Director, IT Applications

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Roadmap

• Define and own the SAP S/4HANA functional and solution roadmap aligned with the company’s digital transformation strategy and business goals in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Serve as the primary solution architect and functional expert for all integrated S/4HANA modules (focusing on PP, MM, QM, SD, EWM, and related master data).

• Lead the translation of complex business requirements into scalable, compliant, and efficient SAP S/4HANA solutions, leveraging best practices, fit-to-standard analysis, and industry knowledge.

• Manage a portfolio of SAP projects and enhancement initiatives, ensuring alignment with budget, timeline, and quality standards.

Implementation & Optimization

• Direct and govern end-to-end SAP S/4HANA implementation projects from blueprinting, configuration, testing, go-live, through post-implementation support.

• Oversee the functional design and configuration for core business processes including:

• • Procurement: Direct, Intercompany, and Source-to-Pay processes (MM, integration).

  • Supply Chain & Manufacturing: Production planning (PP), execution (ME integration), inventory management, and material requirements planning (MRP).

  • Quality & Compliance: Quality Management (QM) processes, including batch management, inspection plans, stability studies, and integration with manufacturing and logistics.

  • Warehouse & Logistics: Advanced/Embedded Warehouse Management (EWM) for a regulated warehouse environment.

• Ensure that all SAP solutions adhere to GXP, FDA, and other regulatory requirements applicable to the pharmaceutical industry, including validation and documentation standards.

Team Management & Governance

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of internal SAP functional consultants, solution architects, and external system integrators.

• Establish and enforce robust SAP governance processes, including change management, release management, and documentation standards.

• Act as the key interface between the IT department, Business Process Owners, and Executive Leadership.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 15+ years of progressive experience in SAP functional and solution delivery, with at least 7 years of direct experience leading SAP S/4HANA implementation or large-scale transformation projects.

• Deep, hands-on functional expertise across multiple core SAP modules, specifically: PP (Production Planning), QM (Quality Management), MM (Materials Management), and EWM (Extended Warehouse Management).

• Demonstrated experience in a highly regulated industry (Pharmaceutical, Biotech, or Medical Device), with a clear understanding of GXP, validation, and compliance requirements.

• Proven track record of success in a leadership capacity, managing large, complex, cross-functional teams and projects.

Education & Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong understanding of S/4HANA architecture, Fiori apps, embedded analytics, and modern SAP integration technologies.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

The base salary range for this role is $186,880 to $233,600. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state.  Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.  Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.