Executive Director, Data Governance

Job Description Summary

Location: East Hanover

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. We collaborate closely with the US business, bringing insights and challenging ideas to empower smarter, data-driven decision-making. Reporting into VP, Head, US Data Strategy and Governance, the Executive Director, Data Governance will play a critical role in establishing a comprehensive data governance strategy to support the US Commercial organization.

This Executive Director role will provide strategic leadership and oversight in driving Novartis' data governance mission to ensure comprehensive data accessibility, quality, compliance, and consistency across the organization. In this position, you will work closely with the executive leadership team to shape data governance strategies that align with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, and long-term business goals. You will have ultimate accountability for the development and execution of data governance frameworks, ensuring they support the company's vision for data-driven innovation, operational efficiency, and risk management. This position will involve guiding cross-functional teams, steering high-level decision-making, and influencing the direction of data management and stewardship practices across the enterprise.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of an enterprise-wide IDS data governance framework, setting clear objectives, milestones, and defining roles and responsibilities to ensure the highest standards in data stewardship. 

• Chair the Data Governance Council, engaging senior leaders and stakeholders from across business units to drive alignment on key data initiatives and to foster cross-functional collaboration on critical data-related decisions. 

• Oversee the creation and enforcement of data governance policies and standards, ensuring compliance with global data privacy regulations, security requirements, and ethical data usage practices. 

• Guide the establishment of data quality management processes across all teams, ensuring comprehensive oversight and mechanisms for continuous monitoring and improvement of data quality. 

• Spearhead the integration and strategic use of advanced technology solutions (e.g., metadata management, data lineage, and business rules management) to enhance data visibility, accessibility, and governance across the organization. 

• Drive organizational change by promoting data governance initiatives, increasing awareness, and providing leadership in the adoption of tools and best practices to elevate data literacy and governance understanding across teams. 

• Establish and maintain executive-level oversight mechanisms, producing high-level data governance reports, dashboards, and metrics to communicate progress and compliance to Novartis senior leadership and board-level stakeholders.  

Essential Requirements: 

Novartis seeks an individual with extensive experience overseeing data governance operations. The individual should have a deep understanding of industry best practices and a proven ability to manage data-related risks, including privacy and security concerns. A commitment to driving continuous improvement in data governance processes, informed by data insights and industry trends, is essential to this role. 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field. 

• 10+ years of experience in experience in data governance, data management, or related roles. 

• 5+ years of people management experience. Proven track record of enabling data-driven decision-making at a senior leadership level, including addressing complex business challenges and shaping organizational strategy particularly in therapeutic areas. 

• Strong understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and best practices.

• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards related to data privacy and security. 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.  Ability to influence and drive change in a complex organizational environment. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess and manage data-related risks.

• Certification in data governance or related areas (e.g., DM-BOK, CDMP, etc.). 

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: T