Director, AI‑Enabled Software & Workflows

Novartis; Basel; On-site; CHF 142,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Basel, CH seeks a Director, Technology & Engineering to lead a broad software portfolio, combining strategic direction with delivery accountability. You will shape a high-performing organization, advance AI-enabled engineering practices, and ensure solutions meet quality, security, and regulatory standards.

You will drive modernization across engineering teams, partnering with scientists and data experts to turn innovation into reliable software that accelerates drug discovery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading technology functions, engineering managers, and multidisciplinary software teams in a global, matrixed environment.
• Strong learning mindset and curiosity, with ability to explore emerging technologies and turn insights into action.
• Strategic agility—connecting long-term direction with near-term priorities, simplifying complexity.
• Track record leading large-scale SaaS, commercial, custom-built, on-premises, and cloud-based software with measurable impact.
• Deep understanding of modern AI-enabled software engineering practices, including DevOps, CI/CD, test automation, Agile/Lean delivery.
• Experience integrating AI models, agents, or other AI-enabled capabilities into production software and workflows.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, time-bound initiatives and improving delivery quality and performance.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including engaging senior leaders and translating complexity into clear choices.
• Leadership style grounded in integrity, empowerment, accountability, collaboration, and developing others.
• Courage to challenge the status quo, take thoughtful risks, and drive progress.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose: set direction for technology and engineering aligned to scientific impact and strategy.
• Shape a learning culture: foster curiosity, experimentation, and shared ownership.
• Build exceptional teams: coach engineering managers and AI capabilities for growth.
• Accelerate AI-enabled engineering: integrate AI tools into a robust engineering framework.
• Raise the engineering bar: advance architecture, DevOps, CI/CD, test automation, observability.
• Protect sustainable value: align engineering with security, compliance, and governance.
• Influence beyond authority: build trusted relationships and translate tech to decisions.
• Create alignment: coordinate with delivery, architecture, operations, security, and vendors.
• Deliver meaningful outcomes: ensure high-quality solutions delivered on time and within scope.
• Navigate complexity: manage dependencies, risks, resources, and evolving tech.

Skills

Technical leadership

Learning mindset

Strategic agility

SaaS leadership

AI-enabled software

AI integration

Delivery excellence

Communication

Integrity & accountability

Courage to challenge

Job description

Novartis in Basel, CH seeks a Director, Technology & Engineering to lead a broad software portfolio, combining strategic direction with delivery accountability. You will shape a high-performing organization, advance AI-enabled engineering practices, and ensure solutions meet quality, security, and regulatory standards.

You will drive modernization across engineering teams, partnering with scientists and data experts to turn innovation into reliable software that accelerates drug discovery.