Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer with a Biopharma Services Firm (CRO) – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, rapidly growing Biopharmaceutical Services Firm (CRO) in their search for a visionary and transformative Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, this is a career-defining opportunity to join a forward-thinking executive team and shape the technological future of an organization dedicated to accelerating the development of life-saving therapies. Our client is a leader in providing comprehensive clinical trial and laboratory services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies worldwide. They are at a critical inflection point, poised for significant expansion, and technology is the cornerstone of their strategic growth plan.
As the Chief Technology Officer, you will be more than just a technology leader; you will be a strategic business partner, an innovator, and a change agent. You will be responsible for the entire technological ecosystem of the company, from enterprise systems and global infrastructure to client-facing data platforms and cutting-edge R&D initiatives. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance strategic, long-term vision with pragmatic, hands-on execution. You will inherit a talented team and be empowered to build a world-class technology organization that drives efficiency, enhances service delivery, and creates a distinct competitive advantage in the highly competitive CRO market.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the unique technological challenges and opportunities within the biopharma and clinical research landscape. You will be instrumental in harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence, and automation to streamline clinical trials, improve data quality, and provide deeper insights to clients. You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work in close collaboration with other C-suite executives to ensure that the technology strategy is perfectly aligned with the company’s ambitious business objectives. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and a proven track record of leading technological transformation in a regulated, science-driven environment, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer with a Biopharma Services Firm (CRO) – Raleigh, NC
The CTO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategy, execution, and leadership across the global technology function. Key duties include:
Strategic Technology Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term technology vision and strategy that aligns with the company’s mission and strategic goals.
- Serve as the principal technology advisor to the CEO and the executive leadership team, providing insights and recommendations on technology trends, investments, and potential business impacts.
- Lead the digital transformation journey, identifying opportunities to leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve client service delivery, and create new revenue streams.
- Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation and the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI/ML, blockchain, and advanced analytics to solve complex challenges in clinical research.
- Oversee the IT governance framework, ensuring that technology investments deliver measurable business value and are managed with fiscal responsibility.
Technology Operations, Infrastructure, and Security
- Ensure the stability, scalability, and security of the company’s global IT infrastructure, including networks, data centers, and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Develop and implement a robust, enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy to protect sensitive company and client data (including PHI) from internal and external threats.
- Lead the IT operations team to provide exceptional service and support to all employees globally, maintaining high standards for system availability and performance.
- Oversee disaster recovery and business continuity planning to ensure the resilience of critical business systems and operations.
- Manage relationships and contracts with key technology vendors, service providers, and partners, ensuring optimal performance and value.
Data Strategy, Governance, and Compliance
- Architect and implement a modern data strategy that governs the entire data lifecycle, from acquisition and storage to analysis and visualization.
- Ensure all technology systems and processes are compliant with relevant industry regulations, including GxP, HIPAA, GDPR, and the crucial FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regulations.
- Oversee the management and integration of critical clinical and laboratory systems, such as Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), Electronic Data Capture (EDC), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Champion data integrity and quality across the organization, establishing best practices for data management and governance.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global technology team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Structure the technology organization for optimal effectiveness and scalability, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths.
- Attract and retain top-tier technology talent, building a diverse and inclusive team capable of meeting the company’s future needs.
- Manage the technology department’s budget, including capital and operational expenditures, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer with a Biopharma Services Firm (CRO) – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a blend of deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or PhD is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Technology, CIO, CTO) with significant strategic and budgetary responsibility.
- Demonstrable experience within the life sciences industry is essential; specific experience in a CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology company is required.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful technology strategies that have driven business growth and transformation.
- Deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape governing the biopharma industry, including GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and data privacy laws.
- Extensive experience managing enterprise-level IT infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity programs.
- Strong leadership skills with a history of building, mentoring, and managing high-performing, geographically dispersed technology teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading technology integration efforts during mergers and acquisitions.
- Hands-on experience with technologies and platforms relevant to clinical research, such as Medidata Rave, Veeva Vault, or Oracle Clinical.
- Familiarity with advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applications in drug discovery and clinical trial optimization.
- Experience working in a private equity-backed or high-growth company environment.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate a complex technical vision to a wide range of audiences, from the Board of Directors to junior engineers.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing large and complex budgets.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A meaningful long-term incentive plan with equity options, allowing you to share directly in the success you help create.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a generous health savings account (HSA) contribution.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the beautiful Raleigh, NC area.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We encourage you to learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting JRG Partners’ Life Sciences practice. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
