About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading research-based biopharmaceutical company founded in 1987, headquartered in Foster City, California. For over 35 years, Gilead has been at the forefront of tackling some of the world's most pressing health challenges, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Our mission is to deliver life-saving therapies to patients in need, ensuring access across the globe through innovative drugs, a robust pipeline of late-stage candidates, and unmatched patient access programs. With a collaborative culture and a relentless drive to innovate, Gilead's worldwide team works together to advance scientific breakthroughs that improve lives. Joining Gilead means contributing to tangible results in the fight against life-threatening diseases while growing in a supportive environment where every employee matters.

Role Overview

The Executive Director, IT - Head of Security Architecture, Engineering, and Delivery is a mission-critical leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and serving as Deputy CISO. Based at Gilead's global headquarters in Foster City, California, this site-based role is pivotal in safeguarding the integrity of scientific data, digital assets, and operational environments. As a senior leader in the cross-functional Security Risk and Compliance organization, you will direct teams to architect, engineer, and deliver enterprise-wide security capabilities. This position is uniquely positioned at the forefront of Gilead's digital and AI-driven transformation, securing next-generation research platforms that accelerate therapies for HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. With optional work-from-home days on Mondays and Fridays, this full-time role demands a strategic leader who can navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders, and drive secure innovation.

Key Impact Areas

In this role, you will translate complex security requirements into actionable guidance, partnering with Security Operations, Risk, Data Privacy, QA, Infrastructure, Network, and Business IT. Your expertise will protect employees, patients, and groundbreaking research from evolving cyber threats, ensuring Gilead maintains a resilient security posture amid rapid technological advancements.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Security Architecture, Engineering, and Delivery, your core duties include:

• Directing teams responsible for architecting, engineering, and delivering enterprise security capabilities across risk assessment, identity and access management, endpoint security, network security, platform security, and application security.
• Defining and executing a comprehensive security strategy that incorporates automation, operational efficiencies, and low technical debt to support business operations.
• Positioning security as an enabler for innovation, providing scalable solutions with threat visibility and rapid response capabilities.
• Serving as a trusted advisor to business functions, IT leaders, and senior stakeholders, influencing enterprise decisions to strengthen cyber resilience.
• Representing security across the organization as Deputy CISO, shaping policies, compliance, and technology strategies aligned with Gilead's mission.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this executive role, candidates must demonstrate:

• Expert-level domain knowledge in cybersecurity areas including risk management, IAM, endpoint, network, platform, and application security.
• Proven ability to function as a Deputy CISO with strategic vision and hands-on execution.
• Deep expertise in security policy, regulatory compliance, technology strategy, and secure development practices.
• Strong business acumen to partner effectively with cross-functional teams and navigate ambiguity.
• Experience driving digital transformation in a high-stakes environment like biopharma, with a track record of influencing senior leaders.

This is a site-based position in Foster City, CA, with no full remote option, emphasizing collaborative in-office presence on core days.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package tailored for executive talent, including a competitive salary estimated at $350,000 - $500,000 annually (based on biopharma sector rates in California with buffer), comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and performance incentives. Enjoy optional work-from-home flexibility on Mondays and Fridays, while collaborating at our state-of-the-art headquarters. Additional perks include professional development programs, wellness initiatives, and employee stock purchase plans, all supporting a balanced life.

Career Growth

At Gilead, people leaders are the cornerstone of our culture. This role offers unparalleled growth as a stepping stone to CISO-level positions, with opportunities to lead during digital transformation. Benefit from ongoing skill enhancement, mentorship, and exposure to global projects in HIV therapies, oncology innovations, and inflammatory disease treatments. Gilead invests in your aspirations, fostering an inclusive environment where you can evolve our culture and empower teams.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means being part of a close-knit community driving real-world impact. See the tangible results of your work in therapies that benefit millions, from HIV patients to those battling cancer and inflammatory conditions. Our bold ambitions require passionate leaders like you to create possible together, in a culture of inclusion, development, and empowerment. With a strong security posture under your leadership, Gilead will continue innovating confidently.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role remote? A: No, it's site-based in Foster City, CA, with optional WFH on Mondays and Fridays.

Q: What salary can I expect? A: Estimated $350,000 - $500,000 USD yearly, based on experience and market rates.

Q: Who does this role report to? A: Directly to the CISO, serving as Deputy CISO.

Q: What industries is experience required in? A: Biopharma or high-tech security leadership preferred.

Q: How does this role support Gilead's mission? A: By securing data and platforms that fuel therapies for HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases.