Senior Director, Business Applications

Role Summary

The Senior Director, Business Applications will oversee and optimize all General & Administrative (G&A) business systems, leading a high-impact team to enhance, harden, and scale enterprise systems in support of Olema’s commercialization and sustained growth. This role partners with multiple functions to understand evolving business requirements and deliver efficient, scalable solutions, with a focus on system governance, data integrity, and SOX compliance. Based in San Francisco or Boston, the position requires travel and the ability to drive digital transformation across the organization.

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 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 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 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

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

Skills

• Strategic planning and program governance
• Enterprise systems integration and modernization
• Change management and stakeholder alignment
• Vendor management and contract negotiations
• Data governance, security and SOX controls
• People leadership and cross-functional collaboration
• Analytical thinking and data-driven decision making

Education

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

Additional Requirements

• Role requires location in San Francisco or Boston and up to 10% travel