Senior Director, HR Technology and Digital Innovation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc•Boston, MA

28d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, HR Technology and Digital Innovation leads the strategic transformation of HR technologies and HR data platforms at Vertex. This role is responsible for architecting and executing a forward-looking digital roadmap that integrates AI, automation, and analytics to enhance employee experience, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across the HR function. This role will lead a team responsible for architecture, design, development, support and future roadmaps for HR applications. These systems include as examples Workday, Cornerstone, GoodTime or a new Digital Assistant. The Senior Director, HR Technology and Digital Innovation will collaborate with senior leaders and other key stakeholders across several areas of the business to identify, prioritize and deliver technology solutions in support of their goals and objectives.

Requirements

Deep experience with Workday, Cornerstone, Skills-based platforms supporting career development and workforce planning.
Deep expertise in HR systems architecture, data strategy, and digital transformation.
Deep experience with enterprise application and SaaS implementations, upgrades, enhancements and operational support procedures
Advanced knowledge of AI, machine learning, robotic process automation, and cloud-based HR platforms.
Strong understanding of data governance, analytics, and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI).
Proven ability to lead complex system integrations and enterprise-wide technology initiatives.
Exceptional strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership skills.
Ability to translate business needs into scalable digital solutions.
Strong communication and storytelling skills to influence across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated ability to foster innovation and drive continuous improvement.
Very strong communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills
Proven capabilities in people management and building high-performing teams
Experience with running IT managed services or outsourced/ offshore teams
Program/ project management, demand management, resource management and system life cycle expertise
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field.
Typically requires 12+ years of progressive experience in HR technology, data, and digital transformation, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA, MS in Data Science or HR Technology) preferred.
Experience in biotech/pharma or highly regulated industries strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with business stakeholders across Human Resources in order to manage and prioritize the technology portfolio and continually build the future roadmap
Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders - become a trusted partner and have an ongoing, significant impact towards meeting strategic business goals
Present ideas and forward-looking plans to, and engage directly with, cross-functional senior leaders on regular basis
Direct and lead a group of 7 Vertex team members (four direct reports), plus a managed services team of support engineers, developers, and systems analysts
Oversee a portfolio of projects, programs, releases and system enhancements, assuring quality and timeliness of delivery while remaining within allocated budget limits
Proactively offer innovative technologies, solution ideas, and potential business process improvements in pursuit of driving efficiencies and meeting business needs
Enhance and improve internal processes and procedures related to demand management, resource management, project delivery, platform releases and ongoing operational support
Manage relationships with our strategic software vendors and service providers
Provide day-to-day support and maintenance for Workday and other applications, ensuring maximum uptime, high performance, and excellent customer service
Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements across all HR systems and platforms.
Work closely with Data Privacy, Security, Compliance, Internal Audit and Quality Assurance groups as needed to ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and GxP regulations, as well as our DTE (Data Technology and Engineering) system lifecycle
Participate as a member of the G&A and Enterprise Systems Leadership Team, driving overall strategy for the team
Develop and lead the enterprise-wide HR technology strategy, including system architecture, data governance, and integration frameworks.
Drive innovation through the adoption of AI, machine learning, and automation tools to optimize HR operations and employee services.
Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of core HR systems (e.g., Workday, analytics platforms, AI platforms and other Saas platforms), ensuring alignment with business needs and scalability.
Partner with cross-functional leaders to ensure seamless integration of HR systems with enterprise platforms, enabling end-to-end digital workflows.
Champion change management initiatives to drive adoption of new technologies and digital capabilities across the HR organization.
Manage vendor relationships and evaluate emerging technologies to ensure Vertex remains at the forefront of HR digital innovation.
Build and lead a high-performing team of HR technology and data professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Serve as a strategic advisor to HR and business leadership on digital trends, capabilities, and transformation opportunities.