Associate Director, IT - Infrastructure and End-User Support

Circle Pharma is a dynamic biotech company advancing the discovery and development of cell-permeable oral macrocycles. Our platform combines structure-based drug design and advanced synthetic chemistry to create first-in-class macrocycle therapeutics for severe unmet clinical needs. We are focusing our development efforts on cyclins, which are master regulators of the machinery that controls progression of cells through the cell cycle and are key drivers in many cancers.

We seek passionate individuals poised to drive our growth and make a difference. Learn more about Circle Pharma at www.circlepharma.com

Reporting to the Executive Director and Head of IT, the Associate Director, IT - Infrastructure & End-User Support is responsible for leading and managing the IT infrastructure and end-user support functions. This role is an effective mix of tactical and strategic activities, ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of the organization's IT environment while providing strategic direction and operational excellence in IT service delivery. The Associate Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This is an onsite role that requires a commitment of 5 days per week, Monday - Friday, at Circle's South San Francisco location. Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Infrastructure Management:
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and storage.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of IT systems.
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and best practices for IT infrastructure management.
• Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning efforts.
• Administer our Cisco environment management, including network configuration, security, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Manage conference technology infrastructure, including AV systems, virtual meeting platforms, and on-site technical support for company events.
• Administer our Device Management solutions to ensure security, compliance, and efficient administration of all connected devices.
• Manage and optimize AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and cost efficiency.
• Administer our Virtual Private Network (VPN) management to support secure remote access and connectivity.
• Assist with selection and implementation of ticketing system.
• End-User Support:
• Direct and oversee the IT service desk team to provide high-quality end-user support.
• Establish and monitor SLAs to ensure timely resolution of IT issues.
• Implement and refine ITIL-based service management practices.
• Drive user training and adoption of IT tools and services.
• Evaluate and implement automation and self-service solutions to improve efficiency.
• Provide comprehensive support for a mixed environment of Mac and Windows-based machines, ensuring seamless operation, compatibility, and security across platforms.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for Mac and Windows environments, including software deployment, patch management, and security configurations.
• Collaborate with IT security teams to enforce endpoint protection strategies for both operating systems.
• Security & Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Collaborate with security teams to identify and mitigate risks.
• Monitor and enforce data protection and access control policies.
• Support cybersecurity functions, including threat monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, and security awareness training initiatives.
• Leadership & Strategy:
• Support the development and execution of the strategic roadmap for IT infrastructure and end-user services.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to IT staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Collaborate with business units to align IT services with organizational goals.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend innovative solutions.
• Develop and manage IT budgets with a focus on infrastructure growth and end-user device lifecycle management, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and financial planning.

About You:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in IT infrastructure administration, end-user support, and service provider management, with at least 3 years in a leading role.
• Experience working within the biotech/pharma industry a strong plus.
• Experience with developing and growing highly efficient, knowledgeable and responsive teams.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure technologies, including cloud computing, networking, virtualization, disaster recovery, business continuity and enterprise storage.
• Experience managing MSPs.
• Experience managing IT service delivery using ITIL frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale projects and IT budgets.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CISSP, AWS, Microsoft, Cisco) are a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization. Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Solutions-oriented, self-driven, and able to think critically and strategically in a rapidly evolving environment. Passionate about contributing to Circle's growth and mission.
• Comfortable working resourcefully in a small, startup environment.
• Enjoyment in operating in an exceptionally dynamic, high-achieving and collaborative environment where every voice matters.
• Demonstrated willingness to lead, champion, and operate with Circle's Core Values.

Work Environment:

• On-site, five (5) days a week.
• Occasional evening or weekend work required for system upgrades and maintenance.
• The ability to lift and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel (up to 10%) as needed for business requirements.

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Startup Pharma/Life Science experience.
• US, EU, JAPAC and LATAM compliance experience.

$164,000 - $192,000 a year

The anticipated salary range for an individual hired in South San Francisco, CA is $164,000 to $192,000 annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type, and length of experience within the industry, education, Circle's internal equity, etc.

Circle Pharma recognizes that the success of our endeavors depends on the success of every team member. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits include but are not limited to medical, dental, and vision care. We also provide a 401(k) plan with a generous company contribution, and all of our offers contain a stock option component. We provide company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Additionally, we provide many company-paid holidays, including a winter break at the close of the calendar year.

Circle Pharma is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, membership in an organization or any other non-merit factors.