Executive Director, Functional AI and Process - General Management

Role Summary

The Executive Director of Functional AI and Process Excellence leads ai-enabled functional transformations within Novartis, guiding cross-functional teams to embed AI into workflows, drive process optimization, and unlock business value. The role collaborates with a group of EDs and reports to senior leaders to align AI initiatives with enterprise strategy and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts in function to embed AI into functional workflows, ensuring AI solutions enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and business impact.
• Foster a culture of innovation and data-driven decision making within each function to promote knowledge-sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and the scaling of successful AI initiatives.
• Provide oversight on AI deployment within functions, ensuring adherence to governance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and ethical AI principles.
• Establish performance objectives for AI efforts, develop metrics to measure AI‚Äôs impact on functional and business goals, and ensure AI value realization is tracked.
• Ensure functional area teams have knowledge of available AI applications.
• Identify, assess, and prioritize AI opportunities within functions, ensuring initiatives are aligned, scalable, and focused on high-value outcomes.
• Drive AI-led innovation across General Management, Marketing, Customer Engagement, Market Access, Patient Support, and Medical to improve performance.
• Coordinate with AI Strategy and Innovation leadership to align opportunities with US strategy and AI governance.
• Lead in identifying key processes, partner on process mapping, and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and technology adoption.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, data science, or product management, with focus on AI adoption in large organizations.
• Deep knowledge of AI and data technologies (e.g., machine learning, NLP, predictive analytics) and their application in commercial, medical, and operational functions.
• Strong understanding of the functional landscape with emphasis on strategic 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 with regulatory and industry standards.
• Track record of building and scaling functional AI excellence, fostering collaboration and capability-building.
• Excellent communication and executive presence to engage senior leadership and drive strategic decisions.
• Strong passion for innovation and continuous learning to stay ahead of AI advancements.

Skills

• AI strategy development and execution
• Process mapping and business process excellence
• Governance, risk, and compliance in AI deployments
• Cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management
• Data analytics, machine learning, NLP, predictive analytics

Education

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

Additional Requirements

• None specified beyond the qualifications and responsibilities above.