Executive Director - DDCS Digital Transformation & Data Science

Eli Lilly and Company • Indianapolis, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Data Sciences & Digital Transformation will lead a specialized, multidisciplinary team of data and AI professionals to drive digital transformation and establish a comprehensive data strategy within DDCS's regulated pharmaceutical and medical device development environment. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker who bridges technical expertise with business acumen to accelerate innovation, streamline workflows, and enhance decision-making capabilities—serving both the innovation and commercialization verticals of the DDCS matrix.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Information Systems, or related technical field with 15+ years of experience in data management, data science, or digital transformation roles.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing enterprise-scale data architecture and AI/ML solutions.
• Deep understanding of modern data architecture patterns (data lakes, data mesh, lakehouse architectures).
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects and leading digital transformation initiatives in a matrix organization.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 10 years of experience
• Held a leadership or management position with direct reports.
• Experience with regulatory compliance requirements (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GxP, CSV/CSA) in pharmaceutical or related industries.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their data services.
• Strong knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics methodologies.
• Familiarity with programming languages (Python, R, SQL) and data science tools.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D processes (drug discovery, development, clinical trials, regulatory submissions).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the DDCS digital transformation strategy, data strategy, roadmap, and implementation plans—anchored in the matrix model's priorities.
• Champion a data-driven culture and promote adoption of advanced analytics and AI solutions across DDCS horizontals and verticals.
• Define and communicate the long-term vision for data architecture and computational sciences capabilities.
• Integrate data and AI capabilities across all DDCS functions and ensure alignment with organizational business needs and strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data assets for competitive advantage; quantify and communicate the business impact of data and AI initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team spanning Data Management, AI/ML, IT/API Development, and Scientific Modeling disciplines.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative team environment encouraging continuous learning and professional growth.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance objectives aligned to the horizontal discipline model.
• Build organizational capability through talent acquisition, training, and succession planning.
• Develop and evolve enterprise data architecture to support current and future DDCS business needs—scalable, secure, governed.
• Drive implementation of data science solutions to streamline, integrate, and automate technical workflows and business processes.
• Accelerate decision-making through strategic deployment of analytics and AI capabilities across innovation and commercialization programs.
• Identify and drive DDCS and PRD opportunities to apply data science for scientific insights and decision support.
• Provide directions and resource.
• Oversee DDCS data projects from conception through implementation and optimization.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and metrics to track progress and measure success.
• Identify project risks, barriers, and dependencies; proactively develop mitigation strategies.
• Manage project portfolios, prioritize initiatives, and allocate resources effectively.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, business leaders, and external partners.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across the DDCS matrix to inform strategy, gain alignment, and unlock complex business challenges.
• Communicate technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences; translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Contribute to PRD and Lilly-wide data initiatives; serve as primary point of contact for DDCS data and AI initiatives.
• Maintain presence in external scientific field to establish Lilly’s leadership position in this field.
• Utilize external learning to inform internal strategy and innovation.
• Ensure security, integrity, and compliance of data with regulatory standards (FDA, EMA, ICH) and industry best practices.
• Establish and enforce data governance policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure responsible and appropriate application of AI/ML technologies in regulated contexts.
• Maintain validation and documentation standards for computerized systems in compliance with GxP requirements.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
• flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
• life insurance and death benefits
• certain time off and leave of absence benefits
• well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees