Head Clinical Development AI & Technology in London

Lead the design and execution of a scalable, enterprise-aligned technology, data, and artificial intelligence strategy for Clinical Development. You will architect and operationalize advanced digital platforms, analytics ecosystems, and artificial intelligence capabilities to optimize end-to-end clinical development execution from study design through submission. Working at the intersection of clinical science, data engineering, and platform technologies, you will drive integration of structured and unstructured data assets, industrialize artificial intelligence use cases tied to key scientific questions, and ensure compliant, high-performance systems that accelerate evidence generation, optimize delivery, and enable real-time, data-driven decision-making at global scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute end-to-end technology, data, and artificial intelligence strategy for Clinical Development.
• Act as strategic advisor to senior leadership on digital transformation, automation, and data modernization.
• Deep ecosystem engagement to proactively identify emerging trends and translate them into iterative, impact-driven plans that accelerate Clinical Development.
• Lead delivery of scalable platforms and artificial intelligence solutions across all clinical development capability areas.
• Oversee product roadmaps, lifecycle governance, vendor partnerships, and platform performance.
• Drive identification, prioritization, and industrialization of artificial intelligence use cases with measurable impact.
• Integrate analytics, automation, and diverse data assets to enable seamless end-to-end clinical workflows.
• Ensure compliance with good clinical practice, data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory standards globally.
• Establish robust governance frameworks, operating models, and cross-functional collaboration structures.
• Lead global, matrixed teams across technology, data science, engineering, and platform leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery quality, release management, and operational resilience.

Essential Requirements

• Advanced degree in Technology, Data Science, Engineering, or Life Sciences or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience within global, matrixed environments in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals or healthcare.
• Deep expertise in clinical development processes and supporting technology platforms across the full development lifecycle.
• Proven experience designing and scaling artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions in regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of data architecture, cloud technologies, and enterprise-scale digital platform implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across technology, data science, and engineering functions.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements including good clinical practice, data privacy, and data integrity standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly.

Desirable Requirements

• Master of Business Administration or equivalent leadership qualification.
• Experience leading large-scale organisational transformation and artificial intelligence-driven change management initiatives.

At Novartis, we’re 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 also 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.

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