Associate Director, AI Engineering Manager

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG seeks an Associate Director, AI Engineering Manager in Basel to lead AI engineering teams, deliver production-grade AI solutions, and ensure scalable, secure outcomes aligned with enterprise standards.

The company is looking for a leader to guide internal and external AI engineers in building and deploying reliable, high-quality AI agents and models. This role focuses on translating business needs into technical designs, managing end-to-end delivery, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture that drives measurable value.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor a mixed team of internal and external AI engineers, establishing clear goals and nurturing professional growth to maintain high standards in solution development, scaling, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with BR Data & Digital and other corporate departments to align engineering efforts with broader organizational goals and project schedules.
• Convert software, use-case, and initiative requirements into solid technical architectures and implementation roadmaps, ensuring seamless integration of AI tools into current applications and processes.
• Oversee the engineering delivery of AI components across time-sensitive projects, guaranteeing compliance with enterprise platforms, architectural guidelines, and governance standards.
• Direct the deployment, ongoing monitoring, and lifecycle management of AI systems, focusing on performance tuning, cost efficiency, and operational preparedness.
• Cultivate a team-oriented environment built on urgency, transparency, trust, and collective accountability.

Requirements

• Strong background in people management, including setting strategic direction, aligning team efforts, developing talent, and enhancing productivity.
• Ability to clearly explain complex AI technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Track record of building effective relationships across different organizational units and divisions.
• Deep knowledge of designing and implementing AI agents and models using modern engineering methods, plus integrating AI elements into live applications and workflows.
• Experience in deploying, monitoring, automating, and managing the lifecycle of AI solutions, including performance optimization, cost control, operational readiness, and adherence to governance and compliance standards.

Nice to have

• Skill in fostering environments that encourage empowerment, continuous learning, and mutual support.
• Creativity and willingness to question established practices, promote innovation, and take calculated risks.

What the company offers

• Chance to contribute to improving lives of patients and their families through innovative science and a community of dedicated professionals.
• Access to a comprehensive handbook outlining strategies for personal and professional employee development.

About the company

Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG values a community of intelligent, passionate individuals who work together to support and inspire one another. This collaborative environment aims to achieve breakthroughs that positively impact patients' lives.

• Fosters a community of smart, passionate people who collaborate, support, and inspire each other.
• Aims to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives through innovative science.