Principal Program Leader – Digital & Data

About the role

Roche's Pharma Technical Operations (PT) is expanding its global digital impact starting in 2026. As Principal Program Leader – Digital & Data, you will join an internal advisory and delivery team within PT Digital and Operational Excellence (PTE) and act as a high-impact catalyst for digital evolution across PT. Your first strategic focus is a global Data Governance operationalization initiative aligned with QMS, GxP, Data Integrity and emerging regulations such as the EU AI Act and GMP Chapter 4, Annex 11.

Key responsibilities

• Build, lead and empower cross-functional workstreams (Process experts, Engineering, Data, AI, Migration, Change Management) to deliver technical, operational and business milestones.
• Design, create and scale global programs such as Digital capability, Data Governance, Data Integrity and QMS frameworks across PT manufacturing sites, ensuring compliance and inspection readiness.
• Advise site heads, functional directors and steering committees on change pathways, resource prioritization and digital maturity roadmaps.
• Establish program governance aligned with internal and GMP/GxP standards, and partner with Quality, Development (CMC), manufacturing, supply chain and regulatory functions.
• Manage the program budget (headcount, capital investment, operating costs) and track ROI and business value.
• Drive adoption of AI-assisted tools, shopfloor automation and data models, and embed Organizational Change Management and behavioral adoption strategies.

Required profile

• University degree (Master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Life Sciences or a related field.
• 10+ years of senior leadership in program management, Digital, Data or IT transformation in large matrix organizations and multi-site global networks.
• 8+ years driving transformations in pharmaceutical operations, biotechnology, manufacturing or healthcare technology.
• Deep expertise in Digital, Data, GxP/GMP compliance, Data Integrity and IT/OT data environments, with executive advisory experience.
• Experience navigating labor frameworks (Workers Councils) and digital governance (GDPR, EU AI Act) while maintaining GxP quality standards.
• Lean/Agile mindset, stakeholder management and use of behavioral science principles.
• Business-fluent English required; German is an asset.

Preferred qualifications

• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or other large-scale Agile certification.
• Certification in Organizational Change Management (e.g. Prosci, Kotter).

What we offer

• Direct leadership of Roche's flagship AI infrastructure project.
• Broad strategic influence across PTE and global Technical Operations executive leadership.
• Flexible hybrid working models and continuous learning.