Associate Director, Delivery Lead

Job Description Summary

Ready to shape the future of Biomedical Research through cutting-edge AI and compute innovation? As a Delivery Lead in the Compute & AI Delivery Segment, you will drive the delivery and adoption of new and significantly enhanced informatics capabilities for Biomedical Research, while leading a high-performing, cross-functional matrix team. Delivery is achieved through predictable, high-quality and time-bound initiatives aligned to enterprise priorities and architecture.

The Delivery Lead role is instrumental in prioritising, planning and executing initiatives, including release, scaling and transition to operations. You will ensure alignment with architectural, security and compliance standards, while playing a central role in enabling innovative value creation for Biomedical Research through strong delivery leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Location: Cambridge, USA #LI-Hybrid

This role is based in Cambridge, USA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

 

Job Description

Responsibilities:                                                                                                                

• You are accountable and own the outcomes of the High-Performance Compute, Machine Learning Operations and AI capabilities, including establishing an AI Agent ecosystem, together with your delivery segment, by translating domain needs into initiative proposals and the delivery of such. 

• Enable and expand Agent Mesh and Compute capabilities for Biomedical Research, including establishing the vision, value proposition, and strategic roadmap in alignment with business priorities and organisational objectives. 

• Own the creation, delivery, and lifecycle transition of domain-specific software and assigned initiatives, including prioritisation, planning, supplier selection, execution, rollout/scaling, and transition to operations. 

• Drive predictable planning and execution across initiatives within scope, time, and budget, and in alignment with business stakeholders, adjacent initiatives, and Data & Digital functions. 

• Provide delivery-segment prioritisation and investment input to support strategic decisions and focus on high-value initiatives 

• Lead cross-functional matrix teams (internal/external), coordinate resources, define responsibilities, and ensure aligned execution across all delivery functions and vendor interfaces 

• Proactively manage expectations and escalate issues, risks, or dependencies appropriately, and act as the primary delivery interface, to ensure orchestration and manage trade-offs across initiatives 

• Communicate progress, challenges, successes, and outcomes clearly to stakeholders and the wider organisation. 

• Ensure all initiatives deliverables align with architectural standards, security guidelines, and our initiative governance model 

• Establish and maintain close relationships with other functions in Data & Digital as well as in corporate IT to collaborate on the delivery and improvement of corporate-owned platforms that serve Biomedical Research needs. 

Essential for the role:

• Proven track record of delivering complex initiatives in the Agentic AI, Machine Learning Operations and/or High-Performance Compute domain, with 5+ years of experience delivering artificial intelligence and high-performance compute platforms.

• Strong project management capabilities, especially prioritisation, planning, execution, communication, and risk management. 

• Experience leading cross-functional matrix teams. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage diverse stakeholder groups, with strong communication skills and the ability to serve as a trusted delivery partner.

• Strong background with AI Agents, Agentic platforms, Machine Learning Operations and High-Performance Compute platforms.

• Broad and deep expertise in scientific software, data management, and AI-enabled digital capabilities. 

• Skilled in structured problem-solving, experimentation, and modern delivery practices. 

• Ability to drive urgency, accountability, and high-performance delivery behaviors. 

Desirable for the role:

• Formal training in project management methodologies such as Project Management Professional or Certified Scrum Master

• Experience working within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or scientific research environments

Benefits & Rewards

The salary for this position is expected to range between $152,600 and $283,400 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.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

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

Accessibility and accommodation: 

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] call +1 (877) 395-2339 and let us know that nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message. 

 

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 [email protected] 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

$152,600.00 - $283,400.00

 

Skills Desired

Algorithms, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computer Vision, Data Science, People Management, R&D (Research And Development), Solution Design, Waterfall Model