Associate Director

Job Description Summary

The Insights and Decision Science (IDS) team is dedicated to enabling improved decision-making at Novartis by leveraging data and advanced analytics capabilities to generate actionable insights that drive business growth. Collaborate closely with the US teams, bringing insights and challenging ideas to empower smarter, data-driven decision-making. This role is crucial in analysing actual and predictable interacting operational activities to support data-driven decision making. The Lead for Digital Resource Optimization plays a crucial role in analysing both actual and anticipated operational activities within the business to derive quantitative outcomes. This position establishes a rational foundation for decision-making by applying scientific and economic disciplines and techniques. With expertise in developing analytical models and measurement techniques, the Lead utilizes a range of methodologies, including mathematics, statistical methods, engineering methods, and operational mathematics techniques such as linear programming and causal analytics. By leveraging diverse datasets and advanced statistical techniques, the Lead – Digital Resource Optimization drives strategic thought and effective decision-making, combining data analytics with business functions to uncover valuable insights that clarify both the what (data) and the why (business) behind business decisions. Acting as a strategic partner the Lead employs modern market research strategies and methods to address the needs of key stakeholders, ensuring that informed strategies can be developed and implemented in alignment with the organization's strategic objectives.

Job Description

Associate Director - Digital Resource Optimization

Location – Hyderabad #LI Hybrid  

Major Responsibilities:

• Shape and execute Digital Resource Allocation and Optimization capabilities. Provide strategic data management support across Data Enablement, MarTech Product Management, and N2 Data & Analytics.
• Define a customer-centric vision and priorities for the functional team, focusing on statistical modelling, machine learning, and scalable data science solutions.
• Proactively deliver analytical and statistical solutions to business problems, enabling better decision-making through predictive modelling, simulation, and experimentation.
• Develop advanced data science products leveraging internal and external datasets to generate market and customer insights.
• Evaluate new data sources for targeting and innovation opportunities.
• Design and validate advanced statistical models (e.g., Bayesian, regression, survival analysis, optimization) and embed them into decision-making processes.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external guidelines.
• Foster collaboration and design solutions with a strong customer-centric approach.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in analytics, decision science, or related fields. 8+ years of experience in Digital Analytics, Data Modelling, Strategic Planning, or related roles, preferably in the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector.
• Deep knowledge of digital media buying ecosystem across programmatic, search, and social. Hands-on expertise in web analytics and A/B testing (Google, Adobe, etc.).
• Strong technical skills: SQL, Python, and data wrangling; exposure to Spark, R, Databricks a plus. Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights with strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of pharmaceutical industry dynamics. Proven experience managing multiple projects and stakeholder relationships, including senior leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present data-driven solutions persuasively. Experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving strategic initiatives.
• Familiarity with data visualization and BI tools (Power BI, Looker Studio, Advanced Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to balance operational execution with strategic thinking.
• Experience in customer engagement, digital marketing, and campaign optimization. Proficiency in primary and secondary research methodologies, insights generation, and hypothesis-driven analytics.
• Agility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic business environment. Knowledge of ETL tools (Alteryx, Knime, DataIKU) preferred

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us Learn more here:  
 
You'll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook.  
 
Commitment 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.  
 
Join 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

Agility, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Engagement, Customer Experience, Customer Insights, Data Analytics, Data Strategy, Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Media Campaigns, Product Marketing, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, Waterfall Model

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