Director, R&D Data, Digital, and Technology; DD&T Strategy Lead

Position: Director, R&D Data, Digital, and Technology (DD&T) Strategy Lead
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Job Description

The R&D Data, Digital, and Technology (R&D DD&T) organization delivers cutting-edge technologies, data analytics, digital tools, and AI to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative therapies to patients.

The Director, R&D DD&T Strategy Lead will report into the Head of Strategy & Operations for R&D DD&T, and will help develop and drive R&D DD&T strategic priorities. They will work with senior leaders to identify and frame important topics, conduct rigorous assessments that can inform leadership decision-making; develop, refine and lead R&D DD&T strategic initiatives; and help evolve and establish capabilities needed for R&D DD&T to be successful.

This role will tackle complex and often ambiguous questions in a rapidly changing R&D and technology external environment.

The Strategy lead will partner with top leadership across both R&D and Global DD&T, as well as provide strategic guidance and support to senior leadership on key business decisions. This position requires a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and technology, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

How you will contribute:

• Partner with R&D DD&T Senior Leadership to identify high-value strategic imperatives

• Lead the framing, assessment, and recommendation of key initiatives in collaboration with executive leaders across R&D and DD&T

• Lead cross-functional teams to define and execute critical strategic initiatives to support R&D DD&T business objectives and operational excellence

• Provide strategic guidance and support to senior leadership on key business decisions

• Apply a strong business mindset to drive strategic decision making

• Represent R&D DD&T in R&D and enterprise strategic initiatives

• Develop fact-bases using internal and external data sets to support leadership decision making

• Ensure effective communication and alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

Education and Industry

Experience:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (MBA, MS, PhD) preferred

• 4+ years of strategy management consulting experience from a top-tier firm (e.g., BCG, McKinsey, Bain) or equivalent strategy experience driving R&D or Technology programs

• Overall 8-10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare technology sector, with a focus on R&D, digital, or data-driven environments. Equivalent experience either post-advanced degree or within a strategy consulting environment will also be considered

Technical

Skills:

• Problem solving and insight generation – ability to frame and conceptualize complex, ambiguous questions and drive towards clear, substantiated answers relevant to the questions at hand

• Strong analytical skills with ability to efficiently interrogate different types of data to deliver relevant, high-quality insights

• Strong project/program management skills and proficiency with digital tools and analytics platforms

Behavioral

Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and a proactive, owner mindset.

• Exceptional leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills at all levels

• Strong communicator with excellent verbal and written skills; ability to communicate effectively with senior management and across all levels of the business

• Demonstrated ability to drive change, foster innovation, and deliver results in a highly-matrixed organization

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and solve problems, focusing on the highest-impact initiatives

• High integrity, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement

• High emotional intelligence; growth mindset with strong curiosity

• Collaborative team player committed to developing and leading diverse…