a P&O team, consisting of several other HR Business Partners, HR Generalists, a Sr. HR Project Manager, and a Sr. DEI&B Partner. The role will serve as HR Business Partner to senior leaders within Global Drug Discovery (GDD) and Global Research Technologies (GRT). The role will interact with senior leaders within US and globally, and partner closely with HR centers of excellence, operational teams and HR Partner colleagues. 

Essential Functions

•  Strategic Partnership: Lead human resources initiatives that drive results and accelerate innovation. Align strategic and tactical business plans into a practical and effective human resource agenda. Support and enable the GDD and GRT organizations by providing expertise on all HR aspects of the business. Partner with senior leaders to develop and implement solutions to organizational and people-related challenges based upon HR expertise and in-depth understanding of the business. Provide leadership on matters of performance management, effective communication, organizational change and the creation of a winning culture. Develop and implement change management initiatives which facilitate/enable organizational growth and transformation and effect continuous improvement. Establish credibility throughout the organization and position self as an effective problem solver of people and organizational issues. Coach and develop leaders, supporting them while engaging in critical people activities and enabling them to make sound decisions

•  Organizational Effectiveness: Develop and implement organizational development/design strategies which align with business aspirations and drive optimal business results. Partner with management to remove barriers in order to drive operational transformation across all areas of the business. Lead the effort for continuous improvement of leadership capability and organizational efficiency

•  Talent Acquisition: Partner with the area leadership team and Talent Acquisition team to develop proactive organizational staffing strategies to recruit and retain top caliber talent in a high-performance environment

•  Employee Relations: Leverage and collaborate with Employee Relations on employee relations issues. Handle sensitive matters with confidentiality and professionalism

•  Performance Management: Develop, strengthen and implement appropriate programs to facilitate optimal performance of employees. Manage performance review process in pursuit of a culture of accountability and results-orientation, linking organizational and employee performance. Provide ongoing direct and actionable performance coaching and feedback to the organization’s leaders. Oversee annual performance review cycle and compensation planning for the line organization

•  Employee Communication: Encourage frequent and effective communication throughout the organization to ensure that employees are accurately informed. Foster a workplace environment consistent with the values and mission of the organization

•  Cross-Functional Involvement: Collaborate with fellow HR team members and support/work with global/regional/local P&O projects, as relevant. Assist the Head of Human Resources by providing critical information and project oversight for delegated projects/tasks.

Physical Requirements

This position will be based in Lexington, MA.  10-15% overnight travel required. 

Qualifications

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 8 years of Human Resources experience of which 5 years in a business partner capacity
• HR Partnering experience, optimally within pharmaceutical or biotech organization and preferably experience working in global role within matrix structure and/or within R&D area
• Elevated level of interpersonal skills to demonstrate active listening, provide coaching and advising to all levels within the organization and handle sensitive and confidential situations
• Strong business process aptitude and understanding; and highly developed analytical and reasoning skills
• Must be able to work independently and part of a team, as well as handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Highly developed and excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills
• Optimally knowledge of state and federal compliance and regulations

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.