Associate Director Plant IT Infrastructure Lead

Kyowa Kirin is a fast-growing global specialty pharmaceutical company that applies state-of-the-art biotechnologies to discover and deliver novel medicines in four disease areas: bone and mineral; intractable hematologic; hematology oncology; and rare disease.  A Japan-based company, our goal is to translate science into smiles by delivering therapies where no adequate treatments currently exist, working from drug discovery to product development and commercialization. In North America, we are headquartered in Princeton, NJ, with offices in California, North Carolina, and Mississauga, Ontario.

Summary of Job:

As the Manufacturing Site IT Infrastructure Lead, you will own and manage the planning, implementation, and execution of IT infrastructure at Kyowa Kirin's new manufacturing facility. You will play a key role in standing up a state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing site by ensuring the IT infrastructure, manufacturing networks, and mobile strategy support site objectives while aligning with regional and global standards.

This position is responsible for the IT infrastructure supporting both manufacturing operations and office environments. The role requires extensive infrastructure expertise, from strategic planning and implementation through ongoing technical support and lifecycle management within a Life Sciences manufacturing environment.

As a leader, you will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and people-focused culture while driving team development, stakeholder alignment, and measurable business results. You will help guide the organization through change in a rapidly evolving biotech environment while maintaining a patient-focused mindset.

Essential Functions

IT Infrastructure & Technical Leadership

• Lead network operations, server administration, security, and end-user support across manufacturing, laboratory, and office environments.
• Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable, and highly available network infrastructure supporting real-time manufacturing operations.
• Support on-premises and cloud server infrastructure, including implementation, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
• Manage firewalls and ensure secure segregation of manufacturing, laboratory, and office networks.
• Support IT infrastructure for manufacturing automation platforms including Process Control Systems (PCS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Data Historians, and Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Monitor infrastructure performance, proactively identify issues, and minimize system downtime.
• Develop and execute site-specific IT infrastructure strategies aligned with regional and global enterprise standards.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, EHS, corporate procedures, cybersecurity requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices within pharmaceutical manufacturing and IT infrastructure.
• Develop site IT strategy aligned with global manufacturing IT and digital roadmap initiatives.
• Manage relationships with IT vendors and support contract negotiations.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for end users.
• Translate business needs into technical solutions to support project execution.
• Maintain IT infrastructure and computer systems inventories.
• Support lifecycle management programs to ensure infrastructure hardware remains current and supported.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Establish clear goals, drive accountability, and deliver measurable business results.
• Foster open communication, provide constructive feedback, and effectively manage conflict.
• Mentor, coach, and develop team members while supporting continuous learning.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and a respectful team culture.
• Build a supportive work environment that recognizes achievements and encourages work-life balance.
• Lead collaboratively while modeling organizational values and integrity.
• Demonstrate emotional intelligence and sound decision-making under pressure.
• Guide teams through organizational change with clear communication and adaptability.
• Apply situational leadership by adjusting leadership style to meet team needs.
• Build alignment across stakeholders and facilitate decisions that support organizational objectives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of seven years of overall IT experience.
• At least three years supporting manufacturing environments.
• Experience serving as an IT Infrastructure technical lead within pharmaceutical or manufacturing organizations.
• Strong experience with network architecture, firewall design, network segmentation, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Broad technical knowledge across networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and manufacturing systems.
• Experience with network security protocols and best practices.
• Experience supporting virtual server environments and cloud infrastructure.
• Experience using network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
• Hands-on experience with backup, restore, archival, and disaster recovery methodologies.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and their impact on IT systems.
• Experience supporting international organizations within global environments.
• Experience supporting startup biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Linux operating systems
• TCP/IP networking fundamentals
• DNS and DHCP
• ServiceNow or other IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms
• Microsoft Azure
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Cisco Firewalls
• Cisco Switches

Non-Technical Skills

• Results-oriented with strong accountability and follow-through.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving environments with changing priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Active listener with strong interpersonal skills.
• Growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Innovative, resourceful, and proactive problem solver.
• Enterprise mindset with the ability to work across functions and organizations.

Physical Demands

• Initially work within an active construction environment before transitioning into a fully operational biotech manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina.
• Position requires 100% onsite presence and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

Working Conditions

• Up to 10% domestic travel.
• Limited international travel as business needs require.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated annual salary for this position is $156,900 to $215,700. The actual salary offered at the commencement of employment may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, education (including applicable licenses and certifications), job-related knowledge, geographic location, and other business and organizational needs.

The listed salary range is just one component of the overall compensation package. At Kyowa Kirin North America, we provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• 401(k) with Company Match
• Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Positions)
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule, including Summer and Winter Shut-Downs
• Sick Days
• Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long-Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

The compensation and benefits information set forth in this posting applies to candidates hired in the United States. Candidates hired outside the United States will be eligible for compensation and benefits in accordance with their local market.

Equal Employment Opportunity

KKNA and all of its employees have an obligation to act in accordance with the law and with integrity in all our operations and interactions.

It is the policy of Kyowa Kirin North America, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, pregnancy, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or affectional preference, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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The Controller's Data Protection Officer can be contacted at [email protected].

Your personal data will be processed for the purposes of managing the Controller's recruitment-related activities, including setting up and conducting interviews and assessments, evaluating applicants, and supporting recruitment and hiring activities. Such processing is legally permissible under Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 ("GDPR") as necessary for the legitimate interests pursued by the Controller, including the solicitation, evaluation, and selection of applicants for employment.

Your personal data will be shared with Greenhouse Software, Inc., a cloud services provider located in the United States and engaged by the Controller to manage its recruitment and hiring process. Accordingly, if you are located outside the United States, your personal data will be transferred to the United States once submitted through this site. The transfer will be made using appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses approved by regulators for transfers of personal data outside the European Union.

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If you have questions regarding the use of your personal data, please contact [email protected].

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies

Kyowa Kirin does not accept agency resumes unless the agency has been engaged directly by Kyowa Kirin Talent Acquisition. Please do not forward resumes to Kyowa Kirin employees or any other company location. Kyowa Kirin is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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