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Director, IT Infrastructure & Operations

South San Francisco, California, United States

Using living cells to treat – and sometimes even cure – cancer is one of the most dramatic advances in modern medicine. Patients with hematologic malignancies have been successfully treated with cell therapies. However, these profound results have not yet been achieved in patients with solid tumors, representing approximately 90% of all cancers. At Lyell, our goal is to change that. We are a clinical-stage T-cell reprogramming company advancing a diverse pipeline of cell therapies for solid tumors based on our innovative technologies. We were founded by cell therapy pioneers whose decades of research elevated the broader understanding of T-cell biology and its interaction with cancer. In our quest to defeat solid tumors, we have built a fully integrated company capable of discovering new technologies, translating science into therapies, manufacturing cell therapy products, and clinically evaluating them in patients. Our culture is based on Science, Respect, Collaboration, and Courage and reflects who we are, the environment we create, and our mission's urgency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of IT Infrastructure and Operations is responsible for strategic direction, leadership and management of Lyell's IT infrastructure including Cloud, data centers, network, storage and end-user support ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of technology systems. The Director will oversee the cloud engineering, IT Operations, Helpdesk and support teams. 

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide leadership for IT Infrastructure including cloud and operations, ensuring alignment with business goals
  • Direct and lead Lyell’s Cloud Engineering, Helpdesk, IT Operations, Application and support teams including implementation and operations oversight
  • Foster relationships across all functions to ensure digital needs are met and data is managed in line with Lyell’s data governance and security policies.
  • In partnership with business & technology leaders, develop, own and manage Lyell’s cloud strategy, including vendor partnerships and selection of new technologies, architecture and patterns.
  • Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including SoX and GxP
  • Oversee the technical delivery of IT infrastructure solutions such as cloud, servers, systems software, backup services, and related security as well as development and maintenance of disaster recovery
  • Lead and manage resources in cloud, storage, network, and helpdesk operations to improve efficiency, performance, and user satisfaction.
  • Manage infrastructure monitoring, management, and cloud services according to established procedures and practices.
  • Ensure high availability, scalability, and reliability of IT systems.
  • Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and schedules for infrastructure-related projects. Collaborate with IT Leadership to develop budgets and optimize costs while maintaining service quality and performance.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies or capabilities that can be applied across the business.
  • Conduct ongoing research into industry and technology trends, summarizing and presenting key trends that may impact IT capabilities.
  • Define key success metrics and support policies and procedures to measure and improve operations and support functions.
  • Collaborate with third-party vendors to understand and plan for technology roadmaps and manage support services.
  • Oversee the implementation, delivery, service, and support of IT services including networking, video conferencing, communications, desktop productivity tools, and enterprise file management.
  • Assist in selecting, onboarding, and managing vendors, contractors, and employees delivering IT solutions.
  • Oversee provisioning, patching, and management of endpoint devices including employee laptops, lab computers, and instrument sidecar computers.
  • Implement IT service management practices, including incident, problem, change, and asset management.
  • Monitor system performance and implement necessary improvements.
  • Lead and manage IT infrastructure projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Information Systems or a related field with a minimum of 12 years’ experience

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum 8 years’ of experience in IT infrastructure and operations management in cloud-based environment
  • Deep experience designing, implementing and running production systems on AWS & data center management
  • Experience working in Infrastructure as code (IaC) environment manning delivery and infrastructure automation using tool such as Terraform
  • Proven experience operating mission-critical business systems in a highly compliant environment
  • Understanding security control frameworks NIST, ISO, HITRUST and regulatory requirements such as SoX, GDPR, CCPA and GxP
  • Proven leadership with the ability to manager and develop high-performing team
  • Experience with disaster recovery planning and business continuity practices

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • High proficiency in cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform
  • In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure components including servers, networks, storage systems, and virtualization technologies
  • Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems (Windows, Mac) and security architecture
  • Strong understanding of IT Service Management (ITSM) and IT infrastructure library (ITIL) principles; Certifications such as ITIL, CISSP are a plus
  • Strong knowledge of IT Infrastructure, including networks, servers, storage, and cloud computing
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively among cross-functional teams
  • Ability to work efficiently, prioritize workflow, meet deadlines and balance competing priorities.

Lyell offers its employees a range of compensation and benefits. To assist you with your decision to apply for this role, the following decision to apply for this role, the following information and links to our site highlight our competitive market position and support to our employees and their dependents.

The salary range for this position is $230,000 to $255,000, annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual bonus. The salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Lyell’s compensation practices and an applicant’s qualifications and experience. Employees are also eligible to participate in Lyell’s Equity Incentive Plan.

Our Employee Benefits program is extensive and includes subsidized medical, dental and vision plans from your first day of employment, FSA, Company provided Life and AD&D Insurance as well as STD and LTD Insurance, ESPP, a 401(k) Plan with Company match, mass transit commuter benefits, cell phone reimbursement and a range of supplemental benefits that you may choose to elect. Our paid time-off benefits currently include 18 days’ vacation, 9 day’s sick leave, 8 observed holidays as well as a floating holiday. We also have a summer and a winter office shutdown. More information on our extensive benefits offering can be found here.

At Lyell, we believe that highest performing teams include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences who respectfully challenge each other. We are committed to building an open, diverse and inclusive culture for all employees.

Lyell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.
 
We’ve learned from experience that some of the best people don’t always match our requirements perfectly - if you’re interested and think you could fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

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