Global Head - Global Clinical Operations (GCO) - Technology & AI

Job Description Summary Location:

DWA. The ideal location for this role is East Hanover, NJ, but remote work may be possible (there may be some restrictions based on legal entity). Please note that this role would not provide relocation as a result. If associate is remote, all home office expenses and any travel/lodging to specific East Hanover site for periodic live meetings will be at the employee's expense. The expectation of working hours and travel (domestic and/or international) will be defined by the hiring manager. This position will require up to 25% travel. Full time Novartis will not sponsor Visas for this position and location. At Novartis, we are re imagining how clinical trials are designed, delivered, and scaled—placing digital, operational data and AI at the heart of execution. As Head of GCO Technology & AI, you will define and lead the end to end technology, operational data and AI strategy for Global Clinical Operations (GCO), shaping how innovation translates into faster, higher quality outcomes for patients worldwide. Job Description This is a high visibility, enterprise‑shaping leadership role, accountable for leveraging technology and AI-driven solutions in transforming clinical operations. You will lead large‑scale transformation in a GxP‑regulated environment, balancing ambition with pragmatism—delivering solutions that work at scale and drive measurable business impact. Your purpose You will ensure that GCO is equipped with modern, secure, compliant and scalable digital capabilities, enabling world‑class clinical delivery, operational efficiency and data‑driven decision‑making. Partnering closely with GCO Leadership, enterprise Technology and AI teams, and key external partners, you will industrialize AI, clinical technology and analytics solutions that enhance execution, strengthen quality and accelerate cycle times across the clinical portfolio. Key responsibilities Strategic leadership & transformation Define and execute the multi‑year GCO digital, operational data and AI strategy, aligned with Novartis enterprise priorities. Serve as a trusted advisor to the GCO Leadership Team on digital transformation, AI enablement, automation and technology investment decisions. Lead a major transformation agenda, shifting manual, fragmented processes into AI‑enabled, orchestrated workflows at scale. Technology, data & AI delivery Own delivery across six core capability pillars, including AI delivery, data analytics and visualization, technology platforms supporting study, site and clinical data operations, and metadata standards and integration. Identify, prioritize and industrialize high‑value AI and GenAI use cases in a regulated environment, ensuring measurable outcomes. Oversee platform roadmaps, vendor partnerships, cybersecurity, data privacy, and quality standards across the GCO technology landscape. People & change leadership Lead and inspire a global organization of ~80 professionals across AI, operational data, analytics and technology platforms. Build future‑ready capability in AI, data science, analytics and platform leadership. Drive change management with a strong people focus—leading through influence in a complex, matrixed environment where adoption is as critical as technology. Operational excellence & compliance Ensure reliable, on‑time and within‑budget delivery of GCO technology and AI initiatives. Maintain full compliance with GxP, data integrity, cybersecurity and regulatory requirements. Establish scalable governance models, operating frameworks and cross‑functional ways of working to support global execution. What you will bring Experience & expertise 10+ years of senior leadership experience in digital, data or technology roles within pharma, CRO, biotech or other highly regulated industries. Experience working within a GXP-regulated environment is essential. Deep understanding of clinical operations systems (e.g. CTMS, eTMF, RTSM, clinical data platforms). Proven track record of scaling AI / ML solutions in regulated environments, with strong delivery and change outcomes. Excellent track-record of delivering large-scale digital transformations Strong knowledge of drug development and GxP standards. Demonstrated success leading large, global, multidisciplinary teams and enterprise‑level transformation programs. Leadership capabilities Change‑first mindset—able to inspire, influence and bring people through transformation. Strategic yet pragmatic, with a strong execution bias and focus on outcomes. Exceptional communication skills with the credibility to partner with senior leaders in a high support, high challenge environment. High emotional intelligence and the ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity in a matrix environment. Education Advanced degree in Technology, Data Science, Engineering, Life Sciences or equivalent. MBA or equivalent leadership qualification is advantageous. The salary for this position is expected to range between $248,500 and $461,500 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. To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Accessibility and reasonable accommodations The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. Salary Range $248,500.00 - $461,500.00 Skills Desired AI Adoption, AI Agents, AI Integration, AI Systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Change Management, Change Process Management, IT Change Management Improving the lives of people living with disease takes more than innovative science. It takes a focus on the needs of people and a community committed to meeting them. It takes a team of people like you. Working together. Learning together. Thriving together. Discover how you can join us in changing people's lives. Novartis is aware of employment scams which make false use of our company name or leader's names or recruiter's names to defraud job seekers. Novartis does not make job offers without interview and never asks candidates for money. If you have encountered a job posting or been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond, send money or personal information. In the context of China Cross-Border Data Transfer (CBDT) policy, if you need to apply for a position in China, please go to the local Recruiting System TaleNov .