Senior Director, Data Engineering

Position Summary

Data Technologies and Analytics Solutions (DTAS) in Data & Analytics (D&A) is an organization comprised of multiple functional teams. The remit of the Senior Director, Data, AI, and Software Engineering position will have responsibilities to lead and continue to evolve this technically focused team while collaborating and leveraging the adjacent functions: Data Science Solutions and the DTAS Liaisons.

The Data, AI and Software Engineering team will focus on the software development (design and coding), system design, testing and debugging, deployment, and maintenance needs of the DTAS portfolio in support of Otsuka’s Development, Commercial, Corporate function, and Enterprise goals. This team is a centralized capability and comprises of programmers, full-stack software developers, and data engineers who, aligned with Otsuka IT, design, create/code, test, deploy, manage and maintain fit for purpose across both, COTS and custom built solutions as well as working with other D&A pillars to enable data collection, curation, quality, consolidation, preparation, testing, deployment, access, and maintenance of databases. The Data, AI and Software Engineering team will provide support across R&D, Corporate Functions and select advanced analytics support to Commercial Analytics. This team will also be critical to supporting OAPI/OPDC AI Enablement through the AI Council and enterprise AI use cases.

This role oversees computer scientists, programmers, data and full-stack engineers and architects who deliver technical capabilities in an integrated manner to support the broad Otsuka portfolio.

Reporting to the E.D., Data Technologies & Analytics Solutions, this leader will become a driving force of change, cross-functional collaboration, impactful innovation, quality, and delivery across the OAPI/OPDC organization.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, oversight and operational/technical/strategic direction to the Data, AI and Software Engineering team that is aligned to the broader Otsuka strategic plan and achievement of Corporate Goals.
• Through collaboration with other D&A and DTAS pillars and cross-functional partners, a high functioning Data, AI, and Software Engineering team would be expected to:
  • deliver leading edge engineering approaches, effective enterprise data strategy (specifically clinical, operational, and real-world data), robust and responsible AI/ML model development, fit-for-purpose clinical development data stewardship strategies to enable key data insights to inform decision making and assist in business transformation initiatives.
  • development and deployment, access, and maintenance of databases.
  • development, deployment, and product management of business enabling applications.
  • provide modernized reporting, visualization, and modeling of data/information to enable business partners to assess and monitor indicators of performance, quality and risks as well as provide predictive and prescriptive insights.
  • suitable, essential, high-quality, auditable, and robust architecture and engineering solutions with a focus on operational excellence.
  • digital data solutions from an innovation hub established by DTAS involving a lean data and digital analytics incubation approach to explore, experiment, and rapidly deploy emerging tools from both within and outside our industry, thereby positioning Otsuka to take advantage of potential disruptions in the marketplace.
• Contributes to the rolling Strategic Plan and corresponding roadmap for DTAS.
• Accountable to awareness and exploration of external landscape and emerging data technologies and trends in partnership across DTAS, D&A and IT stakeholders. Developing business cases, inclusive of ROI, designed to bring modern approaches forward and advocate for new data tools and technologies that will position internal stakeholder to deliver with industry-leading instruments.
• In support of multiple domain portfolios and strategies, such as Clinical Development, Commercial, HR, Ethics & Compliance, and Legal Affairs. In partnership with the other DTAS leaders, this leader will ensure portfolio prioritization is consistent with the enterprise imperatives and that there is the necessary domain expertise within their organization.
• Working with other DTAS leadership, evolve the demand management for DTAS in consideration of the inputs and requirements of key stakeholders, vendors, and broad organizational objectives to ensure needs are met in a timely and effective manner.
• Operational excellence would be demonstrated through effective and efficient delivery across the multiple portfolios supported by the DTAS organization. This includes but is not limited to the resourcing, prioritization, timeline management, functional outsourcing, etc... A key success factor will be striking the optimal balance of internal core competencies and the strategic leveraging of external support.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of evolving policy and work practice needs as well as their respective training compliance. In partnership with Information Governance, initiates the development of new or enhancement of existing policies and work practices along with their respective training.
• Contributes to DTAS and D&A departmental governance reviews of portfolio and prioritization discussions. Regular monitoring and reporting on the operational health of DTAS, using scorecard and metrics reflecting the functional performance of financials, quality, and cycle-time.
• Function as a knowledge base and resource to project teams. Serves as a point of escalation and resolution for the Data, AI, and Software Engineering team.
• Models and coaches engagement best practices that enable thought partnership and engender a collaborative environment with healthy debate.
• Contributes to enhancing the AI readiness and Data literacy of the Otsuka organization.
• Guides and informs the broader organization to the considerations and opportunities of efficient data architecture and engineering, inclusive of strategic use of vendors.
• Fosters a culture that focuses on the achievement of goals and personal accountability, through the setting of objectives and expectations, monitoring to plan, the redirection as needed and the celebration of achievements.
• Fosters a culture that embraces the strategic use of data into decision making enabling greater business outcomes.
• Builds a learning culture within and external to DTAS, where individuals are provided growth and development opportunities.
• Accountable for ensuring collaborations and communications with key stakeholders of Data, AI, and Software Engineering.
• Attract, retain, engage, develop, and promote talent to build a team with an optimal balance of experience and diverse perspectives.
• As a member of the DTAS Leadership Team, models the balance of innovation and intellectual curiosity with discipline and structure. Is a champion of value-add change and evolution and is able to inspire and motivate others.

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, Education, and Experience

Knowledge/ Experience and Skills:

• Experience working within the pharmaceutical industry within analytics, data operations or data technology organizations.
• Formal education/training and extensive experience with software development, system design, modeling, application development and deployment. Specifically having expertise in data processing, structured and unstructured data, creating scalable and efficient software architectures, and AI/ML/genAI.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Java, C++, JavaScript; Visualization tools including PowerBI, Tableau; DevOps and MLOps tools and workflows.
• Experience driving responsible AI adoption and deep knowledge of LLMs
• Experience supporting development, corporate functions, and/or commercial portfolios spanning multiple products or therapeutic areas.
• Experience with structured and unstructured data; well versed in database design, applications, and large-scale processing systems.
• Experience developing comprehensive business cases and executing against large, multi-function strategic initiatives.
• Line and performance management experience with complex and technical teams.
• Vendor selection and management experience.
• Management of a budget, inclusive of resourcing and outsourcing and discretionary spend.
• Experience driving large, complex change efforts and to drive results through influence and change management strategies.
• Exceptional and demonstrated ability to co-create and work collectively with business leaders from various functional areas and other key stakeholders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to organize, conceptually interpret and clearly communicate material developed collaboratively via the input of multiple parties; translate complexity into the actionable
• Effective partnership, influencing and negotiation skills

Educational Qualification:

• Graduate degree in a technical field such as data science, computer science, computer engineering, statistics or similar certification required
• Minimum 10 years of industry related experience within the pharmaceutical industry
• Minimum 5 years of leadership responsibilities required

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Travel (approximately 15%)

Competencies
Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Minimum $225,490.00 - Maximum $337,180.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting salary for candidates hired to perform the work. Other elements may be used to determine actual salary such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Company benefits: comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, company provided Basic Life, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, a 401(k) match, PTO allotment each calendar year, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Come discover more about Otsuka and our benefit offerings; https://www.otsuka-us.com/careers-join-otsuka.

Disclaimer:  

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. 

 

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.   

 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability.  You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Accommodation Request. 

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