Senior Director, Core Technology Architect

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a Senior Director, Solution Architect – Core Technology to serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for defining and driving an integrated architecture strategy across infrastructure and collaboration platforms in a global, GxP-regulated biopharma environment. This leader will establish the foundational architecture function within Core Technology and partner closely with domain leaders across cloud, network, collaboration, end-user computing, workplace technology, and service management. This role will ensure that enterprise technologies are cohesive, scalable, secure, and compliant, while helping shape a unified AI and digital workplace strategy across Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, and end-user environments. This role will partner closely with Information Security to co-architect cybersecurity capabilities across the Core Technology ecosystem and drive alignment between infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategies to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant technology solutions.

Requirements

Azure architecture and cloud services
AWS cloud environments
Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Microsoft Teams
Exchange
SharePoint
Microsoft Copilot
Azure AI
Enterprise networking and infrastructure
SD-WAN
Security architecture alignment and experience co-architecting cybersecurity technologies including identity, endpoint protection, network security, zero-trust, and cloud security solutions.
Data center and hybrid hosting
End-user computing across Windows, Mac, and mobility platforms
Collaboration technologies including Zoom and Teams Rooms
ServiceNow and ITSM platforms
Architecture governance and standards development
Reference architecture and integration pattern design
Technology lifecycle management and rationalization
12–15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure and workplace technologies
Proven experience in solution architecture or enterprise architecture leadership roles
Experience operating in complex, global enterprise environments
Demonstrated success working across multiple infrastructure domains simultaneously
Experience in GxP-regulated environments such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare strongly preferred
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in a federated organization
Strong executive presence with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business-aligned recommendations
Proven ability to balance strategic architecture with pragmatic execution
Experience collaborating with global vendors, strategic partners, and managed service providers

Nice To Haves

Experience enabling enterprise AI solutions in a regulated environment
Familiarity with digital workplace transformation initiatives
Background in hybrid infrastructure and global collaboration ecosystems
Knowledge of service delivery operating models and managed services integration
Experience improving interoperability across infrastructure, workplace, and support platforms
Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and secure-by-design architecture principles

Responsibilities

Define and drive end-to-end solution architecture across Core Technology domains, including: Cloud platforms, with an Azure-first strategy and existing AWS footprint, Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, and Copilot enablement, Enterprise network services, including connectivity, SD-WAN, and global infrastructure, Data center and hybrid hosting environments, End-user computing across Windows, Mac, and mobility, Conference room and workplace collaboration technologies, including Zoom and Teams Rooms, ITSM and service experience platforms, including ServiceNow.
Partner with Information Security to co-architect and integrate cybersecurity platforms and controls across cloud, network, workplace, collaboration, and end-user computing domains, ensuring alignment with Core Technology reference architecture, operational models, and enterprise risk requirements.
Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture across the enterprise.
Create reference architectures, design standards, and integration patterns across technology domains.
Eliminate silos and ensure interoperability across Core Technology services.
Drive scalable and sustainable architectural approaches that support global business needs.
Lead Core Technology architecture strategy to enable enterprise AI capabilities.
Support AI enablement within: The Microsoft ecosystem, including Copilot, Microsoft 365, and Azure AI, End-user productivity and collaboration platforms.
Ensure AI-related solutions are securely integrated across infrastructure layers.
Partner with Security and Data teams to align AI architecture with governance, privacy, and regulatory expectations.
Help shape a seamless and secure digital workplace experience for employees globally.
Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architectures across the enterprise.
Establish architecture governance processes, including: Design reviews, Technology standards, Exception management.
Serve as the central point of accountability for cross-domain architectural decisions.
Ensure alignment with GxP, regulatory, compliance, and security requirements.
Drive lifecycle management, rationalization, and modernization of Core Technology platforms.
Operate as a peer to Directors across Network, Cloud, EUC, Collaboration, and related domains.
Serve as the primary Core Technology architecture partner to Information Security, driving joint architecture reviews, technology evaluations, integration decisions, and long-term platform strategy.
Influence technical direction across a federated organization without direct authority.
Partner closely with Information Security, Data Services, and Application teams to define and maintain a unified infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategy and roadmap.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior DTE leadership on technology strategy, investments, and roadmap decisions.
Balance strategic vision with practical execution to accelerate business value.
Shape architecture strategy in partnership with key vendors and service providers, including: Microsoft (Azure, M365), Cisco, Palo Alto, Verizon, AT&T (network and security), Zoom (collaboration), ServiceNow (ITSM), Accenture (managed services and operations), Lenovo, Dell, Apple (end-user computing).
Ensure third-party solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and long-term technology strategy.
Support effective vendor collaboration to deliver secure, compliant, and high-performing services.
Ensure solutions are designed for operability in partnership with outsourced operations teams.
Drive consistency between architecture and service delivery models, including Service Desk and Deskside Support.
Improve end-user experience, supportability, and reliability through cohesive technical design.
Strengthen alignment between architecture, engineering, and operations.