Job Function
Enterprise Management
Job Sub Function
Technology Management
Job Category
People Leader
All Job Posting Locations
Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium
Job Description
Head of Technology – Early Development
Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicines is currently recruiting for a Senior Director – Head of Technology, Early Development supporting our Therapeutics Development & Clinical Supply (TDS organization). This role is available across multiple countries; please focus on the specific country(s) that align with your preferred location(s).
Springhouse, PA, Req #: R-052071
The Senior Director, Head of Technology – Early Development, will be responsible for the overall technology strategy, project management, and application support & development for the Therapeutic Development and (Clinical) Supply business function. This critical leadership role supports Discovery and Early Development, enabling a next‑generation R&D ecosystem that is highly automated, software‑defined, data‑centric and AI‑augmented.
The remit is to remove repetitive manual work, ensure data is FAIR, and architect information and compute so that every digital tool, assay and process connects end‑to‑end. The focus is on scalable compute, robust data fabrics and integrated digital workflows across discovery, CMC and clinical supply.
In a business‑partnering capacity, this role will be engaged across scientific functions including Synthetics Product & Process Development, Biotechnology Product & Process Development, Drug Delivery Device Development and Clinical Supply, providing operational support for R&D Pilot plants to accelerate the work of the CMC and Clinical Supply Engine to deliver the J&J IM Pipeline.
Partnering with scientific functions, the role will lead and contribute to matrixed teams alongside Data Science & Digital Health and cross‑functional technology partners: Engineering, Laboratory Systems, Enterprise Architecture, Information Security & Risk, and Technology Services.
Responsibilities
Direct the strategy, architecture, build and operations of technology products to support the diverse laboratory and pilot plant network operated by the TDS Organization.
Lead the strategy, architecture, build and operations of Data & Analytics products driven by product, process development and manufacturing data.
Manage people – 5‑8 direct reports and 15‑20 indirect employees and contractors.
Report on the progress of workstreams and capabilities within scope of responsibility.
Serve on the overall leadership team of the Research Systems SLT.
Develop a future roadmap for systems or capability areas and ensure technical approaches align with technical/business strategy.
Complete understanding and experience leading an Agile development team.
Accountable for the day‑to‑day operation of Therapeutic Development and Supply Systems. In partnership with Suppliers and Technology Services, ensure all tickets are resolved within SLA and that change management processes are followed, the platform is patched and upgraded to supported level.
Lead within the framework of established policies and procedures with accountability for all systems and their improvements.
Provide evaluation and cost estimation for all projects, enhancements and roll‑outs, understanding business needs and priorities, and provide system expertise.
Lead build testing and production delivery for all relevant projects, enhancements and roll‑outs.
Build implementation plans for relevant initiatives including timeline, owner and key milestones.
Coordinate with business partners to prioritize projects based on business value and risk compliance to improve ROI.
Understand core internal IT products and drive business value by working with Suppliers such as Biovia, Revvity, Benchling, PAS‑X, NGENCODAC, OMP, IVRS and other vendors to assess future capabilities and applicability within the J&J IM R&D environment.
Understand the technology landscape within scope of responsibility, seek internal and external insights to craft technology approach and vision.
Analyze business problems, opportunities and challenges, factoring in a deep understanding of technical architecture and underlying business drivers.
Design technical solutions at scale, including system integrations, in partnership with other sub‑functions in IT.
Assist in structuring and executing Proof of Concepts and plans to scale and integrate in the broader system landscape.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s level degree or equivalent in Computer Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related subject area; an advanced degree (MBA or MS) is preferred.
A PhD and demonstrable expertise in CMC is an advantage.
Minimum 10‑years of IT experience and a minimum of 5‑years leading others.
Working knowledge of drug development, GMP manufacturing and supply.
Proven experience in several of the following:
FAIR data management
Laboratory & plant data automation
Intelligent automation of AI/ML training & deployment
Provisioning scalable, efficient & cost‑effective high‑performance compute
Process engineering data models and integration solutions
A proven track record of project delivery and business relationship management.
Understanding of R&D development, particularly small molecule development and processes.
Ability to translate business requirements into technology solutions.
Strong leadership skills – operate as an independent leader with understanding and appreciation of the global/enterprise context.
Strong consultative and facilitation skills required.
Strong presentation skills – ability to speak across various forums and communicate to a broad, diverse audience.
Prior experience in therapeutics development AND pharmaceutical supply chain and associated IT systems within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
Experience with large‑scale portfolio clinical, clinical data warehouse and/or clinical operations technologies such as Biovia, Revvity, Benchling, Genedata, Korber, OMP, IVRS.
Up to 15% domestic and international travel will be required.
Required Skills
Not listed separately – described within Qualifications.
Preferred Skills
Budget Management
Business Case Modeling
Business Requirements Analysis
Corporate Management
Developing Others
Emerging Technologies
Gap Analysis
Global Market
Inclusive Leadership
Leadership
Operational Excellence
Process Improvements
Product Improvements
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
Product Management
Product Strategies
Quality Assurance (QA)
Strategic Thinking
Technical Credibility
Seniority Level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full‑time
Job Function
Information Technology
Industries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Additional Information
Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers. Internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.
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