Executive Director, Digital Foundations

Who we are

We’re a global, midsize CRO that pushes boundaries, innovates and invents because the path to a cure for the world’s most persistent diseases is not paved by those who play it safe. It is built by those who take pioneering, creative approaches and implement them with quality and excellence.

We are Worldwide Clinical Trials, and we are a global team of over 3,500+ experts, bright thinkers, dreamers and doers and, together, we are changing the way the world experiences CROs – in the best possible way.

Our mission is to work with passion and purpose every day to improve lives and we are looking for others who value this same pursuit.

Why Worldwide

We believe everyone plays an important role in making a world of difference for patients and their caregivers. From our hands-on, accessible leaders, to our cohesive and supportive teams, we are committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed. We prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to promote collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. Join us!

SUMMARY: The Executive Director, Digital Foundations will lead the engineering, deployment, and support of foundational IT services across Worldwide Clinical Trials. This senior leader will oversee networking, cloud and data center operations, server and database systems, storage and backup, workplace services (end-user support), application deployment, and collaboration platforms (Office365, video conferencing, telephony). The role is pivotal in driving innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation across the enterprise.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Infrastructure Strategy & Execution: Define and execute a modern infrastructure roadmap that supports business agility, scalability, and security.

• Cloud Transformation: Lead the migration of services from hosted data centers to Azure, and transition on-premise databases to DBaaS platforms.

• Network Architecture: Design and implement secure, scalable network architectures for both cloud and on-premise environments.

• Collaboration & Workplace Services: Ensure seamless delivery of end-user services and collaboration tools, including Office365, Teams, video conferencing and telephony.

• ITSM & CMDB Deployment: Oversee the implementation of a modern ITSM platform and configuration management database to improve service visibility and responsiveness.

• FinOps Program: Launch and operationalize a FinOps solution to optimize cloud spend and align infrastructure investments with business value.

• Zero Trust Security: Partner with the CISO organization to support the enterprise-wide Zero Trust initiative, embedding security into all infrastructure layers.

• Business Engagement: Act as a strategic partner to business units, ensuring technology solutions meet evolving needs and SLAs.

• Innovation Culture: Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, encouraging leapfrog thinking over traditional infrastructure models.

• Financial Stewardship: Deliver infrastructure services within budget, meeting financial commitments and driving cost efficiencies.

Perform other duties as assigned.  The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.                             

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Passion and drive to deliver the absolute best end user experience possible.

• Proven experience leading enterprise infrastructure in a regulated, global environment.

• Deep expertise in cloud platforms (especially Azure), networking, and enterprise IT operations.

• Track record of delivering complex transformation programs.

• Strong business acumen and ability to engage with senior stakeholders.

• Passion for innovation and building high-performing teams.

• Experience supporting clinical, regulatory, or life sciences environments is a plus.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

• Minimum of 15 years of infrastructure experience.

• Domestic international travel may be required.

Promotion to the next level is not automatic based on years of experience. Personnel are evaluated on proven competency, level of responsibility, and ability to work i