Finance Lead - R&D AI Business Initiatives

The Position The Opportunity

Doubling down on investment in R&D (Research & Development) doesn't automatically lead to increased outcomes and patient benefits. In fact, the last two decades the Pharma Industry has seen higher R&D costs, a reduced rate of approvals, and fewer commercial opportunities for new drugs.

Moreover, in an environment characterized by disruption, we need a high level of financial flexibility to pivot quickly as new opportunities emerge. In other words, we cannot do more of the same and expect better results.

R&D AI Finance Leads are director level business-savvy professionals who can put themselves in the shoes of their stakeholders to drive R&D productivity and smart investment decisions, enhancing the value of our portfolio. These individuals catalyze cross-collaboration between R&D units and bring a holistic, end-to-end view across the enterprise. Their touch points along the whole value chain will be combined with a network that drives business results.

Drawing from a deep well of Finance excellence skills, as well as communication and storytelling skills, R&D AI Finance Leads challenge the status quo, have eye-level conversations, and help stakeholders to navigate the polarities of a complex world.

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) rapidly emerging as a core strategic priority across R&D, we are seeking a finance professional to serve as a dedicated partner for these pivotal initiatives.

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to senior stakeholders for Agentic AI projects in R&D, ensuring alignment on business case assumptions and financial strategy.
• Lead the definition of financial performance measurement (investments, savings tracking, ROI) for such projects, including ongoing KPI reporting and actionable recommendations.
• Architect and co-create future-state financial workflows (Forecasting, governance reviews) for an agentic operating model.
• Own the business case for R&D AI investments, including updates on investments, savings reporting, and funding strategies.
• Work closely with Accounting and RDT Finance to define accounting treatments of AI-related investments.
• Drive key finance deliverables, including preparation for senior leadership updates
• Proactively develop headcount plans and resource allocation strategies to ensure successful portfolio delivery and alignment with organizational goals.

• 10+ years of international finance experience with a proven track record in financial stewardship and governance (or deep technical/data science expertise with a strong affinity for finance).
• Strong passion for AI and digital solutions.
• Visionary mindset and strategic agility to anticipate changing landscapes, envision the future of finance and the business, and lead teams in developing and executing long-term initiatives with adaptable solutions.
• Proven track record of architecting innovative solutions and operational frameworks (including process design and systems engineering).
• Demonstrated excellence in influencing decision-making at senior management levels, supported by strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to handle high-level strategy while also thinking through details and connecting the dots.
• End-to-End ownership:
  Capable of driving efforts across the R&D value chain with broad impact.
• Relationship builder:
  Proven success in establishing and maintaining trustful partnerships with stakeholders in a global environment.

The expected salary range for this position, based on the primary location in California, is $156,800 - $291,200. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on…