Senior/Director, IT Operations and Governance

We are seeking a Director/Senior Director to serve as the operational leader of the Information Technology function and be responsible for executing the company's technology strategy, roadmap, and governance framework. Reporting to the VP, Information Technology, you are responsible for 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 helping build 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 and play an important role in advancing operational excellence, and cybersecurity maturity.

• 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.

• 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. 

Please note:

Crescent Biopharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.