Associate Director, Technology & Platforms

Summary

As Associate Director, Technology & Platforms, you will contribute to shaping the end-to-end technology strategy, investment and be accountable for the lifecycle operations of GMA-owned and GMA influenced technology, platforms, data, digital, and AI systems and tools, guaranteeing future-readiness of data standards and technological foundations for Medical Affairs. You will ensure that Medical Affairs has future‑ready tools, high‑quality data, and fit‑for‑purpose platforms - empowering teams globally with insights, compliant operations, and technology that accelerates impact for patients.

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Responsibilities

About the Role

• Lead end‑to‑end technology strategy, investment, and lifecycle operations for GMA‑owned and GMA‑influenced systems for assigned business domains and value streams.
• Serve as Business Systems Owner for assigned platforms, ensuring functionality aligned to business needs.
• Ensure high‑quality, compliant data standards through strong governance and partnership with Enterprise data teams.
• Implement governance frameworks and controls, ensuring adherence to IT, e‑Compliance, and data protection standards.
• Deliver analytics, reporting, and KPIs that enable data‑driven ways of working across Medical Affairs.
• Identify and mitigate system risks and operational gaps globally, regionally, and locally.
• Contribute to the development, review, and continuous improvement of system SOPs, GOPs, and working practices.
• Lead system enhancements, technology roadmaps, and implementation of new capabilities based on business needs.
• Drive change management strategies to support system adoption and effective use across the organisation.
• Champion continuous improvement, enabling operational excellence, productivity, and seamless integration of new technologies.

Essential For The Role

• Significant experience in healthcare, technology, product management, or business transformation roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences; advanced scientific or business degree desirable.
• Strong understanding of drug development environments, including early research, clinical trials, safety, and data management.
• Demonstrated success delivering high‑impact technology strategies or innovation roadmaps.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead large matrix teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• High learning agility, with comfort in complex, fast‑evolving environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills across diverse audiences.

Desirable For The Role

• Experience leading enterprise‑scale technology change or digital transformation programmes.
• Expertise in designing and improving business processes to strengthen quality, efficiency, and compliance.

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.

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.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

Key skills/competency

• Technology Strategy
• Platform Management
• Data Governance
• Compliance Standards
• Digital Transformation
• Change Management
• Operational Excellence
• Analytics & Reporting
• Risk Mitigation
• Stakeholder Influence