Overview
The VP, Information Technology is the senior IT leader in CELLDEX. They will provide leadership and direction to the Information Technology department (planned 8 internal FTEs + external partners). The leader of the Information Technology function must be a strong and capable business partner to other functions and organizations.
They must be knowledgeable about the current industry state and how other biotech organizations are using technology to improve internal processes and external, customer-oriented capabilities. They must be a source of information and experience on multiple technologies and able to find answers when needed.
They must be highly capable of delivering technology projects including business applications, data and analytical tools, collaboration, and productivity tools. This must be accomplished in a compliant manner with all applicable regulations.
They are accountable for developing technology roadmaps, technical architecture, and teams to support CELLDEX strategy and direction. IT is a shared service organization intended as an enabler and agent for positive change. The successful candidate must balance the drive for overall efficiency, standardization across CELLDEX with the individual department needs for collaboration and continuous improvement.
They must ensure operations and solutions are built and sustained adhering to all compliance requirements and standard operating procedures. They are responsible to Celldex leadership on technology risk assessment, remediation plans and status. Collaboration with Financial, Legal and Compliance management is critical.
Reports to the Senior Vice-President and General Counsel
ResponsibilitiesStrategy and Planning
- The VP of IT is the lead IT business partner.
- They are Responsible for the development and administration of the IT annual budget and Long-Range plans
- Leads prioritization processes related to IT programs
- Collaborates with department heads or delegates to plan for IT services and projects to improve quality, efficiency, and productivity, reduce costs, increase profits, or improve control measures.
- Translates departmental priorities and plans into a comprehensive 3 year IT roadmap and architectural plans
- Leads and accelerates adoption of standardization and best practices. Utilizes data and process improvement techniques to drive continuous improvement
- Participates in CELLDEX leadership teams, management and employee staff meetings as required.
- Responsible for the design, build and operation of a computing environment that supports shared data, analytics and connectivity between core applications.
Operations / Control
- Supervise IT staff to ensure day to day operating requirements are met
- Build / Maintain a Software Development Lifecycle and compliance framework
- Develop a Risk Framework and registry for IT, Cyber, SOX
- Develop governance and reporting capabilities for IT to document plans and progress and report through appropriate CELLDEX Steering Teams
- Use principles of continuous improvement to drive efficiencies, quality and cost reductions within IT
Delivery
- Ensures successful delivery of enterprise and departmental projects and efforts within defined parameters of time, quality, cost
- Builds capabilities to sustain and evolve technology solutions in line with defined service levels
- Eliminates or mitigates single points of failure that represent unacceptable risks for CELLDEX
- Develop professionals on the IT team to expand skills, capabilities and value
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Bachelor’s degree in technology or technical field desired
- Demonstrated management and leadership skills and ability to oversee implementation of technology solutions in the biotechnology setting
- 5-10 years of experience leading technical professionals and technical teams
- Significant project management experience working across multiple disciplines, technologies and complex political landscapes
- Demonstrated experience in building IT capabilities in data management, analytics, process improvement, collaboration and virtualization
- Experience in deploying or managing Microsoft Dynamics or Veeva platforms is desired, but not strictly necessary
- Demonstrated ability to work as a business partner within all levels of an organization, build productive relationships and lead or be part of a team driving changes using technology
- A Relationship builder, able to adapt to varied client styles and approaches
- Balanced and nuanced – able to identify common ground and build to mutual common goals
- Analytical and process and data oriented – adept at using data and technology to improve processes
- Adaptable to change, sees the value of differing positions and adapts own positions and strategies in response to new information or changes in a situation.
- Must be a systemic thinker who sees across departments and function to champion best outcomes for CELLDEX.
- Outstanding project manager, capable of managing multiple projects concurrently.
- Technical capabilities to manage and direct data, systems engineering, service desk professionals
- Exposed to Process Excellence or similar discipline