Director - Data Strategy & AI Transformation (1304)

OVERVIEW

Axtria is seeking an experienced Director, Data Strategy & AI Transformation to help Life Sciences organizations unlock the value of their data and accelerate AI-driven business transformation.

This leadership role sits at the intersection of business strategy, data modernization, analytics, and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will partner with pharmaceutical and medical device clients to define enterprise data strategies, design modern data ecosystems, and enable innovative AI, analytics, and commercial solutions that improve business performance and patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable engaging with C-level executives on business strategy, advising functional leaders on data transformation, and working with technical teams to bring complex initiatives to life.

This is a highly visible consulting and client-facing leadership role that combines strategic advisory, solution development, and delivery oversight.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Data & AI Advisory

- Serve as a trusted advisor to Life Sciences clients on enterprise data, analytics, and AI transformation initiatives
- Develop data and AI roadmaps aligned to commercial, medical, patient services, and market access business objectives
- Lead executive workshops to identify opportunities for modernization, automation, and AI-enabled decision making
- Partner with client executives to define business cases, investment strategies, and measurable outcomes

Data Modernization & Architecture

- Define modern data strategies leveraging cloud technologies, data platforms, and scalable architecture patterns
- Lead planning and implementation of enterprise data ecosystems utilizing Azure, AWS, Snowflake, Databricks, and related technologies
- Drive data product thinking and promote reusable, scalable data assets
- Guide clients through data platform modernization, governance, integration, and master data initiatives

AI & Advanced Analytics Enablement

- Identify and operationalize opportunities to apply AI, Generative AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics across the Life Sciences value chain
- Partner with data science and engineering teams to translate business needs into scalable analytical solutions
- Support development of AI-powered use cases across forecasting, omnichannel engagement, customer intelligence, patient analytics, medical affairs, and commercial operations
- Help clients establish responsible AI practices and adoption strategies

Client Leadership & Consulting Excellence

- Lead complex strategic engagements from discovery through execution
- Manage executive stakeholder relationships and become a trusted advisor across multiple client functions
- Facilitate strategic discussions and present recommendations to senior leadership and C-suite audiences
- Drive alignment across business, technology, and analytics stakeholders

Practice Development & Growth

- Support business development efforts, proposal creation, client presentations, and solution positioning
- Collaborate with sales and account teams to identify expansion opportunities
- Develop thought leadership around Data, AI, and Life Sciences transformation
- Contribute to capability building, accelerators, and reusable frameworks

Team Leadership

- Mentor consultants, architects, and data professionals
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Lead cross-functional global teams across strategy, engineering, analytics, and delivery functions

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Required

- 15+ years of experience in data strategy, data management, analytics, or data transformation consulting
- Experience serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device clients
- Experience leading enterprise-level data modernization initiatives
- Strong understanding of cloud-based data ecosystems and modern data architecture
- Experience with Azure and/or AWS
- Experience with Snowflake, Databricks, or comparable cloud data platforms
- Proven ability to engage executive stakeholders and translate business objectives into data transformation strategies

Preferred

- Management consulting experience from firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, ZS Associates, IQVIA, Slalom, Capgemini, Cognizant, or similar organizations
- Experience supporting AI and Generative AI transformation initiatives
- Understanding of Life Sciences commercial data, customer data, patient data, MDM, governance, data quality, and analytics ecosystems
- Experience supporting large-scale enterprise data programs with multimillion-dollar budgets

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

In the first 12 months, the successful leader will:

- Establish trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders
- Lead strategic data and AI engagements across key Life Sciences accounts
- Drive measurable growth within existing client relationships
- Influence enterprise data modernization and AI transformation initiatives
- Partner with internal teams to create differentiated Axtria offerings and reusable accelerators
- Help position Axtria as a market leader in Data, AI, and Commercial Transformation

Pay Transparency Laws 
Salary range or hourly pay range for the position 
 
The salary range for this position is $157,600 to $205,425 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location. 
 
The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. The actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.