About the role
Job Description Summary
Define and execute the global IT Category strategy to enable AI demand across Services, Software, and Infrastructure. Drive AI sourcing & savings roadmap, supplier ecosystem engagement, and fit-for-purpose commercial models that accelerate AI adoption and measurable value. Partner with business and technology stakeholders to strengthen governance. Ensure AI capabilities are embedded in internal category ways of working to improve performance, innovation, and cost effectiveness.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the global IT Category strategy and roadmap for AI-related demand across services, software, and infrastructure.
- Translate business and technology AI needs into sourcing plans, pipeline prioritization, and category initiatives aligned to enterprise AI adoption.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities (market analysis, RFI RFP, evaluation, award recommendation, contracting, and supplier transition).
- Evaluate AI solutions and supplier capabilities in collaboration with IT architecture, security, data and analytics, and key business stakeholders.
- Establish and operationalize AI-related contracting and commercial models, including value-based and consumption-based approaches where applicable.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, influence supplier ecosystems, and drive innovation and continuous improvement.
- Lead commercial negotiations and ensure robust contract governance, performance management, and compliance with internal policies.
- Drive cost optimization, value realization tracking, and financial governance for AI-related spend within the IT category.
- Embed governance and risk controls for AI sourcing, partnering with Legal, Risk, Security, and Compliance to ensure responsible supplier engagement.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, Supply Chain, or related field (required).
- MBA or post-graduate qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Strategy (preferred).
Experience
- 10 to 14 years of experience in global IT procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management, with proven delivery in matrix and cross-cultural environments and senior stakeholder engagement.
- 3+ years leading sourcing or commercial initiatives across AI, GenAI, data and analytics, automation, or emerging technology categories, partnering effectively with technical teams to assess enterprise fit.
- Demonstrated depth across IT sub-categories including software, IT services, and infrastructure, with exposure to cloud and managed services preferred.
- Strong category management capability spanning strategy and roadmaps, demand management, supplier segmentation, sourcing governance, and end-to-end sourcing execution.
- Proven strength in commercial and supplier leadership, including AI contracting constructs, pricing and value levers (outcome and consumption models), negotiation, and supplier performance governance (KPIs, SLAs, QBRs).
Skills Desired
Effective Communication, Finance Management, Internal And External Customer Needs Analysis & Satisfaction Studies, Managing Resources, NegotiatingAplyr's read
Novartis is a Swiss-based global healthcare leader, known for its focus on innovative medicines and commitment to addressing patient needs through diverse roles.
What's promising
- •Novartis invests heavily in research and development, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals.
- •The company offers a wide range of global career opportunities across various fields.
- •Strong focus on cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and AI-driven solutions.
What to watch
- •Regulatory challenges can impact the speed of drug approval and market entry.
- •High competition in the pharmaceutical industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
- •Complex organizational structure may slow decision-making processes.
Why Novartis
- •Novartis has a robust pipeline of innovative medicines, setting it apart in the healthcare sector.
- •The company emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workplace culture across its global operations.
- •Novartis is a leader in digital transformation within pharmaceuticals, integrating AI and data science.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About Novartis
Novartis is a global healthcare company based in Switzerland that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide. It focuses on innovative medicines, generics, and eye care.
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