At Gilead were creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years weve tackled diseases such as HIV viral hepatitis COVID-19 and cancer working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the worlds biggest health challenges and our mission requires collaboration determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Every member of Gileads team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions and were looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible together.
Job Description
Sr Director: Foster City Manufacturing IT & Operational Technology Digital Leader
Gilead 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 Gileads 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.
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 Gileads 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.
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.
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.
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 Gileads overall goals.
Represent Foster City Manufacturing IT/OT and Digital during Quality Investigations Health Authority Inspections Audits and in Regulatory Dossiers.
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.
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.
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.
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 GCP) 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 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 )
Strong experience and understanding of GxP data integrity cybersecurity and regulatory compliance in a manufacturing context.
Knowledge of ethical AI principles and governance frameworks.
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.
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.
For additional benefits information visit:
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 disabilitygenetic 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 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 theKnow Your Rights poster.
NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
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.
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
Required Experience:
Exec
Gilead Sciences is continuing to hire for all open roles. Our interview process may be conducted virtually and some roles will be asked to temporarily work from home. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be implementing a phased approach to bringing employees back to site to ensu ... View more