Define and implement a global IT strategy and roadmap aligned with Cytel’s growth, product innovation, and client delivery priorities.
Partner with executive leadership to ensure technology investments drive business performance and competitive differentiation.
Evaluate emerging technologies (AI/ML, advanced analytics, cloud platforms) to support Cytel’s data science and statistical innovation agenda.
Oversee the design, implementation, and support of enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, and cloud platforms ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.
Drive modernization initiatives including cloud adoption, automation, and platform standardization.
Ensure high availability of systems supporting clinical data, software platforms, and global operations.
Lead enterprise-wide digital initiatives to improve operational efficiency, client delivery, and data-driven decision-making.
Enable integration of clinical systems (e.g., EDC, CTMS, data platforms) and internal tools to support Cytel’s service and software offerings.
Partner with R&D and product teams to support software development environments and analytics capabilities.
Establish and oversee robust cybersecurity and data protection frameworks across all systems and platforms.
Ensure compliance with GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, GDPR, and other regulatory standards relevant to clinical research and data integrity.
Lead IT risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
Oversee enterprise systems including ERP, CRM, HRIS, and data platforms, ensuring integration and scalability. [
Champion data governance, data architecture, and analytics enablement, positioning data as a strategic asset.
Drive adoption of modern technologies including AI, automation, and cloud-native platforms.
Build and lead a high-performing global IT organization, including infrastructure, applications, security, and support teams.
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Develop talent strategy, succession planning, and leadership capability within IT.
Own the global IT budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and strong ROI on technology investments.
Manage strategic vendor partnerships, outsourcing models, and software providers.
Lead contract negotiations and ensure delivery against SLAs. Qualifications & Experience
Required
15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, including senior leadership roles in life sciences, CRO, or healthcare technology.
Proven track record of defining and executing enterprise IT strategy in a global, regulated environment.
Deep expertise in: - Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)
Cybersecurity and risk management
Enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, data platforms)
IT governance and compliance frameworks
Experience supporting clinical research, data science, or software product environments.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing large IT budgets and vendor ecosystems. Preferred
Prior experience in a CRO, biotech, or clinical data/analytics organization (e.g., IQVIA, Parexel, Certara).
Knowledge of clinical systems (EDC, CTMS, eTMF) and regulatory frameworks (GCP, GxP).
Advanced degree (MBA, MS in IT, Computer Science, or related discipline). Key Competencies
Strategic leadership and executive influence
Digital transformation and innovation mindset
Strong business acumen with ability to align IT to revenue growth
Change management and organizational leadership
Excellent stakeholder communication across technical and non-technical audiences
Cytel is a clinical research organization that supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in conducting clinical trials. The company specializes in medical coding services, utilizing standardized medical dictionaries such as MedDRA and WHODrug to ensure accurate and consistent coding of medical terms in clinical trial data. Cytel works across the full spectrum of clinical trial processes, collaborating with teams in clinical operations, data management, safety and risk management, biostatistics, and medical writing to maintain high-quality data that meet global regulatory standards.
