Director, Digital Transformation & AI Strategy – Technical Operations

We’re here for one reason and one reason only – to cure cancer. Every moment is dedicated to developing treatments and every action moves us one step closer to our goal. We’ve made incredible scientific breakthroughs and our pioneering personalized CAR T-cell therapies have changed the paradigm. But we're not finished yet.

Join Kite, as we make even bigger advances in cancer therapies, and help shape where our business and medical science goes next.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Kite and help create more tomorrows.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic leader to shape Kite’s future by integrating advanced analytics, AI, and new digital technologies into Technical Operations. This high-impact, high-visibility role will drive enterprise-wide transformation programs, enabling data-driven decision-making, digital solutions, and operational excellence. This position is responsible for translating a strategic vision into integrated, value-creating roadmaps that guide our portfolio of AI, Data Science, and Digital efforts. This position requires creativity, strong business acumen, and the ability to influence and partner across the enterprise.  

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of achieving mid- to long-range strategic objectives through collaboration, influence, and leadership. The role is located in Foster City, CA and reports into the Executive Director and Head of Tech Ops Strategy. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Digital & AI Strategy Leadership: Define and execute a cohesive AI and digital roadmap aligned with Kite’s and Tech Ops’ strategic objectives. Drive adoption of scalable AI solutions across the value chain to enhance productivity, insight generation, and decision-making. 

• Data Governance & Analytics: Partner with IT and business stakeholders to capture desired outcomes, define use cases, and ensure robust data management practices for integrity and compliance. Champion platform approaches for data science, infrastructure, and visualization. 

• Transformation Program Delivery: Orchestrate prioritization across initiatives (‘Every Day AI’, ‘Productivity Boosters’, ‘Leap Forwards’) to achieve measurable outcomes. Define KPIs for AI adoption and digital maturity; track and report progress to senior leadership. 

• Enterprise Collaboration & Influence: Represent Technical Operations on the Kite Data Science Council to support enterprise capability buildout. Facilitate workshops and sessions to integrate disparate strategies into cohesive roadmaps. Build relationships and lead by influence across Gilead and Kite organizations. 

• Innovation & Future Vision: Stay informed on emerging technologies and translate insights into actionable strategies. Autho