Associate Director, Delivery Lead

Responsibilities:                                                                                                                

• You are accountable and own the outcomes of the High-Performance Compute, Machine Learning Operations and AI capabilities, including establishing an AI Agent ecosystem, together with your delivery segment, by translating domain needs into initiative proposals and the delivery of such. 
• Enable and expand Agent Mesh and Compute capabilities for Biomedical Research, including establishing the vision, value proposition, and strategic roadmap in alignment with business priorities and organisational objectives. 
• Own the creation, delivery, and lifecycle transition of domain-specific software and assigned initiatives, including prioritisation, planning, supplier selection, execution, rollout/scaling, and transition to operations. 
• Drive predictable planning and execution across initiatives within scope, time, and budget, and in alignment with business stakeholders, adjacent initiatives, and Data & Digital functions. 
• Provide delivery-segment prioritisation and investment input to support strategic decisions and focus on high-value initiatives 
• Lead cross-functional matrix teams (internal/external), coordinate resources, define responsibilities, and ensure aligned execution across all delivery functions and vendor interfaces 
• Proactively manage expectations and escalate issues, risks, or dependencies appropriately, and act as the primary delivery interface, to ensure orchestration and manage trade-offs across initiatives 
• Communicate progress, challenges, successes, and outcomes clearly to stakeholders and the wider organisation. 
• Ensure all initiatives deliverables align with architectural standards, security guidelines, and our initiative governance model 
• Establish and maintain close relationships with other functions in Data & Digital as well as in corporate IT to collaborate on the delivery and improvement of corporate-owned platforms that serve Biomedical Research needs. 

Essential for the role:

• Proven track record of delivering complex initiatives in the Agentic AI, Machine Learning Operations and/or High-Performance Compute domain, with 5+ years of experience delivering artificial intelligence and high-performance compute platforms.
• Strong project management capabilities, especially prioritisation, planning, execution, communication, and risk management. 
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups, with strong communication skills and the ability to serve as a trusted delivery partner.
• Strong background with AI Agents, Agentic platforms, Machine Learning Operations and High-Performance Compute platforms.
• Broad and deep expertise in scientific software, data management, and AI-enabled digital capabilities. 
• Skilled in structured problem-solving, experimentation, and modern delivery practices. 

• Ability to drive urgency, accountability, and high-performance delivery behaviors. 

Desirable for the role:

• Formal training in project management methodologies such as Project Management Professional or Certified Scrum Master
• Experience working within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or scientific research environments

Benefits & Rewards

At Novartis, we’re committed to reimagining medicine together - and rewarding the people who make it happen.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role: 122,500 CHF to 227,500 CHF

The base salary offered is determined based on gender-neutral objectives, such as relevant skills, competencies and experience in accordance with the Novartis pay setting policy and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters.

The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We also offer a variety of competitive benefits in kind to help you thrive personally and professionally, such as insurance plans, retirement plans, wellbeing resources and global recognition programs. In addition, we provide flexible and hybrid working options, where possible, and minimum 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy and reflects our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment that treats all employees with dignity and respect, as outlined in our Code of Ethics.

Read our brochure to learn more about our global total rewards offering: https://www.novartis.com/sites/novartis_com/files/novartis-life-handbook.pdf

Note: Benefits and compensation may vary by country and are subject to local legal requirements, including provisions of collective bargaining agreements where applicable. A full overview of your compensation package, including any relevant collective bargaining agreement details applicable to your role based on your employment location and Novartis employer entity, will be communicated separately to you during the application process.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Accessibility and accommodation: 

Novartis is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process, or in order to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.