Senior/Director, IT Operations and Governance

About the role

Crescent Biopharma is seeking a Director/Senior Director to serve as the operational leader of the Information Technology function. Reporting to the VP of Information Technology, you will be responsible for executing the company's technology strategy, roadmap, and governance framework. This role involves translating the company's technology strategy into executable plans and ensuring successful delivery through internal resources, managed service providers, consultants, and business stakeholders. You will oversee technology operations, project execution, governance, compliance, and vendor management while building scalable, audit-ready processes that support Crescent's growth and clinical development objectives.

You will also serve as a key partner to business leaders across the organization, advancing operational excellence and cybersecurity maturity.

Responsibilities

• Translate IT strategy and roadmap into actionable projects, workplans, and operational initiatives.
• Provide leadership and direction to internal IT personnel, contractors, and managed service providers.
• Oversee day-to-day IT operations and service delivery.
• Partner with business leaders across Clinical Development, Regulatory, Quality, Finance, Legal, HR, and other functions to prioritize technology initiatives and ensure successful delivery of business outcomes.
• Direct execution of technology initiatives across infrastructure, cybersecurity, collaboration platforms, business applications, and GxP systems.
• Manage project portfolios and ensure timely delivery of priorities, milestones, risks, and dependencies.
• Manage relationships with managed service providers, consultants, software vendors, and implementation partners.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders and external resources to ensure technology initiatives remain on schedule and within scope.
• Lead development, maintenance, and implementation of IT policies, standards, SOPs, and operational procedures.
• Support cybersecurity, privacy, and regulatory compliance initiatives including NIST CSF, GxP requirements, data protection regulations, and audit readiness activities.
• Maintain governance processes, documentation, and evidence required for inspections, audits, and due diligence reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and operational maturity.
• Assist in workforce planning and resource allocation decisions.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive information technology experience, including leadership responsibility for cross-functional initiatives, service providers, and technology teams.
• Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or regulated healthcare environments.
• Demonstrated success managing external service providers and technology vendors.
• Experience developing and implementing IT governance frameworks, policies, and SOPs.
• Strong project and program management capabilities.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST CSF.
• Experience supporting regulated systems, computer system validation, audits, and compliance programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing competing priorities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability).
• Flexible PTO, plus two one-week company-wide shutdowns each year.
• 10 days of sick time per calendar year.
• Holiday pay, including two company shutdowns.
• 16 weeks of parental leave within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child.
• FMLA and military leave eligibility.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Long-term incentive program.
• Professional development resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $220,000 to $260,000. The final salary offered will depend on factors such as relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.

Competitive compensation includes base salary, performance bonus, and equity.