Global IT Category- AI Transformation Manager

Novartis India; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking a senior IT procurement leader to define and execute the global IT category strategy for AI-related demand across services, software, and infrastructure. You will translate AI needs into sourcing plans, lead end-to-end sourcing activities, and partner with architecture, security, and business stakeholders to enable value-driven AI adoption.

You will drive governance, supplier relationships, and commercial models while ensuring cost optimization and measurable outcomes across

Qualifications

• 10 to 14 years in global IT procurement or strategic sourcing.
• 3+ years leading AI, GenAI, data and analytics sourcing initiatives.
• Strong IT sub-category knowledge: software, services, infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global IT Category strategy and roadmap for AI-related demand across services, software, and infrastructure.
• Translate 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, contract, supplier transition).
• Evaluate AI solutions and supplier capabilities with IT architecture, security, data analytics, and key stakeholders.
• Establish AI-related contracting and commercial models, including value-based and consumption-based approaches.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, drive innovation and cost optimization.

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).

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.

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.

About The Role

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).

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. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

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