Head of IT

You'll be responsible for cybersecurity, IT governance, and compliance.

The role also involves hands-on management of the IT landscape to ensure scalability, reliability, and alignment with business needs.

Our client is an international company located in Lausanne

• Own and lead the company's global cybersecurity and IT control framework, ensuring a consistent and strong security posture across all locations.
• Establish and maintain IT security, data governance, risk management, incident response, and SOX-relevant IT general controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and industry requirements, including SEC cybersecurity rules, SOX, GDPR, and relevant life-science regulations.
• Advise senior management and governance bodies on cybersecurity risks, control effectiveness, and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee cybersecurity operations, including internal capabilities and external service providers.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and testing activities, ensuring timely remediation and continuous improvement.
• Manage third-party IT and cybersecurity risks.
• Define, monitor, and report key cybersecurity and IT control metrics to management and governing bodies.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT roadmap aligned with the company's growth strategy and operational needs.
• Ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of IT systems supporting R&D, GxP-related operations, commercial activities, and corporate functions.
• Manage the planning, prioritization, and execution of IT initiatives, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Develop, maintain, and evolve the enterprise architecture, with a strong focus on cloud-first environments and seamless system integration.
• Drive the adoption of modern technologies and lead systems integration across the organization.
• Partner closely with the Data Protection Officer and contribute to the overall data management strategy.
• Oversee managed service providers, setting clear expectations and ensuring delivery quality and cost efficiency.

Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT management, with responsibility for enterprise-wide IT operations.

Demonstrated experience setting up, scaling, or transforming IT functions in an international, matrixed organization.

Proven experience in cybersecurity management and governance.

Background in a regulated environment; experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare sectors is a strong advantage.

Experience with in a publicly listed company, with solid understanding of SOX-related IT controls.

Strong knowledge of IT governance models, cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO), and data privacy regulations, including GDPR.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership and governance bodies.

Scale-up mindset with a proactive and pragmatic approach.

Strong sense of ownership and accountability, comfortable taking responsibility for decisions.

Hands-on manager who can think strategically while remaining close to execution.

Quick thinker, adaptable, and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

International and collaborative work environment.

Attractive package