Director, P&O R&D Global Sites

About the Department                                                                                                                                             

Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Plainsboro reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.

The Position

Strategic HR Leader and member of R&D P&O Leadership Team, charged with executing the strategic P&O agenda for R&D P&O globally and P&O operational excellence for Global R&D Sites in US, UK and China. Leading a team of experienced HR Business Partners and P&O Professionals, including P&O Site Leads. The position requires strong collaboration across Novo Nordisk R&D units globally, regionally and locally.

Relationships

STRATEGIC P&O LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONS:

This position reports to the EVP HR Business Partner for R&D / VP, Executive P&O Business Partner and member of R&D P&O Leadership Team who leads the R&D P&O organisation. 

Member of the US R&D Site Leadership Team, driving P&O agenda and operations within the Site.

People leadership responsibility of Site Leads  in UK and China, as well as individual contributors.

Interacts closely with Global/Regional P&O Leadership and CoEs, Labor Relations/Legal Counsel, Global HR Business Partners, Line of Business and interacts with all levels of the business.

External relationships include external community partners, vendors, consultants, HR organizations and other professional associations/organizations.

Essential Functions

P&O STRATEGY, OPERATIONS AND PEOPLE LEADERSHIP:

• Strategic P&O leader, leading a team of HR Business Partners and P&O professionals at R&D Global Sites (US, UK and China). Direct reports include both a people leader and individual contributors, with global and/or regional/local responsibilities
• Responsible for setting and executing strategic plans anchored in R&D and Global P&O strategy across R&D Global Sites
• Be actively engaged in the global HRBP setup and together understand the business priorities and translate strategy into relevant and impactful HR actions, which include driving:
• Organisational Development and effectiveness
• Strategic workforce management
• Change management
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Talent management & development
• Culture and engagement on site

As R&D P&O leader, accountable for driving the P&O strategy and HRBP delivery within teams, including:

• Leading P&O teams across R&D Global Sites with clear direction and in an engaging manner, while empowering and developing them to successfully executing on their deliverables
• Ensuring the team acts as champions and role models of the company cultural values (NN Way)
• Designing, developing and executing strategic plans to achieve the current and future business objectives, in alignment with the R&D P&O strategies, as well as global/local Labor Law, governance and standards
• Continuously reviewing, assessing, and evolving the business to drive organizational efficiency, scalability, and agility
• Driving people and capability development to ensure capabilities fit to evolve the organization to the future, and ensure strong leadership, succession and talent pipeline
• Anticipating, managing and communicating organizational needs and changes proactively and seeks to suggest solutions that are pragmatic and easy to implement
• Effectively manages complex organizational and people-related issues

As a P&O Site Lead for US R&D Site + Leader of P&O Site Leads at R&D Global Sites (UK + China):

• Accountable for P&O Site Operations at R&D Global Sites in US, UK and CN, housing employees from R&D but also other EVP-areas, including but not limited to Virtual Work Option (VWO) employees. P&O Site Operations include local employee onboarding/offboarding, employee benefits fair, visa management, LTA/STA assignments, local leadership/employee training and development, government reporting requirements, etc
• Ensure efficient and compliant P&O Operations processes, governance and practices
• Work closely with CoEs within P&O in defining, aligning and executing P&O projects and initiatives at R&D Global Sites (e.g., US One Review processes, Employee Benefits roll-out, forecasting input to TA), balancing global requirements and regional/local alignment
• Responsible for input and implementation of leadership development, staffing, diversity, employee relations, and the performance management and review processes within assigned client groups
• Represent US R&D Site Leadership at Site Events (e.g., Site Townhalls) and drive employee engagement agenda and P&O strategy in alignment with R&D Site strategy and priorities
• Guided by strategic direction, the role may also involve working with external stakeholders, for example linked to Company Reputation/Employer Branding, Corporate Social Responsibility, Building Management/Office Relocations

MANAGES FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:

• Maintains oversight and provides guidance to others in developing budgets and monitoring expenditures against operating plans; and makes improvements to budgets based on knowledge of financial data and history. Responsible for department budget to ensure the attainment of financial goals, including anticipating financial requirements; and incorporates appropriate risk management and contingency planning
• As part of US R&D Site Leadership team, representing US R&D Site Leadership at Site Events (e.g., Site Townhalls) and drive employee engagement agenda and P&O strategy in alignment with R&D Site strategy and priorities. Guided by strategic direction, the role may also involve working with external stakeholders, for example related to Company/Employer Branding, Community Partners, Legal Entity transfers, and Building Management/Office Relocations
• Given that the role is based in the US, the role is also responsible for leading the M&A integrations from HRBP perspective for all R&D acquisitions that occur in the United States
• Working closely with CoEs within P&O in defining, aligning and executing P&O projects and initiatives at R&D Global Sites (e.g., US OneReview processes, Employee Benefits roll-out, forecasting input to TA), aligned with legal compliance and governance, balancing global requirements and regional/local alignment. Work in collaboration to improve the Site/business areas' ability to seize business opportunities and overcome challenges

HR BUSINESS PARTNERING:

• As per need, capacity and geographical considerations the position holder might take up HR Business Partnering for a relevant business area, optimally R&D EVP-1 area. This entails strategic HR Advisor & Partnering to SVP/GVP and SVP/GVP Leadership Team on P&O matters, such as identifying relevant solutions to strategic business challenges and opportunities to progress the development of people and organization. Responsible for planning and executing HR Annual Wheel and P&O processes that drive impact, including culture and engagement, organizational development & effectiveness, talent attraction, talent development, change management

Physical Requirements

Approximately 5-10% overnight travel outside US to ensure relations and engagement with P&O teams in R&D Sites outside US (i.e., UK and CN), as well as participation in Global P&O summits, R&D P&O LT offsite and gathering where possible of HRBPs in global R&D footprint.

Development Of People

Supervisory, Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process. Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility. Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field
• MA/MS/MBA degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred
• PHR/SPHR certification preferred
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively increasing HR experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical environment. Advanced degree in HR may be substituted for years of experience when appropriate
• Proven track record of HRBP execution. Ideal candidate will possess diverse HR experience across multiple key business functions (i.e. research, development, production, marketing, sales, finance)
• Demonstrated success in creating strategic direction/plans and proven ability to translate business priorities to HR/P&O actions and, driving/sustaining business improvement and results; strong business acumen required
• Experience in coaching/consulting senior leaders within the organization
• Proven leadership and influence skills with the ability to develop and communicate a vision and engage people in that vision
• Requires 5 or more years supervisory experience within an HR capacity. Requires proven success setting direction, developing others and consulting with line managers in matters of significance
• Solid, working knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and federal legislation related to employment practices and general HR administration
• Strong generalist background, specifically including organization development, managing/leading change, performance development, coaching, organizational design, talent assessment, and strategic workforce planning
• Demonstrated business acumen, organization savvy, judgment and decision making
• Strong analytic and diagnostic skills
• Anticipates and addresses internal and external business challenges with innovative solutions
• Possesses strong decision-making skills with a focus on scalability and cross-functional impact
• Builds and maintains a robust international network to drive collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Acts as a thought leader, setting validated standards and driving novel approaches in human resource management
• Ensures alignment of human resource strategies with overall business objectives
• Drives continuous improvement in processes, products, and services to enhance functional impact
• You are structured, have proven industry knowledge, and strong track record of facilitating senior management discussions.

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The base compensation range for this position is $200,000 to $290,000. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance.   

Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.   

  
Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.  

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

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

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.