Head, AI Product Management and Program Delivery

Novartis seeks a Director to lead AI product management and program delivery in Basel. The role oversees the end-to-end execution of the AI portfolio, builds high-performing teams, and ensures scalable delivery across cross-functional stakeholders.

This director-level position is responsible for the full lifecycle of the AI product portfolio, guiding initiatives from minimum viable product through to scale and steady-state operations. The role establishes a robust product management and program delivery framework, enabling scalable execution while building a high-performing organization to support enterprise-level leadership goals.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine the operating model, governance structures, methodologies, and delivery standards for AI product management and program delivery.
• Ensure high-quality execution of the AI product portfolio against agreed priorities and roadmaps.
• Establish and maintain strong delivery alignment with Line Functions, DDIT, and key stakeholders.
• Drive portfolio-level delivery oversight, including progress tracking, risk management, and escalation of critical issues.
• Lead mobilization and oversight of cross-functional program structures for priority AI initiatives.
• Oversee resource planning and allocation across the AI portfolio.
• Monitor execution performance across AI products and programs to ensure consistency and predictability.
• Ensure AI products are delivered to enable and embed business transformation and workflow integration.
• Drive cross-product integration and coherence across the portfolio.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of product managers and program delivery leads.
• Serve as a member of the Process Innovation and AI Leadership Team.
• Oversee external delivery capacity and partners within program execution.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Technology, Digital Transformation, Product Management, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale product portfolios and complex program delivery.
• Strong experience in AI-enabled product management and end-to-end product lifecycle delivery.
• Proven ability to establish and govern delivery operating models.
• Experience operating in complex, cross-functional environments with strong dependency on DDIT / IT delivery organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure consistent execution across distributed teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with Agile/SCRUM methodologies and modern product delivery frameworks.
• Track record of building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of how AI-enabled products drive value through adoption, workflow integration, and business process enablement.
• Excellent English required (oral & written).

Nice to have

• Preferably in healthcare / life sciences.

What the company offers

• Competitive benefits in kind including insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working options, where possible.
• Minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

About the company

Novartis is committed to reimagining medicine together and building an outstanding, inclusive work environment. The company values diverse teams that are representative of patients and communities, and treats all employees with dignity and respect. Pay equity is a fundamental principle of Novartis' employment policy.

• Committed to reimagining medicine together.
• Committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of patients and communities.
• Pay equity is a fundamental principle of employment policy.
• Committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect.