ED, NovaOS Strategy and Innovation - AI

Job Description Summary The ideal location for this role is East Hanover, NJ but a distant working arrangement may be possible in certain states. Distant workers are responsible for the cost of home office expenses and periodic travel/lodging will be determined necessary by hiring manager. For associates working on-site, relocation assistance to be within 50 miles of the site may be available. This position will require 10% travel as defined by the business (domestic and or international). Job Description The Executive Director, Strategy & Innovation will lead the long-term strategy, innovation roadmap, and ecosystem partnerships that shape the future of NovaOS, Novartis' enterprise AI platform. This leader will identify emerging AI technologies, evaluate market trends, incubate new AI-enabled capabilities, and drive strategic investments that accelerate business value, competitive advantage, and enterprise transformation. Working across Product, Applied AI, Engineering, and Commercial teams, the role will help define the next generation of AI products and platform capabilities. Responsibilities: • Define and drive the strategic roadmap and innovation agenda for the enterprise AI platform in partnership with Product and Business leadership. • Identify emerging technologies, market trends, customer needs, and competitive opportunities that shape 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 transition validated concepts into product roadmaps. • Establish innovation governance, portfolio prioritization, and investment frameworks that balance short-term delivery with long-term strategic growth. • Build and lead a high-performing strategy and innovation organization while fostering a culture of experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement. Education: Bachelor's or advanced degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline. Required: • 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 skills with experience influencing senior leadership. • Solid understanding of AI, enterprise software, digital platforms, and product management principles. Preferred: • Experience developing AI platform strategies, strategic partnerships, or innovation portfolios. • Experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other highly regulated industries. The salary for this position is expected to range between $236,600.00 and $439,400.00 annual 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. 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 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 $236,600.00 - $439,400.00 Skills Desired Brand Awareness, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Engagement, Customer Insights, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Franchise Development, Influencing Skills, Inspirational Leadership, People Management, Product Positioning, Product Roadmap, Sales, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management