Assoc Director, US IT Business Partner, R&D

The Associate Director, US IT Business Partner for R&D directs the activities of the R&D IT subfunction, aligning digital and data initiatives with overarching company objectives. This role serves as the strategic and execution lead for U.S. Research and Clinical Development technology delivery, ensuring that secure, reliable, and compliant solutions enable cutting-edge science.

Reporting to the Head of US IT, the Associate Director exercises independent judgment to solve highly complex, department-critical tasks with minimal managerial oversight. This leader translates company strategy into actionable plans, bridging local US R&D needs with Global R&D IT strategy to ensure scientific applications remain fit-for-purpose and scalable. The Associate Director builds a reputation as a knowledge expert with leadership while mentoring others within the function.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Direct the US R&D portfolio, including roadmap planning, investment prioritization, and lifecycle management for platforms such as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and scientific data management systems

Strategy Translation : Build expertise in translating company-wide R&D and digital strategies into actionable technology roadmaps and execution plans.

Stakeholder & Reputation Management: Build a reputation as a knowledge expert with leadership and scientific customers, acting as the primary IT partner for US Research (Oncology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, etc.) and Clinical Development (Medical Writing, Biometrics, Regulatory) and Global R&D strategic partners

Advanced Problem Solving : Solve complex technical and operational problems that require advanced conceptual thinking and extensive cross-departmental collaboration.

Architecture & Governance: Direct the alignment of local business requirements with Global and US enterprise architecture, security, privacy and quality standards, ensuring solutions are “global-by-design” while supporting urgent local lab-critical pilots.

Operational Excellence: Oversee IT delivery and support governance for research teams, ensuring that service levels are maintained and that support models align with evolving business needs.

Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to others within the IT function, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

Product Delivery & Execution Leadership

Execution Lead: Serve as the product owner or delivery lead for major, department-critical R&D technology platforms and initiatives.

Disciplined Execution: Drive the execution of complex system migrations and platform evolutions, managing product backlogs and ensuring alignment with business priorities and measurable outcomes.

Agile Maturity : Lead agile delivery ceremonies and support the evolution of “ways of working” to improve speed-to-lab and vendor coordination.

Vendor & Budget Management: Direct relationships with key IT R&D vendors and manage the US R&D IT budget in collaboration with US Finance and Global CIO leadership.

Innovation & POCs : Enable and oversee governed proof-of-concepts for emerging digital and AI tools, ensuring a balance between rapid innovation and architectural compliance.

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, OR

Master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, OR

Equivalent professional experience in a technical/digital role within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry.

Domain Expertise : Deep knowledge of Research and Development systems, laboratory/clinical processes, and regulated (GxP) operating environments.

Leadership Skills : Proven ability to direct teams or subfunctions and manage highly ambiguous, department-critical tasks independently.

Technical Proficiency : Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, application portfolio management, cybersecurity, and data flows in a global/local hybrid environment.

Communication : Exceptional ability to translate complex technical and architectural topics into clear, actionable recommendations for executive leadership and scientific stakeholders.

Collaboration : Strong track record of cross-departmental collaboration and building trust with diverse teams (Global IT, Enterprise Architecture, and Research leadership).

Key Competencies

Strategic Thinking : Ability to align subfunction activities with long-term company goals and drive value through technology.

Independent Judgment: Consistently takes on complex tasks and makes critical decisions with minimal manager involvement.

Conceptual Thinking : Skilled at solving problems that require an advanced, integrated understanding of multiple technical and business areas.

Adaptability : Proficient in managing shifting priorities in a dynamic, high-pressure research environment.

Pulled from the full job description

• Flextime
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance, The salary range for this role is $179,000-$212,000. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. Employees in this position are also eligible for Short-Term and Long-Term incentive programs. Servier also offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, flexible time off (Servier provides unlimited sick time and flex time, and does not accrue time off), 401(k), life and disability insurance, recognition programs among other great benefits (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).