Head of Information Technology

Job Description:

Our Client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of IT to lead the information technology function for their clinical-stage pharmaceutical company. As a key member of the leadership team, you will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing IT strategies that aligns with client business goals and support our client's mission to advance breakthrough therapies. This role will be based in our client's head office in Vancouver, BC.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute an IT strategy aligned with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to identify opportunities for technology innovation and optimization.
• Uses critical judgment to make decisions and solve problems involving various levels of risk and complexity

Architecture and Design:
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company’s technology architecture roadmap.
• Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of systems to support both current and future needs.

Data Security and Compliance:
• Oversee the implementation of overarching security measures and enforce robust data security framework to protect our sensitive data against global threats.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards related to IT and data management.

Department Leadership:
• Build, lead and mentor a world-class IT team towards achieving results; while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage the IT financial plan.

Technology Vendor Management:
• Evaluate and select technology vendors, negotiating contracts to maximize value for the organization.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key technology partners.

Project Management:
• Oversee the planning and execution of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver technology solutions that meet business requirements.

Emerging Technologies:
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact on the organization.
• Ability to recommend and implement new technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
• Develop and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans to safeguard critical IT systems.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role, preferably within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance in the healthcare sector, including Sarbanes-Oxley.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated experience in managing IT budgets, vendor relationships, and large-scale projects.
• Ability to travel to the Seattle office as needed, with increased travel required during the initial office setup phase and approximately once every two months once the office is established.

Preferred Qualifications and Expertise:
• Superior analytical and planning skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as required, in a fast-paced, matrixed team environment consisting of internal and external team members.
• Results oriented individual with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to interact effectively at many levels and across different cultures.
• Demonstrated skills in facilitation.
• Awareness of change management protocols and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Self motivated and self-directed.

Salary Range: $177,000 – $208,000 annually
Within the posted range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training. Please note that the range details above reflect the base pay only. A bonus will be available based on performance and remaining in post for the agreed contract duration. The client also offers a competitive benefits package.