Digital, Data & AI Lead | Pharma R&D

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading international pharmaceutical company, is seeking a senior consultant to support its R&D Digital, Data & AI (DDAI)transformation initiatives within its US Research & Development organization based in Boston.

This role will act as the local DDAI representative, bridging business, scientific, data, and IT teams while ensuring alignment with the global Digital, Data & AI strategy. The position combines data governance, digital transformation, stakeholder engagement, portfolio prioritization, and change management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary DDAI representative for US R&D stakeholders.
• Capture, structure, and prioritize Digital, Data & AI business needs.
• Ensure alignment between local initiatives and the global DDAI roadmap.
• Partner closely with business and IT teams to drive value-focused initiatives.

Data Governance & Data Management

• Assess and improve data governance practices across the US R&D organization.
• Establish and promote data ownership, quality, metadata, accessibility, and documentation standards.
• Drive alignment with global data governance frameworks and policies.
• Identify and address critical data management challenges and risks.

Portfolio & Demand Management

• Build and maintain a structured backlog of business opportunities and digital initiatives.
• Evaluate business value, dependencies, risks, and implementation priorities.
• Facilitate decision-making and escalation processes across stakeholders.

Change Management & Adoption

• Drive adoption of digital, data, and AI solutions.
• Develop stakeholder engagement and communication plans.
• Define adoption KPIs, readiness measures, and feedback mechanisms.
• Support organizational transformation and user enablement activities.

Executive Reporting

• Communicate achievements, risks, priorities, and value delivered.
• Provide recommendations and insights to senior leadership.

Required Experience

• 10+ years of experience in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, or Healthcare environments.
• Strong background in:
• Data Governance
• Data Management
• Digital Transformation
• AI Enablement
• Experience working with R&D, Research, Clinical Development, Translational Medicine, or Scientific organizations.
• Proven success managing senior stakeholders within complex international organizations.

Technical & Functional

• Data Governance Frameworks
• Data Quality & Data Stewardship
• Digital Product Management
• AI Use Case Assessment
• Analytics Value Management
• Business & IT Alignment
• Change Management
• Agile Delivery Methods

Personal Skills

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex matrix organizations.
• Strong reporting and documentation discipline.