Head of AI & Data Science

Job Description Summary

We’re looking for a dynamic and visionary leader to head our AI & Data Science team within the Data, Analytics, AI & Platforms (DAP) group. In this role, you’ll drive the development and deployment of impactful AI solutions that support commercial strategies across international, regional, and country-level operations.

You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including Analytics, Marketing Platforms, Commercial Launch Strategy, and more—to scale AI products such as dynamic targeting, micro-segmentation, call planning, and next-best-action engines. You’ll lead a team of expert data scientists and be accountable for the end-to-end strategy, delivery, and performance of AI initiatives.

If you bring deep expertise in AI, GenAI, and ML—from concept to operations—and a passion for delivering business value through innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Job Description

Location: Barcelona, Spain #LI-Hybrid

Key Responsibilities:

• Accountable for E2E design and deliverables of the whole AI and Data Science portfolio for CLS (Commercial Launch Strategy) and IRC (International, Region & Countries).

• Accountable for E2E long-term AI & Data Science vision, capability strategy, resource prioritization, budget, recruitment and planning.

• Lead the AI & Data Science team to support data-driven decision-making by innovatively leveraging data and technologies to provide objective, actionable and strategic insights on business performance and opportunities

• Accountable for strategizing, building, deploying and operating commercial AI and Data Science products.

• Work closely with country data and analytics teams to carefully customize the AI & Data Science for local needs while preserving standardization for implementing AI & Data Science at scale and speed

• Partner with Data, Analytics Marketing Platforms teams, other CLS teams, IRC, S&G, DDIT, BSI, and other commercial teams to identify key opportunities and issues, manage AI and Data Science solutions, and translate the solutions and outcomes to business partners to drive tangible business impacts.

• Lead a team of data scientists with deep analytical expertise and understanding of Pharma use cases.

• Accountable and responsible to plan and manage budget, resources, timelines of the AI and Data Science solutions lifecycles and change management.

Essential Requirements:

• Graduate degree (ideally MSc/PhD) in a quantitative field (AI, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, IT, etc.)

• 10 years of experience in data science, analytics, marketing science, or a similar role.

• 5+ years of Pharmaceutical/Biotech/Healthcare and Consumer experience in analytics. Deep hands-on understanding of pharma data sets and use cases.

• 5+ years of managing and leading analytics teams with a passion for coaching, developing, and mentoring others

• Strong understanding of end-to-end pharma value chain Commercialization process, and experience with field analytics, marketing, and sales analytics.

• Experience with Agile ways of working.

Desirable requirements:

• Proven hands-on and leadership experience in AI, GenAI, deep learning, optimization, and statistics, with a strong track record of applying these in pharma commercial data and advanced analytics.

• Expertise in cloud computing, big data architectures, and embedding AI solutions into marketing platforms (e.g., CRM, SFMC, web, social), with recognized thought leadership through publications or external presentations.

Benefits and Rewards:

Company Pension Plan, Life and Accidental Insurance, Meals Allowance or Canteen in the office, Flexible working hours. Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: Novartis Life Handbook

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO

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

 

Skills Desired

Agility, Brand Awareness, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Engagement, Customer Experience, Customer Insights, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Go-To-Market Strategy, Influencing Skills, Inspirational Leadership, Marketing Strategy, People Management, Product Positioning, Product Roadmap, Sales, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Marketing