Director, AI Native Operations – Spring House, PA

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com . As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit. Job Function: R&D Operations Job Sub Function: Multi-Family R&D Operations Job Category: People Leader All Job Posting Locations: Spring House, Pennsylvania, United States of America Job Description: Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science-based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine An internal pre-identified candidate for consideration has been identified. However, qualified applications will be considered. About the opportunity: Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine is seeking a Director, AI-Native Operations to join our Therapeutics Discovery team. This position will be located at our office in Spring House, PA. (No remote option.) Purpose: The Director, AI Native Operations will serve as a strategic and operational leader responsible for establishing, scaling, and sustaining Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine's AI-Native Discovery operating model. This individual will partner closely with Discovery, DDSAI, JJT, PSTS, Finance, Procurement, and external partners to accelerate deployment of an integrated AI-Native Design-Make-Test-Learn (DMTL) engine that combines proprietary data generation, automation, advanced AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities, and human scientific expertise to transform drug discovery. This role will drive cross-functional execution of a multi-year transformation agenda supporting biologics and small molecule closed-loop discovery capabilities. The Director will establish governance, operational frameworks, portfolio management processes, investment planning, performance tracking, talent strategies, and change management programs necessary to deliver measurable pipeline impact and competitive advantage through AI-enabled discovery. The successful candidate will operate as a key leader within the AI-Native Discovery Core Team, ensuring alignment across scientific, digital, automation, data, and business functions while enabling timely decision making, resource optimization, and accelerated execution. You will be responsible for: Lead the operational management of the AI-Native Discovery portfolio across biologics, small molecules, data, AI, and automation workstreams. Develop and maintain integrated plans, budgets, resource forecasts, and risk management processes. Coordinate execution of major milestones including talent acquisition, data infrastructure deployment, automation implementation, and external partnerships. Monitor performance against program objectives and develop mitigation plans where necessary. Establish reporting mechanisms for executive leadership and funding governance committees. Leadership Characteristics: Demonstrates enterprise leadership and strategic thinking across scientific, digital, and operational domains. Drives organizational transformation through influence, collaboration, and execution excellence. Creates clarity and alignment in highly matrixed environments with diverse stakeholders. Champions innovation and continuous improvement while maintaining focus on business outcomes. Establishes trusted partnerships across functions, geographies, and external organizations. Balances long-term strategic vision with operational rigor and near-term delivery. Qualifications / Requirements: Education : Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s Degree is preferred in Life Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Business, or related discipline. Skills/Experience: At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in pharmaceutical R&D, biotechnology, technology-enabled research, or related fields. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale cross-functional transformation initiatives. Strong understanding of drug discovery, R&D operations, and portfolio management. Experience implementing digital, AI/ML, automation, or advanced analytics capabilities within scientific environments. Knowledge of data governance, digital product management, and technology-enabled operating models. Strong financial acumen with experience managing substantial operational budgets and investment portfolios. Proven ability to influence senior executives and lead across matrix organizations. Experience driving organizational change, capability building, and cultural transformation. Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated success managing strategic external partnerships and collaborations. Ability to translate complex strategies into executable operational plans. Travel up to 10% domestic and international as required. This position will be located at our office in Spring House, PA. (No remote option.) Johnson & Johnson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are under 18 years of age, you (the candidate) may need to obtain the necessary working papers or other documentation required by state law to start the assignment, as well as get a parent’s consent for the background check. Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please cont