Irina McNamara
Allschwil,BL
Summary
Result-driven strategic insights and analytics leader with 15 years of international experience across strategy, finance, and compliance within the pharmaceutical and banking sectors. Proven track record of delivering measurable business outcomes by aligning global, regional, and country-level objectives.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Innovative technology professional with several years of diverse experience. Skilled in enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Proven success in leading projects from start to finish and contributing to organizational growth and success.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
International Integrated Insights CLS (temp. Assignment)
CLS International
Basel, Switzerland
09.2026 - Current
- Led implementation and governance of PMR across International, establishing a consistent, scalable, and compliant operating model spanning functions, regions, and top 10 country organizations.
- Drove PMR transformation and change management by building organizational buy in, resolving cross functional challenges, while embedding AI innovation into the future operating model.
- Drove PMR transformation and change management, building organizational buy-in and resolving cross-functional challenges while embedding AI innovation into future operating model.
- Served as single point of accountability for PMR ways of working, aligning SOPs and systems (POPsys, DDIT, DBE, Playbook) to drive adoption across International leadership teams, including legal and medical within MLR process.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline business processes and enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed process documentation to ensure compliance with organizational standards and best practices.
- Analyzed workflow inefficiencies, implementing solutions that improved productivity across departments.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on new systems, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project requirements and deliver effective solutions on time.
- Managed change initiatives, guiding teams through transitions while maintaining high service levels.
- Monitored key performance indicators to assess process effectiveness and drive data-informed decisions.
- Established best practices for process mapping and optimization, resulting in enhanced operational clarity.
Associate Director – Operations in ERC CLS, V&A and MA International
ERC International
01.2023 - 09.2026
- Aligned compliance, analytics, and insights strategies across cross-functional leadership (RLT, Cell & Gene, In-Market Brands) for top 11 countries as compliance officer.
- Translated complex risk and market signals into actionable recommendations in collaboration with business and main stakeholders, enhancing decision quality and commercial agility.
- Led digital innovation projects incorporating ethical and behavior insights into global decision systems, promoting a culture of transparent and insight-led decision-making.
- Novartis, Switzerland
- Led cross-functional teams to develop strategic initiatives aligning with organizational goals.
- Oversaw project management processes, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
Senior Manager Planning and Operations
ERC Corporate
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Lead TFG ERC function delivering USD 60M+ in efficiencies and enabling evidence-based leadership decisions across international functions...
- Partnered with executive leaders to synthesize complex data into strategic insights, influencing prioritization, transformation, and investment decisions.
- Developed integrated financial and performance dashboards, improving transparency, foresight, and the ability to pivot strategy based on data trends.
- Fostered collaboration across Finance, ERC, P&O, Legal, GMA and Operations, establishing data governance and insights capabilities that strengthened organizational learning and accountability.
- Novartis, Switzerland
- Led cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to streamline workflows and reduce costs.
Business Process Analyst (BPA) PHAD & ARD TRD GDD
TRD, GDD, Novartis
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Supported data-driven decision-making for a USD 200M+ global R&D portfolio by providing strategic forecasting and insights to align investments with pipeline priorities.
- Developed financial models and analytics tools to identify cost and productivity insights, enhancing decision-making for leadership.
- Collaborated with R&D and manufacturing teams to translate analytical findings into strategic actions, aligning initiatives with enterprise innovation goals.
- Switzerland
Project manager
I&C Pharma/Finance Academy Novartis
2018 - 01.2020
- Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, streamlining internal and external collaboration through technology-driven solutions.
- Implemented iRAM tool across business functions and country operations to enhance project management capabilities.
- Managed risk assessment projects for third-party vendors to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and governance protocols.
- Conducted business activities in Switzerland
- Led cross-functional teams to execute project timelines and deliverables efficiently.
- Developed project plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
Finance learning manager
Finance Academy, Novartis
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives across global Integrity & Compliance operations, streamlining collaboration for 2,000+ users and reducing process turnaround time by 15% through technology-enabled solutions.
- Led global implementation of iRAM tool across functions and countries, improving risk visibility and data integrity in compliance activities.
- Managed third-party risk assessment projects for USD 15M+ in vendor contracts, achieving regulatory compliance and governance alignment with global standards.
- Oversaw project operations in Switzerland
- Developed and implemented learning programs aligned with organizational goals.
- Facilitated training sessions to enhance employee skills and knowledge retention.
Financial Analyst/ Controller/ Operational specialist
Hewlett-Packard
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Conducted financial analysis, risk management, and operational support for multinational corporations, ensuring cost control and accuracy in portfolios exceeding USD 5M.
- Developed detailed financial reports and dashboards, improving reporting accuracy and visibility for management teams across Finance and Operations.
- Facilitated audit preparation and internal control processes, achieving a 10% reduction in reporting discrepancies through data validation and compliance checks.
- Contributed to strategic financial planning and budgeting cycles, improving forecasting reliability and fostering cross-functional coordination.
- Convergys
- Decathlon
- Deutsche Bank
- JSC Bank
Education
Executive MBA - Business Administration and Management
University of St. Gallen
St. GallenBSc & MSc - Risk Finance Management, Finance
University Under The Government of The Russian Federation
Russia01-2013
Skills
- Financial & business analysis
- Market & competitive intelligence
- Critical thinking
- Executive storytelling
- Cross-functional influence
- Flexible and adaptable
- Stakeholder engagement
Section name
- 2025-p.t.
- References Available upon Request
Hyrox fan, Professional swimmer and podcast lower
Hyrox fan, Professional swimmer and Podcast lower
Timeline
International Integrated Insights CLS (temp. Assignment)
CLS International
09.2026 - Current
Associate Director – Operations in ERC CLS, V&A and MA International
ERC International
01.2023 - 09.2026
Senior Manager Planning and Operations
ERC Corporate
01.2021 - 01.2023
Business Process Analyst (BPA) PHAD & ARD TRD GDD
TRD, GDD, Novartis
01.2020 - 01.2021
Finance learning manager
Finance Academy, Novartis
01.2018 - 01.2019
Financial Analyst/ Controller/ Operational specialist
Hewlett-Packard
01.2015 - 01.2016
Project manager
I&C Pharma/Finance Academy Novartis
2018 - 01.2020
Executive MBA - Business Administration and Management
University of St. Gallen
BSc & MSc - Risk Finance Management, Finance
University Under The Government of The Russian Federation