Executive Director, R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead

Job Description Our IT team operates as a business partner proposing ideas and innovative solutions that enable new business organizational capabilities. We partner internationally to deliver the services and solutions that help our Company to be more productive and enable innovation.

The Executive Director. R&D IT AI Technical Strategy Lead is role will build, innovate, and implement our AI technical strategy with regards to capabilities that are needed to support the business strategy of our scientists in Research and Development (R&D). To accomplish this task, the successful candidate will partner with leaders within IT and R&D to enable near-term value in our AI transformation while ensuring that we build with agility to meet the evolving needs of our portfolio as well as the technical capabilities of AI/ML.

The incumbent will function as a team lead, be an integral piece in team decision-making and strategic direction, and be expected to lead department-wide initiatives. A key element of success will be linking end-to-end business strategy and process to our technical solutions, eliminating functional silos, simplifying our system footprint, and negotiating for investment in the highest priority opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Align with Central IT and Business to derive, implement, and influence AI/ML technical capability strategy;
Track quantifiable indicators of success and plans to execute, including appropriate approaches to change management, IT/business adoption, and value realization.

Have an expert understanding of the technological landscape and business process within the pharmaceutical industry.

Build strong cross functional relationships with various IT and business stakeholders, applying expertise to resolve complex scientific technology and data problems.​Stay current with industry trends to identify emerging areas of focus and opportunities that can benefit from technology enablement, including deep learning and generative AI.Partner with R&D IT Value teams to partner on capability roadmaps, negotiating tradeoffs and staging to maximize value, and ensuring solutions are adopted and deliver the expected business outcomes.

Communicate IT strategy and portfolio to key stakeholders. Encourage a digital mindset and adoption of digital innovation initiatives. Be a change agent for new digital capabilities.

Lead a team with responsibilities for talent development.

Education:

Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Life Science​​Preferred: MBA or PhD Required

Experience and Skills:

​10 years prior experience in Enterprise, Business, Information, Systems & Application or Solution Architectures or related IT environment.

Understanding of the Research and Development in pharmaceutical development. Familiar with the interdependence of data flows and engagement on projects across therapeutic and functional areas. Demonstrated ability to articulate strategy, translate to technology roadmaps, and influence enterprise technology strategy.

Understanding of the existing IT portfolio of systems and products. Understanding of the external technology landscape and the impact and value to our Company.

Experience in leading department-wide initiatives with regards to technical solutions and change management.​Strong critical thinking skills with a pragmatic approach to addressing challenges and negotiating collaborative approaches to shared outcomes​.Outstanding written and verbal communication skills- able to effectively communicate complex concepts in simple ways, and influence stakeholders to achieve focus on highest value opportunities.

Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and networks (internally and externally). Viewed as a credible and trusted…