Executive Director, Functional AI and Process - General Management

Role Summary

The Executive Director of Functional AI and Process Excellence leads a team of EDs across Novartis as part of a Functional Working Group to elevate capabilities, catalyze adoption, accelerate culture change, and pull-through process changes in partnership with TALT and CSOL LT. This role reports to the Head CSOL and also has a dotted line to the CFO for the US business. It drives AI adoption, process mapping and optimization, and ensures alignment with enterprise AI strategy and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to embed AI into functional workflows, improving decision-making, operational efficiency, and business impact.
• Foster innovation and data-driven decision making within functions to promote knowledge-sharing and cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee AI deployment within functions, ensuring governance, regulatory, and ethical AI compliance.
• Establish performance objectives and metrics to measure AI impact on functional and business goals.
• Ensure functional area teams understand available AI applications.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize AI opportunities within functions, ensuring strategic alignment and scalability.
• Participate in the AI Functional Working Group to keep Novartis at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare transformation.
• Collaborate across General Management, Marketing, Customer Engagement, Market Access, Novartis Patient Support, and Medical to drive AI-led innovation.
• Ensure AI opportunities are aligned with the US strategy and coordinated with AI governance as a core FWG member.
• Lead efforts to identify key processes, partner on process mapping, and identify opportunities to drive future efficiency and technology opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, data science, or product management, with AI adoption in large organizations.
• Deep knowledge of AI and data technologies (e.g., ML, NLP, predictive analytics) and their application in commercial, medical, and operational functions.
• Strong understanding of the functional landscape with focus on insights, decision science, and analytics.
• Proven leadership in driving AI adoption, managing cross-functional teams, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience in AI governance, ethics, and compliance.
• Track record of building and scaling functional AI excellence and fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Exceptional communication and executive presence to engage senior leadership and drive strategic decisions.
• Commitment to innovation and continuous learning in AI advancements.

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field.