Job Description
Role Purpose The R&D Domain Architect is the senior architecture leader accountable for shaping and governing technology strategy across end-to-end product development and launch. This role translates R&D and enterprise growth strategy into coherent, executable architecture outcomes that deliver measurable in-year savings, enable multi-year simplification, and establish a scalable target-state architecture supporting the full value delivery lifecycle. The role spans portfolio planning, stage-gate management, regulatory submission, launch readiness, and cross-functional enablement with Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance and other functions. The architect ensures consistency, reuse, and operational efficiency across global R&D portfolios in a regulated healthcare environment. Outcomes That Define Success · Quantifiable in-year and recurring cost savings across the R&D technology portfolio · Approved multi-year simplification and modernization roadmaps with clear cost-reduction targets · Reduced architectural complexity and standardization of project and portfolio management across divisions · Improved time-to-market and launch readiness through integrated, end-to-end architecture · Improved decision quality and visibility across portfolio, pipeline, and investment trade-offs Core Responsibilities Strategy Realization: R&D Architecture · Partner with R&D leadership to translate innovation and growth strategies into target operating models and capability roadmaps · Lead target-state architecture across product development, R&D lab management, product design and testing, product security and regulatory compliance, and product release. · Ensure architectural alignment across regulatory, clinical, quality, manufacturing, and commercial readiness activities · Develop sequenced, value-backed roadmaps delivering in-year savings and sustained simplification Solution and Platform Architecture Leadership · Provide architectural leadership for major R&D initiatives, programs, and platform investments · Drive consistency and reuse across product lifecycle management, project and portfolio management, and development platforms · Ensure alignment with Commercial and Finance systems to support product costing, pricing readiness, and launch execution · Ensure solutions meet regulatory, validation, data integrity, and security requirements Portfolio Simplification and Savings Delivery · Assess the R&D application landscape to identify consolidation, rationalization, and retirement opportunities · Standardize project, portfolio, and development workflows across divisions to reduce duplication and cost · Partner with Finance and Enterprise Architecture to quantify, track, and realize savings · Embed simplification, automation, and cost discipline into R&D architecture decisions Governance and Decision Enablement · Represent R&D architecture within enterprise governance, investment, and technology assessment forums · Enable consistent architectural decision-making without slowing innovation or delivery · Surface cross-domain dependencies, risks, and readiness gaps early Executive Relationships The R&D Domain Architect serves as a trusted advisor to R&D, Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, Regulatory, and IT leadership, enabling integrated product development and successful market launches. Qualifications and Experience · Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, Life Sciences, or equivalent experience · 10+ years in enterprise, domain, or solution architecture roles supporting R&D or product development functions · Deep understanding of regulated healthcare or life sciences development environments · Proven track record delivering portfolio simplification, cost savings, and enterprise-scale standardization · Strong executive communication and influence skills Leadership Profile · Enterprise-first and outcome-driven mindset · Strong understanding of end-to-end product lifecycle and launch readiness · Pragmatic systems thinker balancing innovation, compliance, and cost · Trusted leader who aligns diverse stakeholders and drives execution