Director for Data Architecture

The Director for Data Architecture will lead Amgen’s enterprise data architecture and solutions strategy, overseeing the design, integration, and deployment of scalable, secure, and future-ready data systems. This leader will define the architectural vision and guide a high-performing team of architects and technical experts to implement data and analytics solutions that drive business value and innovation.

This role demands a strong blend of business acumen, deep technical expertise, and strategic thinking to align data capabilities with the company's mission and growth. The Director will also serve as a key liaison with executive leadership, influencing technology investment and enterprise data direction.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop and own the enterprise data architecture and solutions roadmap, aligned with Amgen’s business strategy and digital transformation goals.
• Provide executive leadership and oversight of data architecture initiatives across business domains (R&D, Commercial, Manufacturing, etc.).
• Lead and grow a high-impact team of data and solution architects. Coach, mentor, and foster innovation and continuous improvement in the team.
• Design and promote modern data architectures (data mesh, data fabric, lakehouse etc.) across hybrid cloud environments and enable for AI readiness.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define solution blueprints, integrating business requirements with technical strategy to drive value.
• Drive enterprise-wide adoption of data modeling, metadata management, and data lineage standards.
• Ensure solutions meet enterprise-grade requirements for security, performance, scalability, compliance, and data governance.
• Partner closely with Enterprise Architecture, Data Governance, Data Engineering, Analytics, AI/ML, and IT Security teams to operationalize data solutions that enable advanced analytics and decision-making.
• Champion innovation and continuous evolution of Amgen’s data and analytics landscape through new technologies and industry best practices.
• Communicate architectural strategy and project outcomes to executive leadership and other non-technical stakeholders.

Functional Skills:

Must-Have Skills:

• 15+ years of experience in data architecture or solution architecture leadership roles, including experience at the enterprise level.
• Proven experience leading architecture strategy and delivery in the life sciences or pharmaceutical industry.
• Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and modern data technologies (data lakes, APIs, ETL/ELT frameworks).
• Strong understanding of data governance, compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GxP), and data privacy best practices.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional, global teams and large-scale data programs.
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, etc.).
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of managing and mentoring high-performing data architecture teams.

Good-to-Have Skills:

• Master’s or doctorate in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 18 to 23 years of experience.
• Certifications in cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Experience integrating AI/ML solutions into enterprise Data Architecture.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation).
• Scaled Agile or similar methodology experience.

Leadership and Communication Skills:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence at the executive level.
• Strong executive presence with excellent communication and storytelling skills.
• Ability to lead in a matrixed, global environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative, proactive, and business-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage complex initiatives.
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully.