About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For over 35 years, Gilead has pioneered breakthroughs in treating some of the world's most challenging diseases, including HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. The company's portfolio extends to oncology and inflammatory diseases, where innovative therapies have transformed patient outcomes and expanded access to life-saving treatments globally. With a relentless focus on scientific discovery, collaboration, and determination, Gilead employs thousands of passionate professionals united by a mission to advance human health. As a global leader in biotech, Gilead fosters an inclusive environment where every employee contributes to bold ambitions and life-changing innovations.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, IT - Enterprise AI and IT Strategy Leader is a pivotal leadership position at Gilead Sciences, based at our global headquarters in Foster City, California. Reporting directly to the CIO and serving as a key member of the IT Leadership Team, this role leads a team of approximately 25 professionals. You will revolutionize Gilead's approach to AI and technology, shaping the enterprise AI and IT strategy while driving business operations, enterprise architecture, strategic planning, and operational excellence. This site-based hybrid role requires 3 days onsite and 2 days work-from-home, offering the perfect balance for high-impact leadership in a dynamic biopharma environment. Ideal for a visionary technical leader with a science background, this position harnesses cutting-edge technology to advance Gilead's fight against HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.

Key Impact Areas

As the Business Strategy and Operations lead, you will coordinate across IT functions, align with enterprise goals, and ensure measurable results that propel Gilead's mission forward.

Key Responsibilities

In this executive role, you will spearhead transformative initiatives:

• Spearhead the enterprise AI and IT strategy, developing roadmaps, governance, and cross-functional execution to drive innovation.
• Liaise with senior executives enterprise-wide to align expectations, make strategic investment choices, and ensure successful delivery and adoption.
• Drive IT organization transformation, fostering innovation, agility, scalability, and coordination across all IT functions.
• Refresh long-term location and staffing strategies, partnering with HR, Facilities, FP&A, and others for seamless execution.
• Lead IT strategy, planning, KPIs, metrics reporting, and alignment with business priorities.
• Oversee IT operations including vendor management, project portfolio, governance, methodologies, and financial controls.
• Incorporate cutting-edge concepts, simplify processes, and establish operational rigor with OKRs and progress tracking.
• Partner with CIO, IT business partners, and senior leaders to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Qualifications & Requirements

Gilead seeks a technology thought leader with:

• Strong technical foundation and science background, ideally in biopharma or life sciences.
• Proven track record leading enterprise-wide change, IT strategy, and large teams (25+ professionals).
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Expertise in AI strategy, enterprise architecture, governance, vendor management, and operational excellence.
• Experience developing roadmaps, OKRs, KPIs, and driving transformations in complex organizations.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in senior IT leadership roles within biopharma, biotech, or high-tech industries.

Must be eligible to work in the United States and able to commit to hybrid onsite presence in Foster City, CA.

Benefits & Perks

Joining Gilead means accessing a premium compensation package tailored for executive talent:

• Estimated salary range of $450,000 - $650,000 USD annually, plus performance bonuses and equity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Hybrid flexibility: 3 days onsite at Foster City HQ, 2 days remote.
• Generous 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and professional development.
• Paid parental leave, unlimited PTO, and employee stock purchase plans.
• Inclusive culture with DEI initiatives, employee resource groups, and leadership training.

Career Growth

At Gilead, people leaders are central to our culture. This role offers unparalleled growth, positioning you as a key influencer in IT transformation and global health innovation. Advance your career through mentorship from the CIO, cross-functional exposure, and opportunities to lead high-visibility projects in AI, oncology, HIV, and beyond. Gilead invests in your development, empowering you to evolve our inclusive environment where every employee thrives.

Why Join Gilead

Gilead Sciences stands at the forefront of biopharma, tackling HIV, viral hepatitis, cancer, oncology, and inflammatory diseases with groundbreaking therapies. By joining as Executive Director, IT - Enterprise AI and IT Strategy Leader, you'll make a direct impact on life-changing innovations. Our Foster City headquarters buzzes with collaboration, state-of-the-art facilities, and a hybrid model that supports work-life balance. Be part of a team driven by purpose, where your leadership in AI and IT strategy accelerates our mission to ensure global access to therapies. With competitive pay, robust benefits, and a culture of empowerment, Gilead is where ambitious leaders create possible together.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role remote? A: No, it's hybrid site-based in Foster City, CA (3 days onsite, 2 remote). Remote work is not available.

Q: What is the team size? A: You will lead a team of about 25 professionals.

Q: Does Gilead support career development? A: Yes, with leadership training, tuition reimbursement, and paths to broader executive roles.

Q: How does this role impact Gilead's mission? A: Directly shapes AI/IT strategy to advance therapies for HIV, oncology, inflammation, and more.

Q: What is the reporting structure? A: Reports to the CIO; key IT Leadership Team member.