About the Role
The Executive Director, Strategy & Innovation will lead the long-term strategy, innovation roadmap, and ecosystem partnerships that shape the future of NovaOS, Novartis' enterprise AI platform. This leader will identify emerging AI technologies, evaluate market trends, incubate new AI-enabled capabilities, and drive strategic investments that accelerate business value, competitive advantage, and enterprise transformation. Working across Product, Applied AI, Engineering, and Commercial teams, the role will help define the next generation of AI products and platform capabilities.
Responsibilities:
• Define and drive the strategic roadmap and innovation agenda for the enterprise AI platform in partnership with Product and Business leadership.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities that shape future product investments.
• Lead strategic discovery, concept development, business case creation, and incubation of new AI-enabled capabilities.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with technology providers, startups, academia, and innovation ecosystems.
• Partner with Product Management, Applied AI, Engineering, UX, and Commercial teams to transition validated concepts into product roadmaps.
• Establish innovation governance, portfolio prioritization, and investment frameworks that balance short-term delivery with long-term strategic growth.
• Build and lead a high-performing strategy and innovation organization while fostering a culture of experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.
Education:
Bachelor's or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline.
Required:
• 10+ years of experience in corporate strategy, product strategy, innovation, management consulting, or digital transformation leadership.
• Demonstrated success developing enterprise technology strategies and leading cross-functional innovation initiatives.
• Strong executive communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior leadership.
• Solid understanding of AI, enterprise software, digital platforms, and product management principles.
Preferred:
• Experience developing AI platform strategies, strategic partnerships, or innovation portfolios.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries.
The salary for this position is expected to range between $236,600.00 and $439,400.00 annual per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.
Role Requirements
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
Benefits and Rewards: Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.
Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)
