Ardena is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in precision medicine development. We support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in bringing innovative, complex molecules from discovery to market. With over 700 professionals across five sites in Europe and the US, our culture is built on openness, transparency, and ownership, valuing collaboration and trust. If you are motivated by meaningful work and want to contribute to the development of medicines for unmet medical needs, Ardena offers an impactful environment.

About the Company

Ardena operates from locations in Oss and Assen (the Netherlands), Ghent (Belgium), Pamplona (Spain), and Somerset, New Jersey (USA).

The Role

As the IT Applications Director, you will report directly to the Chief Information Officer and oversee Ardena’s full application portfolio, which includes quality, manufacturing, laboratory, commercial, and corporate systems. You will collaborate with business unit leaders and IT teams to ensure applications deliver maximum value, comply with regulatory requirements, and support Ardena’s growth.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Ardena’s application portfolio strategy, covering ERP, LIMS, QMS, MES, CRM, and other critical platforms.
• Partner with business unit leaders to translate evolving needs into application roadmaps and investment plans.
• Drive standardization and harmonization of applications across sites to improve user experience.
• Lead the selection, implementation, and lifecycle management of enterprise applications.
• Oversee application upgrades, migrations, and decommissioning programs with minimal disruption.
• Ensure compliance with GxP requirements, GDPR, ISO 27001, and Ardena’s IT governance policies.
• Maintain system validation documentation and manage change control and risk assessments.
• Lead and develop a team of application managers and analysts across sites.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and the IT Applications budget.

Requirements

• 10+ years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in application management or IT leadership.
• Proven experience in delivering enterprise application programs in a life science or regulated environment.
• Familiarity with information security standards, especially ISO 27001.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics Business Central), LIMS, QMS, and/or MES platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in building high-performing teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in Dutch, German, or Spanish is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support local teams.

What We Offer

• A challenging leadership role in a learning organization that supports professional growth.
• A collaborative, international working environment with engaged colleagues.
• An open corporate culture with short communication lines.
• Attractive employment conditions and flexible working hours to support work-life balance.

How to Apply

If you're ready to start your career with Ardena, click the application button and help shape the future of drug development! Only candidates eligible to work in the EU will be considered. Agency calls will not be appreciated.