Head of AI Products and Innovation

Job Description Summary

The Head of AI Products & Innovation will lead overall vision and strategy for the Innovation & Product Management team in Development to address unmet medical and process needs with innovative AI partnerships and solutions, driving them end-to-end from strategic intent to steady run mode including transfer to operations.
This role will drive a culture of data-driven decision-making, external innovation & user-centered product design across Novartis teams and interfacing supporting functions in Development and ensure alignment overall R&D and business objectives.
The individual will elevate AI Innovation and Product Management teams, positioning Novartis as a leader in strategic partnering, AI adoption and innovation. This thought leader will possess a wide range of data and digital skills, mentor at the highest level, and serve as an enterprise leader.
The Head of AI Products & Innovation is both an organizational thought leader in tech-enabled innovation and an exemplary trusted people leader, empowering the team, providing guidance and coaching, and focusing on developing team members to their full potential.
A major critical success factor in this role is ability to closely follow, strategically assess, and promptly acquire new technology applications to convert them into high-impact AI solutions resulting in value realization in the business functions.

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Design and implement AI technology innovation & solution delivery strategy for business systems & processes serving strategic objectives the Novartis Development Organization
• Ensure strategically relevant and high impact idea pipeline and high-quality delivery of AI solutions portfolio converting into value realization in the business functions
• Establish relationship with business stakeholders, DDIT, change management and enabling functions to ensure robust operating model for Dev AI portfolio
• Drive a systematic approach to scouting AI and technology trends, engage with communities of practice, and understand and evaluate opportunities for technology  innovation and AI partnerships in close collaboration with business functions and DDIT
• Promote collaborative and entrepreneurial culture and mindset. Be an agent for change and engage support for innovative ideas, methods, technologies, partnerships, and solutions to maximize value for Novartis
• Demonstrate internal and external presence that brings recognition of Novartis as a leader and innovator in Data Science and AI
• Build and mentor a high-performing AI team, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, driving talent development with exposure and connectivity across the Development organization and beyond
• Serve as a member of the Process Innovation and AI Leadership Team
• Identify and manage external workforce

Minimum Requirements:
 

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences or related field
• Minimum 10 years of working experience in Technology & Business Solution, Digital Transformation, or related fields (ideally in healthcare, drug development or life sciences)
• Minimum of 5 years successfully managing teams that are leading and delivering technology solutions at scale, with a strong preference for doing this through external strategic partnerships.
• Strong knowledge and experience in multiple areas of Technology, including AI and software development
• Proven track record in managing the software development cycle in an Agile/SCRUM environment
• Experience in strategy development, project management, and people leadership
• Track record of attracting, developing, and retaining talent and building high-performance team.

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve

Skills Desired

Accountability, Agility, Cross-Functional Teams, Decision Making Skills, Drug Development, Entrepreneurship, Health Authorities Interactions, Leadership, Program Management, Project Delivery, R&D, Risk Management, Strategy