Principal Program Leader – Digital & Data

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Continuous learning

Job summary

Roche seeks an executive-level Principal Program Leader to drive global Data Governance and digital transformation within Pharma Technical Operations. You will lead cross-functional workstreams, shape governance frameworks, and align with GxP and regulatory standards across sites and functions.

The role emphasizes strategic advisory duties, change management, and a track record of scaling complex programs in validated environments, with strong collaboration across site leaders, Quality, and

Qualifications

• Domain & Program Expertise: 10+ years in program management, Digital, Data, or IT transformation within large-scale matrix organizations and multi-site global networks.
• 8+ years driving transformations within pharmaceutical operations, biotechnology, manufacturing, or healthcare technology.
• Deep expertise in Digital, Data, GxP/GMP compliance, Data Integrity frameworks, and IT/OT data environments.

Responsibilities

• Transformational Delivery & Governance: End-to-End Program Ownership across cross-functional streams.
• Executive & Site Leadership Guidance: advise site heads, functional directors, and steering committees.
• Standards & Compliance: ensure alignment with internal and GMP/GxP standards.
• Stakeholder Alignment: partner with executive stakeholders across PT sites and functions to manage priorities.
• Resource & Financial Stewardship: manage program budget and track ROI.
• Drive adoption strategies: advance AI tools, shopfloor automation, and data models across operations.
• Organizational Change Management: ensure adoption through dedicated change leads.

Skills

Digital

Data Governance

GxP Compliance

IT Transformation

Stakeholder Management

Executive Leadership

Organizational Change

Regulatory Guidance

Education

Master's degree or equivalent (Business Admin / CS / IS / Engineering / Life Sciences)

Job description

Introduction

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

The Position In Pharma Technical Operations (PT), we deliver life-saving medicines to patients worldwide. Beginning in 2026, PT’s leadership has committed to expanding our global digital impact and scale major Data & Digital programs across PT. As a Principal Program Leader - PT Digital & Data, you will join an elite, internal advisory and delivery team within PT Digital and Operational Excellence (PTE). Acting as an internal program leader, you will serve as a high-impact catalyst for digital evolution across Pharma Technical Operations (PT). In this role, your initial strategic focus will be spearheading and scaling a complex, global Data Governance operationalization initiative across global sites and functions - ensuring robust alignment with QMS, GxP, Data Integrity, and emerging regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU AI Act, GMP Chapter 4, Annex 11). As the governance framework reaches maturity and sustainment, you will strategically transition your program management scope to lead, advise, and scale other complex, high-priority data and digital transformation initiatives across the PTE portfolio.

Core Responsibilities

Transformational Delivery & Governance: End-to-End Program Ownership: Build, lead, and empower cross-functional workstreams (Process experts, Engineering, Data, AI, Migration, and Change Management) accountable for achieving key technical, operational, and business milestones. Design, create and scale Global PT wide programs: Lead the end-to-end advisory and deployment of e.g. Digital capability, Data Governance, Data Integrity, and QMS frameworks across PT manufacturing sites and functional areas, ensuring compliance, inspection readiness, and operational alignment. Executive & Site Leadership Guidance: Serve as a trusted advisor to site heads, functional directors, and steering committees as well their organizations - guiding them through complex change pathways, resource prioritization, and digital & data maturity roadmaps. Standards & Compliance: Establish robust program governance ensuring full alignment with internal and GMP/GxP standards. Stakeholder Alignment & Matrix Leadership: Partner closely with executive stakeholders across diverse domains - including PT site leaders, Quality, Development (CMC), manufacturing, supply chain, regulatory and supporting functions - to build confidence, manage competing priorities, and secure operations-wide alignment. Resource & Financial Stewardship: Manage the overall program budget (headcount, capital investment, operating costs), monitor program effectiveness (tracking promised ROI/business value vs. reality), and apply data-driven decision-making to optimize resource allocation. Drive adoption strategies: Drive AI-assisted tools, shopfloor automation, and operations-wide data models, helping teams transition from transactional execution to data-informed decision‑making. Organizational Change Management, Onboarding & Adoption: Ensure seamless integration of Organizational Change Management (OCM) and behavioral adoption strategies across all program streams, partnering with dedicated change leads to drive business process adoption.

Who You Are

You are an executive-level transformation leader who thrives at the intersection of complex digital and data technology, human behavior, and large‑scale operational environments. You combine deep technical literacy and hands‑on technical execution with strategic foresight, empathy, and a proven track record of driving change across matrixed organizations. A balanced blend of direct, hands‑on technical building alongside Change Management and Stakeholder Coaching is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications & Expertise

Education: University degree (Master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field. Professional Experience: Domain & Program Expertise: 10+ years of senior leadership experience in program management, Digital, Data, or IT transformation within large‑scale matrix organizations and multi‑site global operational networks (e.g., 1,000+ end-users across multiple geographies). 8+ years driving transformations within pharmaceutical operations, biotechnology, manufacturing, or healthcare technology. Domain Leadership: Deep expertise in Digital, Data, GxP/GMP compliance, Data Integrity frameworks, and IT/OT data environments, with a proven track record of strategic advisory and guiding executive stakeholders through multi‑site rollouts. Regulatory & Compliance: Demonstrated mastery in shaping executive strategy and guiding organizational readiness within validated environments, navigating labor frameworks (Workers Councils) and digital governance (GDPR, EU AI Act) without compromising strict GxP quality standards. Organizational Change & Influence: Lean/Agile mindset with exceptional stakeholder management, empathy, and executive influence across cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated experience applying behavioral science principles (e.g., behavioral economics, nudge theory, habit formation loops) in a professional or operational context.

Preferred Qualifications

Certifications: Certified in Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or other large-scale Agile frameworks; formal certification in Organizational Change Management (e.g., Prosci, Kotter). Languages: Business‑fluent English is required; German is an asset given frequent collaboration with major PT hubs (e.g., Kaiseraugst, Basel).

Who We Are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we've become one of the world’s leading research‑focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity, and diversity. PT Digital and Operational Excellence (PTE) drives the digital evolution of Pharma Technical Operations, empowering our global manufacturing and supply network with cutting‑edge data, infrastructure, and operational tools.

What We Offer

Transformational Impact: Direct leadership of Roche's flagship AI infrastructure project, shaping the future of therapeutic development and operational excellence. High-Visibility Scope: Broad strategic influence across both PTE and global Technical Operations executive leadership. Growth & Empowerment: An empowering environment that values autonomous leadership, psychological safety, flexible hybrid working models, and continuous learning.

Company Vision

Who we are A healthier future drives us to innovate. Together, more than 100,000 employees across the globe are dedicated to advance science, ensuring everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Our efforts result in more than 26 million people treated with our medicines and over 30 billion tests conducted using our Diagnostics products. We empower each other to explore new possibilities, foster creativity, and keep our ambitions high, so we can deliver life‑changing healthcare solutions that make a global impact. Let's build a healthier future, together.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it's urgent to deliver medical solutions right now – even as we develop innovations for the future. We are passionate about transforming patients’ lives. We are courageous in both decision and action. And we believe that good business means a better world. That is why we come to work each day. We commit ourselves to scientific rigor, unassailable ethics, and access to medical innovations for all. We do this today to build a better tomorrow. We are proud of who we are, what we do, and how we do it. We are many, working as one across functions, across companies, and across the world. We are Roche.