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