Senior Director, Development AI Program Management

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, Development AI Program Management based in the United States.

This senior leadership role will drive the delivery of high-priority AI and operational transformation initiatives across the Development organization. You will turn emerging AI capabilities into measurable business value by shaping the portfolio, establishing delivery discipline, and leading complex programs from concept through adoption. Working closely with technology, scientific, operational, and executive stakeholders, you will ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and against clearly defined outcomes. The role combines strategic portfolio leadership with hands-on oversight of program execution, governance, compliance, and value realization. You will also help embed responsible AI into regulated development workflows while building scalable standards and capabilities for future initiatives. This is an opportunity to influence how AI transforms drug development in a collaborative, science-driven, and highly regulated environment

Accountabilities:

• Partner with Development leadership and the AI Steering Committee to identify, assess, and prioritize AI and operational transformation opportunities based on strategic value, feasibility, risk, and organizational priorities.
• Own the end-to-end delivery of high-impact AI programs, coordinating cross-functional teams across Development, IT, and partner functions from initial concept through deployment and transition to ongoing operations.
• Manage scope, timelines, budgets, resources, dependencies, and risks, proactively resolving blockers and ensuring predictable and high-quality execution.
• Establish business cases and success measures at the outset of initiatives, then monitor adoption, efficiency, quality, impact, and other value metrics following implementation.
• Serve as the primary bridge between business stakeholders and technology teams, translating Development priorities into clear requirements and ensuring solutions align with scalable technology platforms, standards, and delivery practices.
• Provide ongoing oversight of deployed AI solutions, including performance, output quality, adoption, model or process drift, and compliance with GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, and applicable governance requirements.
• Lead organizational change management, including stakeholder engagement, training, adoption strategies, and reinforcement of new AI-enabled workflows.
• Establish and manage program governance, stage gates, status reporting, steering updates, and executive decision forums, providing clear visibility into progress, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders across Development, IT, CMC, portfolio and project management, and other partner functions.
• Develop and mentor program and project delivery talent while creating repeatable standards, tools, frameworks, and playbooks that enable responsible AI delivery at scale.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, technology, business, or related discipline required; an advanced degree such as an MS, MBA, or PhD is preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical or life sciences drug development, R&D operations, technology-enabled transformation, or a closely related field, including 5+ years leading large, complex cross-functional programs and teams.
• Demonstrated success managing enterprise-scale initiatives from strategy through implementation while delivering measurable business outcomes and sustained value.
• Strong understanding of AI, automation, and digital technologies, with the ability to connect business needs to practical technology solutions in partnership with IT.
• Experience working within GxP-regulated environments, with strong knowledge of 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity, computerized system validation, and compliance expectations for AI-enabled systems.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, align stakeholders without direct authority, facilitate difficult decisions, and communicate effectively with senior executives.
• Strong program and portfolio management capabilities, including prioritization, risk management, dependency management, metrics, value tracking, and executive reporting.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, organizational change, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to operate effectively across diverse functions and organizational levels.
• PMP, PgMP, Agile/Scrum, or equivalent program management certification is preferred; change management certification such as Prosci is an advantage.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment where priorities evolve and new technologies require pragmatic, structured decision-making.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10-15% for team, partner, and stakeholder collaboration.

Benefits:

• Base salary range of $242,800-$300,000 USD, with actual compensation determined by experience, qualifications, geographic considerations, and internal equity.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus.
• Equity and/or long-term incentive opportunities.
• Employee stock purchase plan or equivalent offerings.
• Generous vacation time and observed public holidays.
• Paid volunteer days.
• Employee wellbeing and fitness reimbursement programs.
• Tuition sponsorship and professional development support.
• Professional development plans and opportunities for continued learning.
• Remote work model with occasional travel to offices or other locations as business needs require.
• Benefits may vary depending on region and country.