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 securit