R&D Domain Architect

Location: Deerfield, IL (Hybrid)

Date: April 2026

Role Purpose

The R&D Domain Architect is the senior architecture leader accountable for shaping and governing technology strategy across end-to-end product development and launch. This role translates R&D and enterprise growth strategy into coherent, executable architecture outcomes that deliver measurable in-year savings, enable multi-year simplification, and establish a scalable target-state architecture supporting the full value delivery lifecycle.

The role spans portfolio planning, stage-gate management, regulatory submission, launch readiness, and cross-functional enablement with Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance and other functions. The architect ensures consistency, reuse, and operational efficiency across global R&D portfolios in a regulated healthcare environment.

Outcomes That Define Success

·        Quantifiable in-year and recurring cost savings across the R&D technology portfolio

·        Approved multi-year simplification and modernization roadmaps with clear cost-reduction targets

·        Reduced architectural complexity and standardization of project and portfolio management across divisions

·        Improved time-to-market and launch readiness through integrated, end-to-end architecture

·        Improved decision quality and visibility across portfolio, pipeline, and investment trade-offs

Core Responsibilities

Strategy Realization: R&D Architecture

·        Partner with R&D leadership to translate innovation and growth strategies into target operating models and capability roadmaps

·        Lead target-state architecture across product development, R&D lab management, product design and testing, product security and regulatory compliance, and product release.

·        Ensure architectural alignment across regulatory, clinical, quality, manufacturing, and commercial readiness activities

·        Develop sequenced, value-backed roadmaps delivering in-year savings and sustained simplification

Solution and Platform Architecture Leadership

·        Provide architectural leadership for major R&D initiatives, programs, and platform investments

·        Drive consistency and reuse across product lifecycle management, project and portfolio management, and development platforms

·        Ensure alignment with Commercial and Finance systems to support product costing, pricing readiness, and launch execution

·        Ensure solutions meet regulatory, validation, data integrity, and security requirements

Portfolio Simplification and Savings Delivery

·        Assess the R&D application landscape to identify consolidation, rationalization, and retirement opportunities

·        Standardize project, portfolio, and development workflows across divisions to reduce duplication and cost

·        Partner with Finance and Enterprise Architecture to quantify, track, and realize savings

·        Embed simplification, automation, and cost discipline into R&D architecture decisions

Governance and Decision Enablement

·        Represent R&D architecture within enterprise governance, investment, and technology assessment forums

·        Enable consistent architectural decision-making without slowing innovation or delivery

·        Surface cross-domain dependencies, risks, and readiness gaps early

Executive Relationships

The R&D Domain Architect serves as a trusted advisor to R&D, Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, Regulatory, and IT leadership, enabling integrated product development and successful market launches.

Qualifications and Experience

·        Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, Life Sciences, or equivalent experience

·        10+ years in enterprise, domain, or solution architecture roles supporting R&D or product development functions

·        Deep understanding of regulated healthcare or life sciences development environments

·        Proven track record delivering portfolio simplification, cost savings, and enterprise-scale standardization

·        Strong executive communication and influence skills

Leadership Profile

·        Enterprise-first and outcome-driven mindset

·        Strong understanding of end-to-end product lifecycle and launch readiness

·        Pragmatic systems thinker balancing innovation, compliance, and cost

·        Trusted leader who aligns diverse stakeholders and drives execution