Director DDIT PO&CF P&O Platforms

Job Description Summary The Director of Digital, Data, and IT (DDIT) P&O Platforms is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle management of the key HCM platforms core to the operations of the P&O function within Novartis. These platforms include Workforce (Time & Attendance), Cornerstone (LMS), ServiceNow HRSD, Learning Experience Platforms (LxP), Talent Marketplace solutions and Workday. This role ensures platform stability, innovation, compliance, and alignment with the strategic and tactical goals of the P&O function and Novartis overall.Job Description Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Strategy: Develop and execute the short- and long-term product strategies for P&O platforms in close collaboration with P&O domain leaders and business product owners. Ensure alignment of platform strategy to broader P&O transformation, compliance requirements (e.g., SOX IT, GxP), and Novartis digital aspirations. Provide visionary leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Align DDIT initiatives with business goals, ensuring they support the overall strategy and objectives of the organization. Solution Delivery: Manage the lifecycle of P&O platforms including Workday, Workforce, Cornerstone, ServiceNow HRSD, Talent Marketplace, and Learning Experience Platforms. Ensure operational excellence and compliance, including managing third-party service providers and platform vendors. Collaborate with business owners to maintain and evolve platform roadmaps based on demand, priorities, and capability gaps. Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement leveraging AI, automation, and emerging technologies. Govern platform upgrades, releases, and enhancements, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture and data management standards. Stakeholder Partnering: Act as a strategic technology advisor to P&O domain leads, aligning roadmaps with evolving business needs. Facilitate governance forums to review demand, backlog, platform KPIs, and compliance posture. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., EDM, security, architecture, procurement) to ensure platform integrity and risk management. Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders, providing strategic advice and ensuring alignment between IT and business priorities. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between IT and business teams, as well as build strong partnerships with other DD&IT teams in spirit of collaboration (APD, ISC, IES). Financial Management: Manage the respective products budgets for areas in accountability scope, ensuring cost-effective delivery of IT services and solutions. Monitor and report on financial performance, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements. Ensure compliance with Novartis financial policies and procedures. Risk Management and Compliance: Identify and mitigate risks associated with IT projects and operations. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (SOX IT, GxP), standards, and best practices, particularly those relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. Implement robust security measures to protect data and IT assets. Experience: Minimum of 16+ years of experience in IT management, with significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Proven expertise in delivering People & Organization (HR) technology solutions at scale Deep experience in managing and operating global HR platforms at scale, particularly Workforce (Time & Attendance), Cornerstone (or other similar LMS), ServiceNow HRSD and Workday and emerging platforms such as Talent Marketplaces and LxPs. Proven ability to manage platform strategies, product roadmaps, and third-party vendor performance. Experience in governance, audits, and compliance (SOX IT, GxP) is required. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and managing large-scale IT projects and programs. Skills: Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing platform operations across multiple technologies. Experience with managing external support providers, outsourced and managed service providers as well as UT operations as scale. Ability to build platform strategies while balancing operational excellence and innovation. Experience will IT services in a product centric eco-system.  Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders within the pharmaceutical industry. You'll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook. to Diversity and 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 Novartis is 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 recruitment process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your messageJoin our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: Skills Desired Budget Management, Business Acumen, Performance Management, Risk Management, Service Delivery Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Talent Development, Waterfall Model