Director, Key Account Management Cell & Gene Therapy

Director of Key Account Management

The Director of Key Account Management leads management and growth of key client relationships mainly within the Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) business segment. The role ensures seamless, value-driven client experience and positions the Novartis CDMO as a trusted partner across development, manufacturing, and commercialization stages.

Location : Morris Plains, NJ

The ideal candidate will live within commuting distance to Morris Plains and be open to future travel.

Direct Reports : Key Account Managers

Major Accountabilities :

• Strategic Account Leadership : Develop and implement KAM strategy for CGT portfolio, serve as primary senior contact for stakeholders.
• Client Partnership & Relationship Management : Build and maintain client relationships, anticipate client needs, support joint governance forums.
• Technical & Scientific Alignment : Collaborate with technical teams, translate complex discussions into business context, ensure delivery excellence.
• Business Growth & Value Creation : Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities, support pricing and contract strategies, contribute to revenue growth.
• Performance Management & Reporting : Monitor key account performance, lead internal reviews, report to leadership team.

Qualifications :

Minimum 7 years of commercial experience in biopharma / CDMO

At least 3 years of experience in cell & gene therapy or advanced biologics

Core Competencies :

Leadership and ownership

Deep understanding of CGT technologies, biologics and other technologies in pharma environment and market dynamics.

Strong strategic thinking and influencing skills.

Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

High emotional intelligence, problem-solving mindset, resilience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) :

Revenue growth and margin expansion from CGT accounts.

Client satisfaction scores and feedback.

Account retention and contract extensions.

Successful delivery of critical milestones.

Team engagement and capability development.

Education :

Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biotechnology, or related field.

Languages :

English

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary :

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $194,600 and $361,400 / year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1 / 1 / 25 through 12 / 31 / 25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department / team performance, and market factors.

EEO Statement :

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations :

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range : $194,600.00 - $361,400.00

Skills Desired : Accountability, Account Management, Commercial Excellence, Competitive Intelligence, Complexity Management, Compliance, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Customer Engagement, Enterprise Sales, Ethics, Healthcare Sector, Integrated Marketing, Matrixed Collaboration, Problem Solving Skills, Revenue Growth, Sales Strategy, Selling Skills, Strategic Leadership, Value Propositions