Senior Director, Solutions Architecture

Job Description

General Summary:

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. The Digital, Technology and Engineering (DTE) team powering Research Technology & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply have a core mission to improve the lives of patients through digital, data, and technology innovation.

Vertex is in a transformational period where we are accelerating our capabilities, technology and data to augment our scientific mission and enable Vertex to grow in scale; ensuring we remain on the forefront of science, medicine and technology. 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director, Solutions Architecture to join our team and drive our digital transformation initiatives.

The Senior Director, Solutions Architecture, is a pivotal role within the DTE Research Technology & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply group, leading the Solutions Architecture enabling area. This position is responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of comprehensive data and technology solutions architecture for all solutions powering research, pre-clinical, development, manufacturing and supply functions across Vertex globally. This leader will drive the architectural vision, strategy, and execution of technology solutions that enable innovation, efficiency, and compliance, in collaboration and alignment with Vertex enterprise architecture. The role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of technology architecture, combined with the ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team.

The Senior Director, Solutions Architecture, reports directly to the Vice President of Research Technology & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a data and technology solutions architecture roadmap aligned with the strategic goals of DTE to power Vertex’s strategic ambitions at scale.

• Evolve the technical strategy, growing from solid foundations to a solution-focused approach that emphasizes opportunity areas and scalable solutions.

• Holistically architect the data and technology ecosystem for the future, leveraging smart decisions, enhancing enterprise investments, and evolving the future portfolio.

• Orchestrate data consumption strategy in alignment with Vertex enterprise data architecture.

• Deliver strategies to eliminate technical debt.

• Identify and evaluate technologies (e.g. IoT and Cloud) and assess their potential impact on the pharmaceutical domain.

• Define architectural principles, standards, and patterns that promote scalability, security, and interoperability across Research Technology & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply systems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of solutions across the organization.

• Ensure architectural blueprint for Research Technology & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply is always live.

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of solutions architecture initiatives and implement data-driven enhancements.

• Lead and develop a high-performing, diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

• Create a culture where everyone can do their best work and feels valued.

• Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring their professional growth and development.

• Serve as a key liaison between the DTE Research Technology & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply and other stakeholders (primarily interfacing with DTE software and data engineering and CISO teams), ensuring effective communication and alignment.

• Align the team with enterprise priorities, ensuring strategies drive business outcomes.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven track record of developing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and initiatives that require collaboration across multiple functional areas.

• Experience in pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

• Strong understanding of solutions architecture principles and best practices.

• Proficiency in cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and familiarity with their services and architectures.

• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies.

• Excellent project leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Ability to assess and recommend appropriate technology stacks and tools