Senior Director, Core Technology Architect

Job Description Vertex is seeking a Senior Director, Solution Architect – Core Technology to serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for defining and driving an integrated architecture strategy across infrastructure and collaboration platforms in a global, GxP-regulated biopharma environment.

This leader will establish the foundational architecture function within Core Technology and partner closely with domain leaders across cloud, network, collaboration, end-user computing, workplace technology, and service management. This role will ensure that enterprise technologies are cohesive, scalable, secure, and compliant, while helping shape a unified AI and digital workplace strategy across Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, and end-user environments.

This role will partner closely with Information Security to co-architect cybersecurity capabilities across the Core Technology ecosystem and drive alignment between infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategies to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant technology solutions.

Key

Duties and Responsibilities:

Enterprise Integration & Architecture Strategy Define and drive end-to-end solution architecture across Core Technology domains, including:

Cloud platforms, with an Azure-first strategy and existing AWS footprint

Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, and Copilot enablement

Enterprise network services, including connectivity, SD-WAN, and global infrastructure

Data center and hybrid hosting environments

End-user computing across Windows, Mac, and mobility

Conference room and workplace collaboration technologies, including Zoom and Teams RoomsITSM and service experience platforms, including Service Now Partner  with Information Security to co-architect and integrate cybersecurity platforms and controls across cloud, network, workplace, collaboration, and end-user computing domains, ensuring alignment with Core Technology reference architecture, operational models, and enterprise risk requirements.

Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture across the enterprise

Create reference architectures, design standards, and integration patterns across technology domains

Eliminate silos and ensure interoperability across Core Technology services

Drive scalable and sustainable architectural approaches that support global business needsAI & Digital Workplace Enablement Lead Core Technology architecture strategy to enable enterprise AI capabilities

Support AI enablement within:

The Microsoft ecosystem, including Copilot, Microsoft 365, and Azure AIEnd-user productivity and collaboration platforms

Ensure AI-related solutions are securely integrated across infrastructure layers

Partner with Security and Data teams to align AI architecture with governance, privacy, and regulatory expectations

Help shape a seamless and secure digital workplace experience for employees globally

Architecture Governance & Standards Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architectures across the enterprise

Establish architecture governance processes, including:

Design reviews

Technology standards

Exception management

Serve as the central point of accountability for cross-domain architectural decisions

Ensure alignment with GxP, regulatory, compliance, and security requirements

Drive lifecycle management, rationalization, and modernization of Core Technology platforms

Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence Operate as a peer to Directors across Network, Cloud, EUC, Collaboration, and related domains.

Serve as the primary Core Technology architecture partner to Information Security, driving joint architecture reviews, technology evaluations, integration decisions, and long-term platform strategy.

Influence technical direction across a federated organization without direct authority

Partner closely with Information Security, Data Services, and Application teams to define and maintain a unified infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategy and roadmap.

Act as a trusted advisor to senior DTE leadership on technology strategy, investments, and roadmap decisions

Balance strategic vision with practical execution to accelerate business value

Vendor & Partner Alignment Shape architecture strategy in partnership with key vendors and service providers, including:

Microsoft (Azure, M365)
Cisco, Palo Alto, Verizon, AT&T (network and security)
Zoom (collaboration)
Service Now (ITSM)
Accenture (managed services and operations)
Lenovo, Dell, Apple (end-user computing)
Ensure third-party solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and long-term technology strategy

Support effective vendor collaboration to deliver secure, compliant, and…