Career Category

Job Description

Director for Data Architecture

The Director for Data Architecture will lead Amgen’s enterprise data architecture and solutions strategy, overseeing the design, integration, and deployment of scalable, secure, and future-ready data systems. This leader will define the architectural vision and guide a high-performing team of architects and technical experts to implement data and analytics solutions that drive business value and innovation.

This role demands a strong blend of business acumen, deep technical expertise, and strategic thinking to align data capabilities with the company's mission and growth. The Director will also serve as a key liaison with executive leadership, influencing technology investment and enterprise data direction.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Develop and own the enterprise data architecture and solutions roadmap, aligned with Amgen’s business strategy and digital transformation goals.
• Provide executive leadership and oversight of data architecture initiatives across business domains (R&D, Commercial, Manufacturing, etc.).
• Lead and grow a high-impact team of data and solution architects. Coach, mentor, and foster innovation and continuous improvement in the team.
• Design and promote modern data architectures (data mesh, data fabric, lakehouse etc.) across hybrid cloud environments and enable for AI readiness.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define solution blueprints, integrating business requirements with technical strategy to drive value.
• Drive enterprise-wide adoption of data modeling, metadata management, and data lineage standards.
• Ensure solutions meet enterprise-grade requirements for security, performance, scalability, compliance, and data governance.
• Partner closely with Enterprise Architecture, Data Governance, Data Engineering, Analytics, AI/ML, and IT Security teams to operationalize data solutions that enable advanced analytics and decision-making.
• Champion innovation and continuous evolution of Amgen’s data and analytics landscape through new technologies and industry best practices.
• Communicate architectural strategy and project outcomes to executive leadership and other non-technical stakeholders.

Functional Skills:

Must-Have Skills:

• 15+ years of experience in data architecture or solution architecture leadership roles, including experience at the enterprise level.
• Proven experience leading architecture strategy and delivery in the life sciences or pharmaceutical industry.
• Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and modern data technologies (data lakes, APIs, ETL/ELT frameworks).
• Strong understanding of data governance, compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GxP), and data privacy best practices.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional, global teams and large-scale data programs.
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman, etc.).
• Proven leadership skills with a track record of managing and mentoring high-performing data architecture teams.

Good-to-Have Skills:

• Master’s or doctorate in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 18 to 23 years of experience.
• Certifications in cloud architecture (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Experience integrating AI/ML solutions into enterprise Data Architecture.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation).
• Scaled Agile or similar methodology experience.

Leadership and Communication Skills:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence at the executive level.
• Strong executive presence with excellent communication and storytelling skills.
• Ability to lead in a matrixed, global environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative, proactive, and business-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage complex initiatives.
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully.