Senior Director, Business Applications

Role Summary

Senior Director, Business Applications, reporting to the Vice President, Information Technology, overseeing and optimizing all General & Administrative (G&A) business systems. Lead a high-impact team to enhance, harden, and scale enterprise systems to support 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 compliance (404A & B)
• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement, Talent, Facilities and IT to understand evolving business requirements and deliver scalable solutions
• Drive successful adoption of new technologies through change management, including communication, training, and stakeholder alignment
• Evaluate and implement AI-driven tools and automation platforms and workflow optimization solutions (e.g., Workato) to improve performance
• Lead continuous improvement and digital transformation across systems
• Ensure governance, data integrity, system security, and adherence to internal controls and SOX
• Lead system and vendor evaluations, platform assessments, and RFP processes for optimal technical fit
• 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 integrations
• Mentor and grow a high-performing Business Applications team aligned with Olema’s culture and mission

Qualifications

• Knowledge:
  • 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
  • Required: Leadership in managing cross-functional teams and complex system implementations
  • Required: Proven ability to scale and harden systems for commercialization; translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions
• Experience:
  • Required: 10+ years managing enterprise applications with a strong G&A systems background in biotech/pharmaceuticals
  • Required: 5+ years building, leading, mentoring direct reports
  • Required: Hands-on NetSuite experience; Prendio, Agiloft, BambooHR, Greenhouse, Culture Amp, Workato or similar tools highly preferred
  • Required: Track record of process optimization and automation; SOX experience including controls and governance
  • Required: Success in system and vendor selection, including leading evaluations, RFPs, and contract negotiations
• Attributes:
  • Exceptional communication and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
  • Strong commitment to excellence and user experiences
  • Analytical, data-driven decision-maker
  • Proactive, self-motivated, results-oriented with a bias for action
  • Collaborative, cross-functional team player
  • 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: ~10% of time