Senior Director, AI Strategy & Engineering

Travere Therapeutics • San Diego, CA

3d • $219,000 - $285,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Travere is seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic leader to help drive our AI agenda and strategy. As the Sr. Director, AI Strategy & Engineering, you will lead the development and execution of the enterprise AI strategy, enabling the organization to responsibly and effectively leverage AI across all business functions. This leader will identify high-value, high-impact AI opportunities, define an enterprise AI roadmap that is aligned with the broader Digital and Enterprise Technology vision, and drive adoption of generative AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation capabilities that accelerate innovation, improve productivity, and create measurable business value. As a member of the Digital Innovation & Enterprise Technology Leadership Team, this role will serve as the organization's strategic AI subject matter expert while also developing and leading the AI engineering function for Travere. The position requires a unique blend of strategic vision, technical, engineering acumen, and organizational leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in technology leadership, software engineering, data platforms, AI/ML, or digital transformation in life sciences/pharmaceuticals/biotech.
• 5+ years leading enterprise AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics initiatives.
• Strong understanding of modern AI technologies, including: Large Language Models, Generative AI, AI agents and agentic workflows, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, Machine Learning, Prompt engineering, Vector databases, Enterprise AI platforms.
• Demonstrated success developing enterprise AI strategies and pull through into measurable business impact.
• Experience leading cross-functional technology initiatives across multiple business domains.
• Experience evaluating enterprise technology vendors and managing strategic technology partnerships.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Vision & Execution: Ability to set strategic direction while rolling up sleeves to build early-stage capabilities.
• Communication: Exceptional communicator, able to translate complex topics into business-relevant insights.
• Strong and strategic leader with ability to work cross functionally with ease.
• Previous line management experience with the ability to effectively manage performance, engage team members, provide coaching, and respond to situations affecting staff.
• Exercises excellent judgement in escalating issues and problems where necessary and determining appropriate project communications to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates an empathic approach to problem-solving, with a willingness to work across all levels of leadership and functional areas in a growing, changing, and fast-moving environment.
• Demonstrates an ability to influence without authority in a grounded manner.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and applicable job experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the enterprise AI strategy, vision, and multi-year roadmap aligned with corporate objectives and broader Digital Innovation and Enterprise Technology transformation priorities.
• Identify, prioritize, and validate AI use cases across all business functions, including Commercial, Medical Affairs, R&D, Finance, and People Success.
• Establish a repeatable framework for evaluating AI opportunities based on business impact, technical feasibility, risk, and organizational readiness.
• Continuously assess the rapidly evolving AI landscape and recommend emerging capabilities that provide strategic advantage.
• Lead the Digital Innovation team’s AI engineering capabilities and execution of enterprise AI initiatives.
• Partner closely with Enterprise Technology + Solutions to define the target AI architecture, platforms, integration patterns, security standards, and operational model.
• Oversee development and deployment of generative AI applications, intelligent assistants, AI agents, knowledge retrieval solutions, and workflow automation capabilities.
• Ensure AI solutions are scalable, secure, governed, and integrated into the enterprise technology ecosystem.
• Define the organization's generative AI strategy, including platform selection, model usage, enterprise tools/copilots, retrieval-augmented generation, agentic AI, and emerging foundation model capabilities.
• Develop standards for responsible and effective use of generative AI across the enterprise.
• Drive adoption of enterprise AI capabilities by identifying reusable platforms and shared services that maximize organizational value.
• Evaluate build-versus-buy decisions for AI platforms and capabilities.
• Evaluate third-party AI vendors, products, and strategic partnerships.
• Lead technical and business assessments of AI platforms, startups, and enterprise software capabilities.
• Negotiate technical direction with partners to ensure solutions meet enterprise standards and long-term architectural goals.
• Maintain awareness of market trends, competitive technologies, and regulatory developments impacting enterprise AI.
• Partner with Cybersecurity, Legal, Compliance and Enterprise Technology + Solutions on AI governance, policies, and responsible AI practices.
• Ensure AI initiatives comply with applicable regulations, data governance standards, cybersecurity requirements, and ethical AI principles.
• Define metrics to measure AI adoption, business outcomes, value realization, and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business functions and leadership on AI strategy, investment priorities, and organizational capabilities.
• Build strong partnerships across Enterprise Technology + Solutions, Digital Innovation, and business functions.
• Lead cross-functional teams and committees responsible for delivering enterprise AI capabilities.
• Foster an innovation culture that encourages experimentation while maintaining appropriate governance and risk management.
• Develop enterprise AI literacy and adoption programs.
• Coach leaders and teams on identifying opportunities to leverage AI effectively.
• Establish best practices, reusable frameworks, and centers of excellence that accelerate AI delivery across the organization.
• Build and develop a high-performing AI engineering and strategy team via FTEs and MSPs.

Benefits

• premium health, financial, work-life and well-being offerings for eligible employees and dependents
• wellness and employee support programs
• life insurance
• disability
• retirement plans with employer match
• generous paid time off
• company stock

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director