SUMMARY

The Head of Data BR is responsible for developing and executing the Data and Digital (D&D) organization’s data strategy to support research and early development. This role includes setting the vision for data utilization, managing data governance, and fostering a data-driven culture across the organization. The Head of Data will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure data quality, accessibility, and compliance across functions. As a member of the Research Informatics Leadership Team, this leader will report directly to the Global Head of Digital, Informatics, and AI.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Develop and implement comprehensive data strategies that align with business objectives and research priorities.
• Advise management on strategic direction, scope and approach.
• Promote and foster a data-driven culture, enhancing data literacy across the organization.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of data strategies, adjusting as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in data management and apply innovative solutions to enhance data utilization.
• Establish and oversee data governance frameworks, ensuring high standards of data quality, accessibility, and compliance.
• Align on and contribute to Novartis Enterprise Data Management framework.
• Define and implement data standards, policies, and procedures, driving inoperability across systems and processes.
• Lead efforts to validate, review, and reconcile data, maintaining high-quality standards across all datasets.
• Integrate and harmonize data across multiple systems and functions, facilitating seamless data flow.
• Develop tools, workflows, and integration solutions to eliminate data silos and enhance collaboration across teams.
• Enable access to high-quality, reliable data for research and development teams to drive decision-making.
• Facilitate effective collaboration between data teams and business stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including external partners, to drive innovation and data-sharing opportunities.
• Communicate data strategies, insights, and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Lead a growing organization expected to reach 35+ people.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD or master’s degree in computer science, data science, AI, machine learning, or a related discipline (preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in data strategy, management, and governance, with a demonstrated understanding of advanced data methodologies applied to drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary, global teams and operating successfully in matrixed, fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability to manage complex portfolios and work with diverse stakeholders to prioritize resources and meet business needs.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational change.
• Strategic thinker with a vision for data-driven decision-making and a strong understanding of data management, governance, and analytics.
• In addition to traditional data management skills, the ideal candidate would possess competency in the following advanced data technologies: deploying scalable data solutions on cloud-native data platforms, experience with vector databases, implementing a decentralized, domain-driven data architecture, a solid grasp of ML Ops principles including the data centric aspects of model training, deployment and monitoring, experience implementing data observability tools, and familiarity with graph databases.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $204,400 and $379,600 per year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/25 through 12/31/25, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
You’ll Receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards
Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture
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