Leader, Information Technology (Remote - must be in Boston or NC)

Although this is a 100% remote position, we are currently focusing our search on candidates who reside in either the Boston, MA or North Carolina area.

Cytel is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Vice President of Information Technology to lead the global IT function and enable the company’s continued growth as a leader in statistical software and clinical research services.

The VP IT will define and execute a scalable, secure, and innovative technology strategy, ensuring alignment with Cytel’s business objectives, including clinical data delivery, advanced analytics, and software platforms. This executive will serve as a key advisor to the leadership team, bridging business priorities with technology capabilities and driving digital transformation across the organization.

1. Strategic Technology Leadership

• 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.

1. IT Operations & Infrastructure

• 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.

1. Digital Transformation & Business Enablement

• 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.

1. Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance

• 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.

1. Enterprise Applications & Data Strategy

• 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.

1. Global Team Leadership

• 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.

1. Financial & Vendor Management

• 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.
• Although this is a 100% remote position, we are currently focusing our search on candidates who reside in either the Boston, MA or North Carolina area.

(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).