Senior Program Lead – Merges & Acquisitions, Deals -Technology
Sandoz · Telangana (Sandoz)
Job Description Summary
As a Senior Program Lead– Technology M&AD, you will lead the technology workstreams across mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and integrations within a pharmaceutical environment, from due diligence through execution and post close stabilization. The role is accountable for planning and deliver-ing complex technology outcomes under aggressive timelines, in parallel with commercial, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory deal activities.You will act as the central technology integrator, coordinating IT, digital, data, cybersecurity, infra-structure, and application teams while partnering closely with SSTs (Manufacturing, Quality, Regulato-ry, R&D, Supply Chain among other business) and external advisors. The role requires a strong understanding of pharma specific technology constraints, including GxP compliance, system vali-dation, data integrity, and regulated manufacturing environments, as well as proven experience working with globally distributed teams.
Job Description
Major accountabilities:
Lead end to end technology M&A initiatives in a pharmaceutical context, covering IT due diligence, Day 1 readiness, TSA execution, and post merger integration.
Own technology integration planning across applications, infrastructure, cloud, data, cybersecurity-ty, and end user services, ensuring alignment with pharma regulatory and quality requirements.
Assess and manage GxP relevant systems (e.g., Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Laboratory, Serialization among others), including validation, data integrity, and compliance implications dur-ing due diligence and integration.
Establish and manage integrated technology M&A plans with clear milestones, dependencies, and critical paths, reflecting both deal timelines and regulatory constraints.
Lead multiple technology and business workstreams in parallel, including Manufacturing IT, Quality IT, and Corporate IT, ensuring global alignment with deal milestones, contracts as well as global Tech initiatives.
Manage tight, deal driven timelines while ensuring operational continuity, regulatory compliance, and patient safety.
Identify technology, compliance, and data risks during due diligence and drive mitigation strategies in collaboration with Quality, Regulatory, and Security teams.
Prepare concise, executive ready updates for senior leadership and steering committees, translating complex pharma technology risks into business impact.
Act as a single point of coordination for internal technology teams and external system integra-tors, vendors, M&A advisors and M&A Deal Business.
Ensure effective handover from deal execution to steady state operations, including validated systems and compliant operating models.
Drive clear communication and stakeholder engagement across regions, time zones, and regulated-ed functions
Key performance indicators:
Day‑1 Technology Readiness: Deliver 100% of critical technology capabilities (IT, cyber, data, GxP systems) ready and compliant by Day‑1 of each deal.
On‑Time Deal Execution: Achieve agreed M&A technology milestones across due diligence, TSA, and integration within approved timelines.
Regulatory & GxP Compliance: Maintain zero critical regulatory or GxP compliance findings attributable to technology M&A activities.
Risk Identification & Mitigation: Identify and mitigate all material technology, data, and cybersecurity risks before close or within agreed remediation plans.
TSA & Separation Effectiveness: Exit technology TSAs on time and within budget while ensuring business continuity and compliance.
Post‑Close Stabilization: Transition integrated or separated technology environments to steady‑state operations with validated, compliant operating models
Minimum Requirements:
Work Experience:
15+ years of experience in technology project or program management, with exposure to M&A, carve-outs, or large transformation programs.
Strong understanding of enterprise IT landscapes including applications, infrastructure, cloud, data, and cybersecurity.
Hands-on experience managing complex programs with global delivery teams, including offshore/onshore models.
Proven ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders across business and technology.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical topics for executive audiences.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, SAFe, or equivalent) is preferred.
Skills:
Experience working in fast-paced, deal-driven technology environments.
Strong execution mindset with attention to detail and deliv-ery discipline.
Comfortable working across time zones and with culturally diverse teams.
Ability to balance speed, quality, and risk in high-pressure situations.
Interest in building deep expertise in technology-led M&A and integrations.
Willingness to travel (up to 50 %)
Languages:
English.
Skills Desired
Change Management, Decision Making Skills, Project Finance, Project Risk Management, Project Team Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Waterfall Project Management