Latigo is seeking an experienced and strategic Associate Director/Director, Information Technology to lead the company's IT function and build a scalable, secure, and compliant technology infrastructure that supports our growing clinical-stage biotechnology organization. This individual will be responsible for IT strategy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, business systems, end-user support, SOX compliance, IT General Controls (ITGCs), and vendor management while serving as a trusted partner to all business functions.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with a service-oriented mindset and experience supporting regulated life sciences and public-company environments. This role will play a critical part in ensuring operational excellence, cybersecurity, governance, and compliance as the company scales toward commercialization.
Key Responsibilities
IT Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the company's IT roadmap aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
- Serve as the primary IT leader and trusted advisor to executive leadership.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that improve efficiency, security, compliance, and scalability.
- Establish and maintain IT policies, standards, and governance processes.
- Lead strategic technology initiatives that support organizational growth and future commercialization efforts.
Infrastructure & End-User Technology
- Oversee corporate IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud services, collaboration platforms, endpoint devices, and business applications.
- Ensure reliable operation, performance, and scalability of core business systems and applications.
- Lead user support services and maintain high levels of employee satisfaction.
- Manage onboarding, offboarding, identity management, and device lifecycle processes.
- Oversee Microsoft 365 administration and related cloud-based productivity platforms.
Cybersecurity, Compliance & Governance
- Lead the company's cybersecurity, IT risk management, and compliance programs, ensuring scalable and secure technology operations.
- Oversee Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) IT compliance activities, including the design, implementation, documentation, and maintenance of IT General Controls (ITGCs).
- Serve as the control owner for SOX-related technology controls and governance processes.
- Manage IT-related audit activities, remediation efforts, and continuous improvement of internal control processes.
- Partner closely with Finance, internal and external audit, and functional leaders to support SOX compliance requirements.
- Establish and maintain policies and procedures related to cybersecurity, data privacy, business continuity, disaster recovery, and IT governance.
- Lead security awareness programs and incident response planning.
- Support ongoing compliance obligations through strong governance and control frameworks.
Business Applications & Digital Enablement
- Manage and optimize enterprise applications including Microsoft 365, ERP, HRIS, expense management, document management, collaboration tools, and other critical business systems.
- Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for process automation and operational improvements.
- Lead implementation, integration, and administration of new technology platforms as organizational needs evolve.
- Ensure business systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with company objectives.
Vendor & Budget Management
- Manage external IT service providers, consultants, managed service providers (MSPs), and software vendors.
- Negotiate vendor contracts and monitor performance against service-level expectations.
- Develop and manage the annual IT budget and technology expenditure.
- Ensure cost-effective delivery of IT services while maintaining security, compliance, and operational excellence.
Life Sciences & Quality Support
- Support GxP-adjacent systems and processes appropriate for a clinical-stage biotechnology organization.
- Collaborate with Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Manufacturing, and Development Operations teams to ensure technology solutions meet business and compliance requirements.
- Assist with technology due diligence, data governance initiatives, inspection readiness activities, and vendor qualification efforts.
- Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to support regulated system requirements and business continuity needs.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
- 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership responsibilities.
- Experience managing Microsoft 365 and modern cloud-based IT environments.
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, cloud technologies, identity management, risk management, and enterprise IT operations.
- Demonstrated success supporting rapidly growing organizations.
- Experience supporting public company environments or organizations preparing for IPO.
- Strong knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements and IT General Controls (ITGCs).
- Experience implementing and maintaining controls related to user access management, change management, segregation of duties, system administration, and logical security.
- Experience partnering with Finance, Internal Audit, and external auditors on SOX testing, remediation efforts, and annual audits.
Preferred
- Experience implementing governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) programs and tools.
- Experience leading cybersecurity initiatives and incident response programs.
- Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
- Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other regulated industries.
- Familiarity with GxP environments, FDA regulations, computerized systems, and data integrity requirements.
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, Microsoft Azure, AWS, or PMP.
Success Factors
In the first 12 months, this individual will:
- Establish a scalable IT roadmap to support organizational growth.
- Strengthen the company's cybersecurity and compliance posture.
- Enhance the SOX ITGC framework to support public company requirements.
- Enhance the employee IT experience and support capabilities.
- Develop strong partnerships across all functions and serve as a trusted strategic advisor to leadership.
- Improve business processes through technology, automation, and digital enablement.
