Executive Director, Research & Development Systems

Listing Info Executive Director, Commercial Systems Lead Reports to:  CIO Location:  Cheshire Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with severe and ultra-rare disorders through the innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. Alexion is the global leader in complement inhibition, and has developed and markets Soliris® (eculizumab) as a treatment for patients with PNH and aHUS, two debilitating, ultra-rare and life-threatening disorders caused by chronic uncontrolled complement activation. Soliris is currently approved in more than 40 countries for the treatment of PNH, and in the United States and European Union for the treatment of aHUS. Alexion is evaluating other potential indications for Soliris and is pursuing development of other innovative biotechnology product candidates in early stages of development. Further information about Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. can be found at: www.alexionpharma.com. Position Summary The “IT Lead,” Research and Development Systems, is a senior member of the IT Leadership team reporting directly to the CIO. They are responsible for all activities necessary to support Alexion’s current and future R&D systems, processes, and applications. The IT Lead is the primary technology liaison to R&D—ensuring effective and consistent systems delivery, IT operational excellence, balanced demand and resource planning, and forward integration. The IT Lead is adept at identifying and communicating risk to the project or business team. They are a strong collaborator—contributing innovative ideas and digital strategies across the R&D organization. The ideal candidate will have a mixed background of science and technology with a Master’s degree in one or both fields of study. They will have direct experience implementing systems, managing projects, and inspiring and motivating others. Principal Responsibilities

• Collaborate with R&D and IT executives to find successful strategies that directly contribute to the success of Alexion’s R&D business
• Spearhead innovation workshops to identify areas for business process improvements, R&D benefit, or risk reduction.
• Identify, recruit and retain top IT Talent in support of R&D business functions
• Motivate and inspire direct reports and R&D colleagues to ensure alignment and strong participation
• Serve as the IT representative for Research & Development executives to ensure that business requirements and priorities are being addressed across the R&D organization.
• Serve as thought leader for Research & Development as it relates to systems and capabilities.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of technology solutions that maximize value to the business stakeholders, weighing requirements, cost, and timelines.
• Interpret, analyze and translate business needs into clear and concise strategies and plans for implementation.
• Oversee the authoring of documentation such as requirements specifications, data models, test plans, and other SDLC deliverables.
• Partner with IT and R&D leaders to clarify requirements and prepare ensure appropriate project deliverables and requirements
• Collaborate with IT leadership to develop project resource estimates, budgets and timelines for upcoming projects.
• Work with IT Technical Services and Security groups to understand currently-supported and emerging technology platforms as well as dependencies.
• Interface with IT and enterprise PMO to ensure all tasks and project interdependencies are accurately reflected in project plans.
• Accountable for the overall leader for the R&D systems IT program and portfolio of projects
• Oversee data and systems quality in the R&D function—writing Service level agreements that align with business expectations
• Ensure staff properly document, initiate, and execute changes for GxP-regulated systems.
• Strong understanding of bioinformatics and supporting systems

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented, self-starter and able to work both independently and in a team environment
• Experience managing technical resources and project teams
• Strong R&D, technical aptitude, demonstrated by experience in implementing, configuring, administering, and testing computer systems.
• Experience with Research & Development systems and processes (Laboratory instruments, Electronic Lab Notebooks, LIMS systems, Informatics platforms).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight timelines
• Must have experience working directly with executive level staff.
• Understanding of PMI methodologies and project management experience
• Excellent and proven verbal communication skills
• Experience with formalized change management processes
• Understanding of both regulatory (GxP) and corporate compliance.

Education / Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific or information technology discipline.
• Masters in bioinformatics or computer science preferred
• 15+ years of progressive levels of pharmaceutical or biotech experience, with focus in Research & Development
• Consulting industry experience preferred

As a leading employer in our industry, Alexion is proud to offer a highly competitive package of base and incentive compensation as well as a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the health, wellness and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits include group medical, vision and dental coverage, group and supplemental life insurance, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and much more. To learn more about Alexion, please visit www.alexionpharma.com or download our App for iPhones and Blackberries. Alexion is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative action employer