Job Description

Overview

Vice President, ERP (Business Partner + Bluestream Lead) role at Gilead Sciences . Gilead is transforming its business and scaling into new therapeutic areas. The VP will lead the enterprise-wide SAP implementation program to enable digital transformation, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and growth.

The role reports to the Chief Information Officer and is located in Foster City, California. It will lead a geographically dispersed team of internal business, IT and PMO resources, providing strategic direction and balancing ease of implementation with long-term sustainment. Up to 30% global travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Define and execute the SAP program vision and roadmap aligned with corporate strategy and regulatory requirements.
  • Serve as the single leader for the SAP transformation, ensuring alignment with cross-functional business and IT executives.
  • Champion business process and master data strategies that enhance operational efficiency, data integrity, and patient-centric outcomes.
• Program Governance & Oversight
  • Shape and lead program governance structures, including steering committees and executive reporting cadences.
  • Manage program scope, budget, timelines, and vendor relationships (SAP, system integrators, and offshore partners). Set release strategy and timelines based on business constraints and priorities.
  • Establish, monitor and communicate KPIs and value realization metrics for program delivery and sustainment.
  • Ensure adherence to GxP, SOX, and other regulatory frameworks relevant to the life sciences industry.
  • Manage the post-implementation SAP IT COE and establish ongoing cross-functional governance to drive continuous improvement and automation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with leaders across R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Commercial, Kite and Finance to meet business needs.
  • Drive alignment between global and regional teams to support harmonized processes and data standards.
  • Facilitate collaboration between IT, business stakeholders, and external partners to ensure seamless execution.
  • Lead business engagement and change management planning to ensure successful adoption across the enterprise.
• Risk & Compliance Management
  • Identify and mitigate program risks to ensure business continuity and compliance.
  • Oversee validation and testing strategies to meet FDA and EMA regulatory expectations.
  • Ensure robust data governance, cybersecurity and SOX practices are embedded in the system.
• Team & Talent Leadership
  • Build and lead a high-performing, cross-functional, geographically dispersed program team (internal staff and external consultants).
  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, cost discipline and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor and develop future leaders within the transformation program and broader organization.
• Skills & Experience
  • Bachelors degree in IT, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
  • 15+ years of progressive leadership in enterprise IT, digital transformation, or business operations.
  • Minimum 8 years in large-scale SAP implementations, including SAP S/4HANA.
  • Experience in the life sciences industry with fluency in GxP, FDA/EMA regulations and validation requirements.
  • Deep knowledge of SAP modules relevant to life sciences (e.g., SAP ECC/S/4HANA, SAP MDG, SAP Ariba).
  • Familiarity with integration of SAP with MES, LIMS, PLM, and other enterprise systems.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional, global teams and manage external vendors and SI partners.
  • Exceptional executive communication, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing large program budgets and business case development.
  • SAP certification(s) in relevant modules or project management (PMP, Prosci, ITIL) preferred.
  • Lean Six Sigma or similar process improvement credentials preferred.

Equal Opportunity

Gilead Sciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, gender identity or other protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations may be requested in the application process.

Application Note

Gilead supports internal applicants via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.

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