Senior Director, Core Technology Architect

Job Description

Vertex is seeking a Senior Director, Solution Architect – Core Technology to serve as a senior individual contributor responsible for defining and driving an integrated architecture strategy across infrastructure and collaboration platforms in a global, GxP-regulated biopharma environment.

This leader will establish the foundational architecture function within Core Technology and partner closely with domain leaders across cloud, network, collaboration, end-user computing, workplace technology, and service management. This role will ensure that enterprise technologies are cohesive, scalable, secure, and compliant, while helping shape a unified AI and digital workplace strategy across Microsoft 365, cloud platforms, and end-user environments.

This role will partner closely with Information Security to co-architect cybersecurity capabilities across the Core Technology ecosystem and drive alignment between infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategies to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant technology solutions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Enterprise Integration & Architecture Strategy

Define and drive end-to-end solution architecture across Core Technology domains, including:

Cloud platforms, with an Azure-first strategy and existing AWS footprint

Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Teams, Exchange, SharePoint, and Copilot enablement

Enterprise network services, including connectivity, SD-WAN, and global infrastructure

Data center and hybrid hosting environments

End-user computing across Windows, Mac, and mobility

Conference room and workplace collaboration technologies, including Zoom and Teams Rooms

ITSM and service experience platforms, including ServiceNow

Partner with Information Security to co-architect and integrate cybersecurity platforms and controls across cloud, network, workplace, collaboration, and end-user computing domains, ensuring alignment with Core Technology reference architecture, operational models, and enterprise risk requirements.

Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture across the enterprise

Create reference architectures, design standards, and integration patterns across technology domains

Eliminate silos and ensure interoperability across Core Technology services

Drive scalable and sustainable architectural approaches that support global business needs

AI & Digital Workplace Enablement

Lead Core Technology architecture strategy to enable enterprise AI capabilities

Support AI enablement within:

The Microsoft ecosystem, including Copilot, Microsoft 365, and Azure AI

End-user productivity and collaboration platforms

Ensure AI-related solutions are securely integrated across infrastructure layers

Partner with Security and Data teams to align AI architecture with governance, privacy, and regulatory expectations

Help shape a seamless and secure digital workplace experience for employees globally

Architecture Governance & Standards

Partner with Information Security to establish shared architecture principles, technology standards, integration patterns, and governance processes that align infrastructure, collaboration, and security architectures across the enterprise

Establish architecture governance processes, including:

Design reviews

Technology standards

Exception management

Serve as the central point of accountability for cross-domain architectural decisions

Ensure alignment with GxP, regulatory, compliance, and security requirements

Drive lifecycle management, rationalization, and modernization of Core Technology platforms

Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence

Operate as a peer to Directors across Network, Cloud, EUC, Collaboration, and related domains.

Serve as the primary Core Technology architecture partner to Information Security, driving joint architecture reviews, technology evaluations, integration decisions, and long-term platform strategy.

Influence technical direction across a federated organization without direct authority

Partner closely with Information Security, Data Services, and Application teams to define and maintain a unified infrastructure, collaboration, and security architecture strategy and roadmap.

Act as a trusted advisor to senior DTE leadership on technology strategy, investments, and roadmap decisions

Balance strategic vision with practical execution to accelerate business value

Vendor & Partner Alignment

Shape architecture strategy in partnership with key vendors and service providers, including:

Microsoft (Azure, M365)

Cisco, Palo Alto, Verizon, AT&T (network and security)

Zoom (collaboration)

ServiceNow (ITSM)

Accenture (managed services and operations)

Lenovo, Dell, Apple (end-user computing)

Ensure third-party solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and long-term technology strategy

Support effective vendor collaboration to deliver secure, compliant, and high-performing services

Operational Alignment

Ensure solutions are designed for operability in partnership with outsourced operations teams

Drive consistency between architecture and service delivery models, including Service Desk and Deskside Support

Improve end-user experience, supportability, and reliability through cohesive technical design

Strengthen alignment between architecture, engineering, and operations

Knowledge and Skills:

Azure architecture and cloud services - AWS cloud environments - Microsoft 365 ecosystem - Microsoft Teams – Exchange - SharePoint - Microsoft Copilot - Azure AI - Enterprise networking and infrastructure - SD-WAN

Security architecture alignment and experience co-architecting cybersecurity technologies including identity, endpoint protection, network security, zero-trust, and cloud security solutions.

Data center and hybrid hosting

End-user computing across Windows , Mac , and mobility platforms

Collaboration technologies including Zoom and Teams Rooms

ServiceNow and ITSM platforms

Architecture governance and standards development

Reference architecture and integration pattern design

Technology lifecycle management and rationalization

Preferred Skills

Experience enabling enterprise AI solutions in a regulated environment

Familiarity with digital workplace transformation initiatives

Background in hybrid infrastructure and global collaboration ecosystems

Knowledge of service delivery operating models and managed services integration

Experience improving interoperability across infrastructure, workplace, and support platforms

Strong understanding of compliance, governance, and secure-by-design architecture principles

Education and Experience:

12–15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure and workplace technologies

Proven experience in solution architecture or enterprise architecture leadership roles

Experience operating in complex, global enterprise environments

Demonstrated success working across multiple infrastructure domains simultaneously

Experience in GxP-regulated environments such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare strongly preferred

Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in a federated organization

Strong executive presence with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business-aligned recommendations

Proven ability to balance strategic architecture with pragmatic execution

Experience collaborating with global vendors, strategic partners, and managed service providers

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an externa