Senior Director, Business Applications

Role Summary

Senior Director, Business Applications is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all General & Administrative (G&A) business systems, leading a high-impact team to enhance, harden, and scale enterprise systems in support of commercialization and sustained growth. The role is 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 compliance (404A & B)
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement, Talent, Facilities and IT teams to understand evolving business requirements and deliver efficient, scalable solutions
• Ensure successful adoption of new technologies and enhancements through structured change management practices, including communication, training, and stakeholder alignment
• Evaluate and implement AI-driven tools and automation platforms, and workflow optimization solutions such as Workato or similar iPaaS technologies
• Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation by identifying opportunities for process redesign, automation and system integration
• Ensure application governance, data integrity, system security, and adherence to internal controls and SOX
• 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 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

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