Head of AI Product Management and Program Delivery (Male) / Head of AI Product Management and Program Delivery (Female)

Job ID

REQ-10081148

Date Posted: Jun 22, 2026

Location: Multiple Location Opening, please apply to the location preferred. #LI-Hybrid

Summary

The Head of AI Product Management & Program Delivery is responsible for leading the comprehensive execution of the Development AI product portfolio. This role ensures successful delivery from MVP through scaling and steady-state operations, emphasizing adoption readiness and measurable business value.

Accountable for establishing and managing a high-performing product management and program delivery framework, this position includes the creation of operating models, governance, and delivery standards essential for consistent and predictable execution across a complex AI portfolio. In alignment with strategic objectives and portfolio priorities set by the Head of Development AI, the role will translate these priorities into integrated product roadmaps and actively manage dependencies and cross-product alignments.

The Head of AI Product Management & Program Delivery will drive coherence and contribute to shaping the product and business capability platform layer across AI solutions, focusing on user experience consistency while aligning with strategic direction. The delivery approach will foster the integration of AI products into business processes, in close collaboration with Line Functions that are responsible for value realization.

This enterprise-level leadership role aims to build a high-performing organization and enable scalable delivery capabilities across Development.

About the Role

Responsibilities:

• Define and continuously enhance the AI Product Management and Program Delivery operating model, including governance, methodologies (e.g., product lifecycle), and delivery standards across Development.
• Ensure high-quality execution of the AI product portfolio against agreed priorities and roadmaps, translating strategic direction into actionable delivery plans.
• Establish and maintain strong delivery alignment with Line Functions, DDIT, and key stakeholders, ensuring clarity on execution ownership, dependencies, and interfaces.
• Drive portfolio-level delivery oversight, including progress tracking, risk management, dependency management, and escalation of critical issues.
• Lead the mobilization and oversight of cross-functional program structures (e.g., Tiger Teams) for priority AI initiatives, ensuring delivery at pace and scale.
• Oversee resource planning and allocation across the AI portfolio, ensuring optimal deployment of product managers, program leads, and delivery capacity.
• Monitor execution performance across AI products and programs, ensuring consistency, predictability, and adherence to defined delivery standards.
• Ensure AI products are delivered in a manner that enables and embeds business transformation, including integration into workflows, process changes, and new ways of working, in close collaboration with Line Functions.
• Drive cross-product integration and coherence across the portfolio, actively managing dependencies, sequencing, and opportunities for reuse and rationalization at the product and business capability level.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of product managers and program delivery leads, fostering strong delivery capability, accountability, and talent development.
• Serve as a member of the Process Innovation and AI Leadership Team, contributing to cross-pillar alignment and continuous improvement of the AI operating model.
• Oversee external delivery capacity and partners within program execution, ensuring alignment with delivery standards and internal objectives.

Requirements:

Education (minimum/desirable):

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.

Languages:

• Excellent English required (oral & written).

Experience/Professional requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in Technology, Digital Transformation, Product Management, or related fields (preferably in healthcare/life sciences).
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale product portfolios and complex program delivery across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong experience in AI-enabled product management and end-to-end product lifecycle delivery (MVP to scale).
• Proven ability to establish and govern delivery operating models, including priority translation, resource management, and performance tracking.
• Experience operating in complex, cross-functional environments with a strong dependency on DDIT/IT delivery organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure consistent execution across distributed teams, delivering predictable outcomes at scale.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leaders across Development and enabling functions.
• Experience with Agile/SCRUM methodologies and modern product delivery frameworks.
• Track record of building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of how AI-enabled products drive value through adoption, workflow integration, and business process enablement.

Rewards

At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine together and rewarding the people who make it happen. The rewards of being part of our team go far beyond base pay and incentives. We 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 a minimum of 14 weeks paid parental leave.

Expected Annual Base Salary Range for role:

• Basel: 164,500.00 - 305,500.00 CHF Annual

The 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 will be reviewed periodically upon joining Novartis.

In addition to your base salary, you may be eligible for a performance-based bonus depending on certain performance parameters. Further details will be provided during the application process.

Pay equity is a fundamental principle of our employment policy, reflecting 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: Global Total Rewards Brochure

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

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

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—to achieve breakthroughs that change patients' lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? Learn More

Benefits and Rewards

Learn about all the ways we'll help you thrive personally and professionally: Benefits and Rewards Handbook

Access and Accommodations

Novartis is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to all individuals. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process or to receive more detailed information about the essential functions of a position, please send us an email at diversity.inclusion_ch@novartis.com, including the job requisition number in your message.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.