Executive Director, Strategy & Innovation - AI

About the role

The Executive Director, Strategy & Innovation leads the long-term strategy, innovation roadmap and ecosystem partnerships that shape the future of NovaOS, Novartis' enterprise AI platform. The role identifies emerging AI technologies and market trends, incubates new AI-enabled capabilities and drives strategic investments that accelerate business value and enterprise transformation. It works across Product, Applied AI, Engineering and Commercial teams. The ideal location is East Hanover, NJ, with a distant working arrangement possible in some states; distant workers cover their own home-office costs and occasional travel, and on-site associates may get relocation assistance within 50 miles. About 10% travel is required.

Key responsibilities

• Define and drive the strategic roadmap and innovation agenda for the enterprise AI platform with Product and Business leadership.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs and competitive opportunities shaping 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 turn validated concepts into product roadmaps.
• Set up innovation governance, portfolio prioritization and investment frameworks balancing short-term delivery with long-term growth.
• Build and lead a strategy and innovation organization with a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science or a related discipline.
• 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, with experience influencing senior leadership.
• Solid understanding of AI, enterprise software, digital platforms and product management.
• Preferred: experience with AI platform strategies, strategic partnerships or innovation portfolios, and experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare or other highly regulated industries.

What we offer

• Expected salary of $236,600 to $439,400 annually, with a performance-based cash incentive and possible annual equity awards.
• US-based eligible employees receive health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a time-off package including vacation, personal days and holidays.