Associate Director, Digital Transformation & Operational Execution Lead

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com

Job Function:

R&D Operations

Job Sub Function:

Product Development Testing

Job Category:

Professional

All Job Posting Locations:

Boulder, Colorado, United States, Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description:

About Innovative Medicine:

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow.
 

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way.
 

Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine

We are searching for the best talent for an Associate Director, Digital Transformation & Operational Execution Lead.

This is a remote role available in all states within the United States. While specific cities are listed in the Locations section for reference, please note that they are examples only and do not limit your application. We invite candidates from any location to apply.
 

Remote work options may be considered on a case-by-case basis and if approved by the Company.

A pre-identified candidate for consideration has been identified. However, all applications will be considered.
 

Purpose:
The Associate Director, Digital Transformation & Operational Execution Lead will serve as a strategic digital leader driving technology-enabled modernization across the Preclinical Sciences and Translational Safety (PSTS) group. This individual will lead the design, implementation, and governance of digital solutions that enable automation, data integration, and analytics. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in information technology, data platforms, and digital transformation, combined with an understanding of related business processes and cybersecurity. This role requires someone capable of bridging IT, scientific operations, and business strategy to build scalable, compliant, and future-ready digital ecosystems that enhance decision-making and operational excellence, and user experience.
 

You will be responsible for:
 

Digital Transformation Strategy

• Establish frameworks for digital governance, cybersecurity, and data integrity aligned with GxP and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requirements for internal and externalized research activities.
• Lead the end-to-end digital strategy for the PSTS organization, aligning initiatives with enterprise R&D digital priorities and business outcomes.
• Identify and deploy emerging technologies—such as AI/ML, automation, data lakes, laboratory digitization, and cloud-native architectures—to enhance scientific productivity and collaboration.
• Partner with IT, Data Science, and Informatics teams to architect integrated solutions that streamline data flow from discovery through translational safety and regulatory reporting.
• Drive digital maturity assessments and develop actionable roadmaps to advance the PSTS department’s digital capabilities.

Implementation & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the implementation of digital platforms, including ELNs, LIMS, laboratory automation, and data visualization tools.
• Lead multi-functional project teams to deliver complex digital solutions—ensuring effective stakeholder engagement, system validation, and seamless integration with enterprise infrastructure.
• Partner with business process owners to optimize workflows and leverage automation, RPA, and analytics for efficiency gains and data-driven decision-making.
• Define operational metrics and KPIs to measure adoption, ROI, and continuous improvement of digital systems.
• Manage vendor relationships and technology partnerships, ensuring system interoperability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure digital platforms are designed with