Vice President, Information Technology

Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: CNTA) new kind of pharmaceutical company with a deconstructed R&D environment that prioritizes data driven decision making led by subject matter experts. Centessa is advancing a portfolio of high conviction programs with strong biological validation.

Our asset-centric model offers a unique R&D logic that has been applied by single asset companies to improve productivity. This operating model has minimal centralized infrastructure, reduced hierarchy, and exclusive focus on data driven capital allocation. Our teams are uniquely incentivized to expeditiously interrogate key scientific hypotheses. We believe the asset-centric model can lead to improved success rates for programs with greater speed and modest costs.

 

Description of Role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the VP, Information Technology will partner across the business to drive and optimize the development, implementation, and maintenance of Centessa information systems to meet the Company’s’ strategic and pre-commercial/commercial business imperatives. This includes business applications, data strategy, network infrastructure, servers, cloud computing and storage, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, privacy, helpdesk, and significant IT vendor management.   

Key Responsibilities

Strategic IT Leadership and Team Development 

• Develop and execute a forward-looking IT strategy aligned with the Company’s business objectives, including commercialization, R&D, clinical operations, manufacturing and other enterprise systems.
• Develop the strategy for systems design and development and insourced vs. outsourced data solutions – cloud, information systems, security, communication systems, etc.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership to identify and implement technology-driven opportunities that improve efficiency, innovation and scalability.
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and partner to the executive leadership team, providing insights on technology investments and risks.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet business priorities. 

Innovation and Transformation 

• Drive digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of advanced analytics, cloud computing and AI/ML technologies, to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and with each department to implement solutions that optimize data integration, analysis and reporting across the organization.
• Lead efforts to enhance IT systems and automate processes to support the company’s growth trajectory. 

Infrastructure and Operations 

• Oversee the design, implementation and management of robust, secure and scalable IT infrastructure to support the company’s global operations.
• Ensure and supervise the secure and effective operation, and physical tracking of all computer systems, related applications, hardware, and software.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of critical business systems, including ERP, and collaboration tools.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans for IT platforms and functions.
• Oversee IT operations, help desk, IT systems/applications, third-party providers.
• Oversee design, estimation, and execution of project work plans, revising as needed to meet changing needs and requirements. 

Cybersecurity and Compliance 

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect sensitive data, including patient, clinical and proprietary information.
• Oversee regular IT audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards, including SOX, GxP, HIPAA, GDPR and other industry-specific requirements.
• Assist with implementation and adherence to Information Technology General Controls (ITGCs) in a SOX 404(B) environment.  Perform process walkthroughs and testing of ITGCs and application controls.
• Assist with the development, implementation, maintenance, and governance of the organization’s privacy policies following applicable international, federal and state laws.
• Manage all IT policies and procedures in accordance with Centessa quality systems and appropriate regulatory requirements. 

Qualifications

Expertise 

• Deep experience in IT systems, networks, operations, cloud-based systems, security, and development.
• Experience/certification related to cyber security governance, risk, and compliance, audits & assessments, or support and delivery of IT/Cybersecurity services, methods and practices
• Experience managing SOX 404(B) ITGCs and testing of application controls in coordination with external auditors
• Experience working with IT solutions in pre-commercial/commercial stage companies, including ERP and CRM systems
• Comprehensive knowledge of the specific IT requirements of commercialization, R&D, clinical operations and manufacturing
• Expertise with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), cybersecurity frameworks and enterprise architecture
• Experience managing a primarily outsourced IT function  
• Experience handling implementation, training, and support for productivity, content, and collaboration systems such as Microsoft 365.
• Extensive experience working cross-functionally, building collaborative working relationships at all levels.
• Exhibits an excellent understanding of current GxP standards and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Strong people and vendor management, influencing, project management, negotiation, and planning and execution skills.
• Ability to inspire trust, respect, and strategic and operational credibility with peers, colleagues, and subordinates.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complexity and change 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in information technology, information systems, or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience including technology and people management
• Biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical industry experience required.
• Public company experience required. 

Work Location

The VP, IT role is based in Boston, MA. Remote with availability to be onsite headquarters in Boston, MA as needed.  

POSITION: Full-Time, Exempt

EEOC Statement: Centessa Pharmaceuticals believes in a diverse environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Centessa Pharmaceuticals will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Please note: We will not assign referral rights for any unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.