Senior Director, Solution Architect – Core Technology - Core Technology Architect

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