Director, Architecture

Novo Nordisk A/S; Denmark; On-site; DKK 941,000 - 1,449,000; Full time

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S seeks a Director, R&D IT Architecture to set the technology direction for Research & Development and AI priorities. You will lead architecture specialists and translate business needs into scalable tech foundations.

You will build a shared architectural vision across applications, platforms and data, partnering with senior leaders worldwide to move science forward for people living with chronic diseases.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in IT or related field.
• Proven track record leading a specialised function.
• Deep expertise in IT architecture strategy and governance.
• Strong knowledge across infrastructure, APIs, cloud design, plus AI experience.

Responsibilities

• Set the overall direction for R&D IT architecture and communicate a shared vision across the organisation.
• Build roadmaps and align IT governance, architecture processes and technical strategy across applications, platforms and data.
• Lead, develop and plan the work of 10 architecture specialists and oversee contributions from up to five consultants.
• Shape AI and innovation initiatives, ensuring architecture can use existing and new technologies.
• Influence technology decisions by surfacing trade-offs and connecting choices to business value.

Skills

IT architecture

People leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

AI experience

Education

Master's degree in IT / CS / engineering / architecture

Biological Sciences with 10+ years IT experience

Job description

As Director, R&D IT Architecture, you will set the direction for how technology supports Research & Development at Novo Nordisk. This new role has been created to meet growing demand for IT and strategic architecture, including AI priorities and future technology direction. You will lead a team of architecture specialists, shape a shared architectural vision across applications, platforms and data, and help R&D build the scalable technology foundations that move science forward for people living with serious chronic diseases.

What you’ll bring

You combine deep architecture expertise with strong people leadership, and you can explain complex technical choices in terms of business value.

• A master’s degree in information technology, computer science, engineering, architecture or a related discipline. A degree in Biological Sciences combined with 10+ years of IT experience is also welcome.
• A proven track record of leading a specialised function or highly specialised senior employees, including organisational design and development, and of creating business results with functional impact.
• Deep expertise in IT architecture strategy, governance, roadmaps and processes, and in the design of IT systems and implementations.
• Strong technical knowledge across infrastructure (including cloud and servers), integration (APIs, streaming, events and batch patterns), and scalability and cloud design, plus proven AI experience.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to build clear storylines and presentations for executive management.
• Strong business acumen and value-chain understanding, with strategic thinking, problem-solving and project management skills, and a drive for continuous learning.

Desirable, not essential:

• Experience in an R&D environment is strongly preferred. If you come from another regulated industry, we will also consider strong transferable experience.

What you’ll do

You will lead the architecture sub-function in R&D, turning future business direction and AI ambitions into clear technical priorities.

• Set the overall direction for R&D IT architecture and communicate a shared technical and architectural vision across the organisation.
• Build roadmaps and align IT governance, architecture processes and technical strategy across applications, platforms and data, with a focus on standardisation, reusability and scalability.
• Lead, develop and plan the work of 10 architecture specialists and oversee contributions from up to five consultants.
• Shape AI and innovation initiatives, making sure the architecture can use existing and new technologies for current and new business opportunities.
• Influence technology decisions by surfacing trade-offs, prioritising clearly and connecting technical choices to business value.

Who you’ll work with

In Research & Development, colleagues explore scientific ideas and advance them towards clinical testing, bringing together data, technology and collaboration to meet future health needs.

You will lead a team of around ten internal architecture specialists who mainly work independently while collaborating on cross-functional activities and shared initiatives. Your key partners will include senior leaders and decision-makers, business stakeholders, engineering and technology colleagues, and multifunctional strategic project groups. The scope is global, and your ability to treat stakeholders as partners and create shared goals will help decisions move forward with clarity and speed.

What you can expect here

You will help build the technology foundations R&D relies on in the years ahead and take part in AI and innovation initiatives that shape how we work. You will have real influence on technology direction and decision-making, and the opportunity to develop a team of highly skilled specialists.

You will be trusted to own decisions, encouraged to stay curious and learn from the world outside Novo Nordisk, and supported to keep your expertise current in a fast-moving field.

Salary:

For this role, the Annual Base Salary ranges from 940,800 to 1,448,700 DKK, corresponding to the level of the position. The placement within the salary range will be assessed during the recruitment process based on the candidate's skills, competencies, knowledge and relevant experience.

Incentives and Benefits

The salary package may include short-term and/or long-term incentives as well as other employee benefits based on position level, location, functional area and relevant market benchmarks.

Learn more about our Reward Philosophy here

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all applicants. If you require adjustments during the application or selection process, please contact [e-mail] and include your name, the role you are applying for and the adjustment you require.