Senior Director, Core Technology Architect

Job Description

Vertex is seeking a Senior Director, Solution Architect – Core Technology to serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for defining and driving an integrated architecture strategy across infrastructure and collaboration platforms in a global, GxP-regulated biopharma environment. 

This leader will establish the foundational architecture function within Core Technology and partner closely with domain leaders across cloud, network, collaboration, end-user computing, workplace technology, and service management. This role will ensure that enterprise technologies are cohesive, scalable, secure, and compliant, while helping shape a unified AI and digital workplace strategy across Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, and end-user environments. 

This role will partner closely with Information Security to co-architect cybersecurity capabilities across the Core Technology ecosystem and drive alignment between infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategies to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant technology solutions. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Enterprise Integration & Architecture Strategy 

• Define and drive end-to-end solution architecture across Core Technology domains, including: 

• Cloud platforms, with an Azure-first strategy and existing AWS footprint 

• Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, and Copilot enablement 

• Enterprise network services, including connectivity, SD-WAN, and global infrastructure 

• Data center and hybrid hosting environments 

• End-user computing across Windows, Mac, and mobility 

• Conference room and workplace collaboration technologies, including Zoom and Teams Rooms 

• ITSM and service experience platforms, including ServiceNow 

• Partner with Information Security to co-architect and integrate cybersecurity platforms and controls across cloud, network, workplace, collaboration, and end-user computing domains, ensuring alignment with Core Technology reference architecture, operational models, and enterprise risk requirements. 

• Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture across the enterprise 

• Create reference architectures, design standards, and integration patterns across technology domains 

• Eliminate silos and ensure interoperability across Core Technology services 

• Drive scalable and sustainable architectural approaches that support global business needs 

AI & Digital Workplace Enablement 

• Lead Core Technology architecture strategy to enable enterprise AI capabilities 

• Support AI enablement within: 

• The Microsoft ecosystem, including Copilot, Microsoft 365, and Azure AI 

• End-user productivity and collaboration platforms 

• Ensure AI-related solutions are securely integrated across infrastructure layers 

• Partner with Security and Data teams to align AI architecture with governance, privacy, and regulatory expectations 

• Help shape a seamless and secure digital workplace experience for employees globally 

Architecture Governance & Standards 

• Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architectures across the enterprise 

• Establish architecture governance processes, including: 

• Design reviews 

• Technology standards 

• Exception management 

• Serve as the central point of accountability for cross-domain architectural decisions 

• Ensure alignment with GxP, regulatory, compliance, and security requirements 

• Drive lifecycle management, rationalization, and modernization of Core Technology platforms 

Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence 

• Operate as a peer to Directors across Network, Cloud, EUC, Collaboration, and related domains. 

• Serve as the primary Core Technology architecture partner to Information Security, driving joint architecture reviews, technology evaluations, integration decisions, and long-term platform strategy. 

• Influence technical direction across a federated organization without direct authority 

• Partner closely with Information Security, Data Services, and Application teams to define and maintain a unified infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategy and roadmap. 

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior DTE leadership on technology strategy, investments, and roadmap decisions 

• Balance strategic vision with practical execution to accelerate business value 

Vendor & Partner Alignment 

• Shape architecture strategy in partnership with key vendors and service providers, including: 

• Microsoft (Azure, M365) 

• Cisco, Palo Alto, Verizon, AT&T (network and security) 

• Zoom (collaboration) 

• ServiceNow (ITSM) 

• Accenture (managed services and operations) 

• Lenovo, Dell, Apple (end-user computing) 

• Ensure third-party solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and long-term technology strategy 

• Support effective vendor collaboration to deliver secure, compliant, and high-performing services 

Operational Alignment 

• Ensure solutions are designed for operability in partnership with outsourced operations teams 

• Drive consistency between architecture and service delivery models, including Service Desk and Deskside Support 

• Improve end-user experience, supportability, and reliability through cohesive technical design 

• Strengthen alignment between architecture, engineering, and operations 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Azure architecture and cloud services - AWS cloud environments - Microsoft 365 ecosystem - Microsoft Teams – Exchange - SharePoint - Microsoft Copilot - Azure AI - Enterprise networking and infrastructure - SD-WAN 

• Security architecture alignment and experience co-architecting cybersecurity technologies including identity, endpoint protection, network security, zero-trust, and cloud security solutions. 

• Data center and hybrid hosting 

• End-user computing across Windows, Mac, and mobility platforms 

• Collaboration technologies including Zoom and Teams Rooms 

• ServiceNow and ITSM platforms 

• Architecture governance and standards development 

• Reference architecture and integration pattern design 

• Technology lifecycle management and rationalization 

Preferred Skills 

• Experience enabling enterprise AI solutions in a regulated environment 

• Familiarity with digital workplace transformation initiatives 

• Background in hybrid infrastructure and global collaboration ecosystems 

• Knowledge of service delivery operating models and managed services integration 

• Experience improving interoperability across infrastructure, workplace, and support platforms 

• Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and secure-by-design architecture principles 

Education and Experience:

• 12–15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure and workplace technologies 

• Proven experience in solution architecture or enterprise architecture leadership roles 

• Experience operating in complex, global enterprise environments 

• Demonstrated success working across multiple infrastructure domains simultaneously 

• Experience in GxP-regulated environments such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare strongly preferred 

• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in a federated organization 

• Strong executive presence with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills 

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business-aligned recommendations 

• Proven ability to balance strategic architecture with pragmatic execution 

• Experience collaborating with global vendors, strategic partners, and managed service providers 

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations.  From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as: 
1.    Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2.    On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. 

#LI-Hybrid
 

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com