Senior Director, Business Applications

Role Summary

Senior Director, Business Applications, overseeing and optimizing all General & Administrative (G&A) business systems. Lead a high-impact team to enhance, harden, and scale enterprise systems in support of Olema’s transition toward commercialization and sustained growth. Based in San Francisco or Boston with 10% travel.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategic roadmap, budget and day-to-day management of G&A business systems including NetSuite, Prendio, Agiloft, BambooHR, Greenhouse, and Culture Amp
• Hardening existing systems to prepare for commercialization and ensure enterprise scalability, audit readiness, and SOX (404A & B) compliance
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement, Talent, Facilities and IT to understand evolving business requirements and deliver efficient, scalable solutions
• Ensure successful adoption of new technologies and enhancements through structured change management, including communication, training, and stakeholder alignment
• Evaluate and implement AI-driven tools, automation platforms, and workflow optimization solutions (e.g., Workato or similar iPaaS) to improve performance and efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation by identifying opportunities for process redesign, automation and integration across systems
• Ensure application governance, data integrity, system security, and adherence to internal controls and SOX processes
• Lead system and vendor evaluations, platform assessments, and RFP processes to achieve optimal technical fit and value
• Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations for SaaS platforms and service providers
• Provide oversight and partnership with R&D teams (~10–15% of time) to support scientific applications, data workflows, and system integrations that enable research innovation
• Mentor and grow a high-performing Business Applications team aligned with Olema’s culture and mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred
• Strong knowledge of AI technologies, data management, and automation tools to drive digital transformation
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and complex system implementations
• Proven success scaling and hardening systems in preparation for commercialization
• Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and architect scalable, future-ready systems
• A minimum of 10+ years of experience managing enterprise applications, with a strong background in G&A systems within biotech or pharmaceutical industry
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience building, leading, managing, developing and mentoring direct reports
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite is required; Prendio, Agiloft, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Culture Amp, Workato or similar tools highly preferred
• Track record of process optimization, workflow automation, and driving operational efficiency
• Experience with SOX compliance, including system controls, audit requirements, and governance
• Proven success in system and vendor selection, including leading evaluations, RFPs, and contract negotiations
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Strong commitment to excellence and delivering outstanding user experiences
• Highly analytical and data-driven decision-maker
• Proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a "bias for action"
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a cross-functional environment
• Flexible and adaptable to evolving business needs and technology trends

Education

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred

Additional Requirements

• Travel: approximately 10% as part of the role