Director, Head of Global R&D, Regulatory Policy & Advocacy

Are you passionate about shaping global regulatory policies and transform policy complexity to business advantage to bring more innovation to people faster? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to lead our Global R&D, Regulatory Policy & Advocacy department at Novo Nordisk based in HQ Denmark.

You will report to the Vice President of Science, Policy & Intelligence (SPI) and be part of the SPI Leadership team. Apply today for a life-changing career.

The Position

As Director of global R&D, Regulatory Policy & Advocacy, you will lead a highly experienced global team and set the direction for Novo Nordisk’s engagement in shaping regulatory policies and external advocacy strategies. Reporting to the Vice President of Science, Policy & Intelligence (SPI), you will play a central role in translating complex regulatory developments into strategic business impact and actionable insights.

In this role, you will operate at both strategic and operational levels, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while ensuring strong internal alignment across the organisation. At the same time, you will represent Novo Nordisk externally and build influential relationships across the global R&D and regulatory and policy landscape.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a high-performing global R&D and regulatory policy and advocacy team, ensuring clarity of direction, engagement and strong delivery
• Translating emerging regulatory trends into clear insights and ensuring effective communication to internal stakeholders across functions and geographies
• Assessing the impact of evolving policy frameworks on Novo Nordisk’s business, R&D portfolio and regulatory strategies
• Driving the development of global R&D, regulatory policy positions and advocacy strategies to strengthen Novo Nordisk’s external influence
• Representing Novo Nordisk in external forums, including industry associations, regulatory bodies and global policy platforms

You will also be instrumental in strengthening global R&D and regulatory advocacy capabilities across affiliates and creating global alignment through knowledge sharing and best practices.

Your new department

You will join the Global R&D, Regulatory Policy & Advocacy team, part of Science, Policy & Intelligence (SPI), based at Novo Nordisk Headquarters in Denmark. The department plays a critical role in ensuring that Novo Nordisk stays ahead of the evolving regulatory landscape and actively contributes to shaping it and creating new opportunities to develop new regulatory frameworks.

The team is composed of highly skilled professionals working across markets and disciplines, collaborating closely with R&D, regulatory affairs, public affairs and senior leadership teams globally. Together, we focus on enabling innovation through effective policy engagement and building strong external partnerships with regulators, industry bodies, academia and patient organisations.

Your skills and qualifications

To thrive in this role, you bring a strong track record of leadership, deep industry expertise and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. You combine strategic thinking with the ability to translate insights into impactful actions.

We expect you to have:

• Extensive leadership experience, including at least 10 years as a people manager, leading global or highly specialised teams
• Significant experience (approximately 15 years) within the pharmaceutical industry, preferably within regulatory policy, R&D policy or related areas
• Strong experience working with regulatory authorities, industry associations, think tanks, patient groups, etc.
• A proven ability to shape regulatory policy positions and influence external stakeholders through advocacy and thought leadership
• A relevant advanced degree (MSc or PhD) within science, public health, policy, law or a related discipline

In addition, you are recognised for your communication skills, strategic mindset, and ability to operate effectively in a dynamic global environment. You bring high business acumen and a collaborative leadership style that empowers teams and builds strong networks internally and externally.

Working at Novo Nordisk

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you're not just starting a job – you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.

What we offer

Salary: For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 940,800 to 1,448,700 DKK (DK), corresponding to the level of the position.

The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate’s skills, competencies, knowledge, and relevant experience.

Incentives and Benefits: The salary package may include short-term and/or long-term incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Learn more about our Reward Philosophy  here

There is, of course, more on offer here than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

Contact

For further information about the position, please contact Elizabeth Lange, Vice President, Head of Science, Policy & Intelligence (SPI) at   Se e-mailadresse på careers.novonordisk.com .

Deadline
July 31st 2026

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 preventing 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.