Sr Director, IT; Manufacturing and Operational Technology Digital Leader

Position: Sr Director, IT (Manufacturing and Operational Technology Digital Leader)
At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.

Job Description

Sr Director:
Foster City Manufacturing IT & Operational Technology, Digital Leader

Gilead Sciences is seeking an exceptional leader who is highly motivated, passionate, experienced, and adaptable to lead the Foster City Manufacturing IT, OT and Data and Digital team. Reporting to Head of PDM IT, with dotted line reporting to the Head of Foster City Manufacturing, you will collaborate with key local and global partners to design and implement a world class IT, process automation, MES, and overall end-to-end digital manufacturing technology strategy for Foster City Manufacturing that advances Gilead’s overall digital ambitions.

The scope of this role will include the existing API and OSD GMP manufacturing facilities as well as take a leading role in designing a new state of the art Single-Use DS Biologics Manufacturing facility in Foster City.

This is a site based role in Foster City, CA at our Global Headquarters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• IT /OT Technology business Partner and standing member of Foster City Site Manufacturing Leadership Team

• Leadership role in designing a new state of the art Single-Use DS Biologics Manufacturing facility in Foster City.

• Develop and execute the digital strategy for Foster City Manufacturing, aligned with Gilead’s global manufacturing and IT vision and standards.

• Champion AI-driven innovation across manufacturing, leveraging ML models for predictive maintenance and process optimization.

• Serve as a trusted advisor on AI trends, emerging technologies, and their impact on operations.

• Engage in site leadership decisions to shape the culture, priorities, and business processes at the site.

• Shape the MES strategy, including platform selection, implementation, lifecycle management, and integration with other enterprise systems.

• Understand and represent the needs of Foster City Manufacturing operations to the broader IT organization.

AI & Digital Enablement

• Implement AI-powered analytics and decision-support tools to optimize production and quality.

• Drive adoption of AI-based predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and automated workflows.

• Integrate AI with IoT platforms and digital twins for real-time insights and operational efficiency.

Technology & Operations Integration

• Establish secure frameworks for IT/OT connectivity and AI-driven data flows.

• Standardize architecture for LIMS, MES, PCS, Historian, e-Validation, GMP and non-GMP reporting, and AI-enabled digital systems.

• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory standards in AI and digital environments.

Governance & Compliance

• Develop governance models for AI and digital projects, balancing innovation with operational stability.

• Ensure adherence to GMP, data integrity, and ethical AI principles across IT, OT, and digital platforms.

• Collaborate and coordinate with key partner groups to Foster City Manufacturing, including Global Manufacturing business stakeholders and Corporate Operations with an enterprise mindset to develop and align…