Director, Digital Transformation & AI Strategy – Technical Operations

Kite Pharma•Foster City, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic leader to shape Kite’s future by integrating advanced analytics, AI, and new digital technologies into Technical Operations. This high-impact, high-visibility role will drive enterprise-wide transformation programs, enabling data-driven decision-making, digital solutions, and operational excellence. This position is responsible for translating a strategic vision into integrated, value-creating roadmaps that guide our portfolio of AI, Data Science, and Digital efforts. This position requires creativity, strong business acumen, and the ability to influence and partner across the enterprise. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of achieving mid- to long-range strategic objectives through collaboration, influence, and leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and Twelve Years' Experience OR Masters' Degree and Ten Years' Experience OR PhD and Eight Years' Experience

Nice To Haves

Experience in biopharma product commercialization and lifecycle management.
Proven experience leading digital transformation initiatives in a regulated environment.
Expertise in AI/ML platforms, data architecture, and advanced analytics tools.
Robust analytical capabilities and experience supporting high-impact analyses.
Strong strategic and business analysis skills with ability to evaluate risks and opportunities.
Proven leadership in managing multiple projects and workshops of varying scope; excellent facilitation and project management skills.
Track record of influencing and collaborating across enterprise functions to deliver measurable outcomes.
Excellent facilitation and project management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Expertise in change management.
Robust analytical capabilities and experience supporting high-impact analyses.
Strong strategic and business analysis with ability to evaluate risks and opportunities.
Agile and adaptable in shifting priorities while maintaining alignment with strategic roadmaps.
Enterprise and cross-functional mindset to support Kite’s portfolio holistically.
Neutral to competing priorities; facilitates resolution and forward movement.
Builds relationships, leads by influence, and acts as a trusted partner.
Ensures collaboration and decision quality by engaging key stakeholders.
Accelerates decisions that drive product launches and lifecycle changes while maintaining transparency and execution discipline.
Stays closely connected to business priorities and demonstrates proactive, forward-thinking planning.
Acts as a visionary and catalyst for change, inspiring teams to embrace innovation.

Responsibilities

Define and execute a cohesive AI and digital roadmap aligned with Kite’s and Tech Ops’ strategic objectives.
Drive adoption of scalable AI solutions across the value chain to enhance productivity, insight generation, and decision-making.
Partner with IT and business stakeholders to capture desired outcomes, define use cases, and ensure robust data management practices for integrity and compliance.
Champion platform approaches for data science, infrastructure, and visualization.
Orchestrate prioritization across initiatives (‘Every Day AI’, ‘Productivity Boosters’, ‘Leap Forwards’) to achieve measurable outcomes.
Define KPIs for AI adoption and digital maturity; track and report progress to senior leadership.
Represent Technical Operations on the Kite Data Science Council to support enterprise capability buildout.
Facilitate workshops and sessions to integrate disparate strategies into cohesive roadmaps.
Build relationships and lead by influence across Gilead and Kite organizations.
Stay informed on emerging technologies and translate insights into actionable strategies.
Author future-focused roadmaps that enable scalability and competitive advantage.
Lead and support transformation initiatives through their lifecycle.
Serve as a catalyst for cultural change, embedding continuous improvement and innovation across global teams.
Evaluate operating models and talent requirements to support transformation goals.