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Job DescriptionSr Director: Foster City Manufacturing IT & Operational Technology, Digital LeaderGilead Sciences is seeking an exceptional leader who is highly motivated, passionate, experienced, and adaptable to lead the Foster City Manufacturing IT, OT and Data and Digital team. Reporting to Head of PDM IT, with dotted line reporting to the Head of Foster City Manufacturing, you will collaborate with key local and global partners to design and implement a world class IT, process automation, MES, and overall end-to-end digital manufacturing technology strategy for Foster City Manufacturing that advances Gilead's overall digital ambitions.
The scope of this role will include the existing API and OSD GMP manufacturing facilities as well as take a leading role in designing a new state of the art Single-Use DS Biologics Manufacturing facility in Foster City.
This is a site based role in Foster City, CA at our Global Headquarters. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Leadership- IT /OT Technology business Partner and standing member of Foster City Site Manufacturing Leadership Team
- Leadership role in designing a new state of the art Single-Use DS Biologics Manufacturing facility in Foster City.
- Develop and execute the digital strategy for Foster City Manufacturing, aligned with Gilead's global manufacturing and IT vision and standards.
- Champion AI-driven innovation across manufacturing, leveraging ML models for predictive maintenance and process optimization.
- Serve as a trusted advisor on AI trends, emerging technologies, and their impact on operations.
- Engage in site leadership decisions to shape the culture, priorities, and business processes at the site.
- Shape the MES strategy, including platform selection, implementation, lifecycle management, and integration with other enterprise systems.
- Understand and represent the needs of Foster City Manufacturing operations to the broader IT organization.
AI & Digital Enablement- Implement AI-powered analytics and decision-support tools to optimize production and quality.
- Drive adoption of AI-based predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and automated workflows.
- Integrate AI with IoT platforms and digital twins for real-time insights and operational efficiency.
Technology & Operations Integration- Establish secure frameworks for IT/OT connectivity and AI-driven data flows.
- Standardize architecture for LIMS, MES, PCS, Historian, e-Validation, GMP and non-GMP reporting, and AI-enabled digital systems.
- Ensure compliance with cybersecurity and regulatory standards in AI and digital environments.
Governance & Compliance- Develop governance models for AI and digital projects, balancing innovation with operational stability.
- Ensure adherence to GMP, data integrity, and ethical AI principles across IT, OT, and digital platforms.
- Collaborate and coordinate with key partner groups to Foster City Manufacturing, including Global Manufacturing business stakeholders and Corporate Operations with an enterprise mindset to develop and align on a sustainable and effective support model and distribution of responsibilities to best achieve Gilead's overall goals.
- Represent Foster City Manufacturing IT/OT and Digital during Quality Investigations, Health Authority Inspections, Audits, and in Regulatory Dossiers.
Team Leadership- Understand and represent the needs of Foster City Manufacturing operations to the broader IT organization.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and AI fluency across operations.
- As a member of the Foster City Manufacturing Site Leadership Team, lead and sponsor cross-functional initiatives beyond IT which are impactful to the entire site and manufacturing network.
Operational Excellence- Use AI-driven tools to minimize downtime, increase facility flexibility, reduce new product introduction timelines, improve OEE, and enable predictive insights.
- Drive cost efficiency while scaling AI and digital capabilities globally.
- Champion innovation and foster a culture of digital excellence across the site.
- Drive digital initiatives to improve operational efficiency, data integrity, and compliance.
QUALIFICATIONS:Experience- 15+ years relevant experience in IT Leadership, including at least 5 years in OT or manufacturing technology environments within the Biotech or Pharma industry.
- Demonstrated success in leading large-scale IT/OT integration and digital transformation programs.
- Proven track record of deploying AI/ML solutions in operational contexts (e.g. predictive maintenance, process optimization).
- Advanced degree (MS, PhD, PharmD) in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or related field preferred.
- Proven experience in IT/OT convergence, industrial automation, and IIoT platforms.
- IT Application Run & Build Management with FTEs & external partners as part of end to end Service ownership for Manufacturing.
Technical Expertise- Deep knowledge of IT infrastructure, manufacturing systems including SCADA, PLCs, DCS, MES, LIMS, ERP, data lakes, and AI/advanced analytics tools
- Working knowledge of ISA S88 Batch Control and ISA S95 Integration Industry standards
- Strong understanding of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform), IoT architectures, and edge computing.
- Acts as a key technical advisor to business stakeholders relevant to assigned business areas
- Proficiency in AI/ML frameworks, data analytics, and visualization tools.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity standards for OT (ISA/IEC 62443) and IT environments.
- Working knowledge Emerson DeltaV, Ignition SCADA, Werum PAS/X MES, Apprentice.IO, SAP ERP, OSI PI Data Historian is a plus.
- General understanding of key Level 4 Enterprise platforms in support of Manufacturing including QMS (ex: Veeva ), ERP ( SAP), Maintenance Management (ex: Maximo ) , PLM ( ex: Oracle/SAP ), Enterprise Data Lake ( ex: AWS )
Regulatory & Compliance- Strong experience and understanding of GxP, data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance in a manufacturing context.
- Knowledge of ethical AI principles and governance frameworks.
Leadership & Business Acumen- Exceptional ability to influence senior stakeholders and achieve cross-functional alignment.
- Strong business and financial acumen for budgeting, ROI analysis, and cost optimization and applies this to strategically evaluate business, economic and technical trade-offs of possible solutions and options for both the short- and longer-range.
- Proven executive leadership in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with deep expertise in IT, MES, automation, and digital transformation.
- Skilled in organizational change management and innovation leadership.
- Proven track record of attracting, engaging, and developing top talent.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and complex technology programs.
- Independently determines how to structure and manage increasingly complex work and projects, that typically span multiple projects or workstreams, to ensure deliverables are completed on-time, within-budget and to the quality expected.
- Exemplify the Gilead Leadership Commitments as a visible senior leader:
- I AM BOLD in aspiration and AGILE in execution.
- I CARE and make time for people.
- I LISTEN, speak openly and explain the "why."
- I TRUST others and myself to make sound decisions.
- I OWN the impact of my words and actions.
Communication- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
- Strong presentation and negotiation skills for executive-level engagement.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills.
- Consistently communicates a clear and elevating vision that effectively aligns and mobilizes the team, as evidenced by consistently on- or above-target results.
The salary range for this position is: $243,100.00 - $314,600.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.
For additional benefits information, visit:
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* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
For jobs in the United States:Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
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Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
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