Sr. Director – Business Security, Risk & Compliance (SRC) Lead

Gilead Sciences•Foster City, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference. Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact. We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together. Job Description Overview Gilead Sciences is a research driven biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering lifesaving therapies to patients worldwide. Our teams work collaboratively to advance scientific innovation, accelerate access, and improve health outcomes across major therapeutic areas, including HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, oncology, inflammation, respiratory disease, and cardiovascular conditions. As part of Gilead’s global technology and security organization, the Sr. Director, Business Security, Risk & Compliance (SRC) Lead plays a critical role in shaping and securing the digital future of the enterprise. This is a site based role located at our headquarters in Foster City, CA. Remote work is not available for this particular position. We do offer a hybrid schedule of 2 days optional work from home/3 days onsite. Role Summary Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the Sr. Director, Business Security, Risk & Compliance (SRC) Lead serves as the strategic security partner for Gilead’s global business functions. This leader drives digital and AI aligned security strategy, guides secure technology adoption, and ensures risk informed decision making across the enterprise. The role collaborates closely with Information Security, Risk & Compliance leaders, IT Business Engagement, Enterprise Security Architecture, Infrastructure Engineering, Application Development teams, and business stakeholders across all regions. It also provides leadership and oversight for a global team of six security professionals responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting Gilead’s information security, risk and compliance capabilities.

Requirements

Technical Expertise Deep mastery of information security principles, architectures, and control frameworks.
Strong understanding of digital security, cloud technologies, AIenabled security capabilities, and emerging security trends.
Experience with enterprise identity and access management, federated identity, SSO, and related architectures.
Proven capability in threat modeling, vulnerability management, forensics, and penetration testing.
Leadership & Business Acumen Demonstrated ability to define and articulate a security vision and link it to business priorities.
Experience serving as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) or similar security leadership role in a global organization.
Strong communication, influence, facilitation, and negotiation skills across technical and nontechnical audiences.
Proven track record leading teams, managing complex environments, and delivering results through collaboration.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in IT, enterprise applications, or business technology functions.
4–5+ years of experience in cybersecurity, privacy, or risk management leadership roles.
Industry certifications such as CISSP or equivalent strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in regulated environments, including SOX, GxP compliant operations.
Background in Pharma or Biotech preferred but not required.
Experience in both established enterprises and highgrowth environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Digital Security Architecture Lead the development and execution of Gilead’s digital and AI aligned security strategy.
Ensure cyber, AI, and information security risks are identified, assessed, communicated, and effectively managed; escalate material concerns as needed.
Translate business, digital, and technology strategies into secure architectural designs and roadmaps.
Drive system architecture decisions that balance functionality, service quality, performance, and security.
Business Partnership & Digital Enablement Serve as the primary security advisor to global business functions, collaborating to evaluate emerging digital and AI initiatives.
Partner with IT Business Engagement teams to understand business priorities, requirements, and technology roadmaps.
Influence technology choices to ensure alignment with security standards and regulatory expectations.
Technology Strategy, Innovation & Solution Development Evaluate and recommend emerging security technologies, tools, and platforms to enhance Gilead’s digital security posture.
Lead the definition and evolution of security frameworks, standards, and reference architecture.
Drive continuous improvement of security processes, systems, and delivery capabilities.
Oversee the design and development of new digital security solutions and enhancements to existing capabilities.
Risk Management, Compliance & Controls Ensure digital solutions meet regulatory, risk, and compliance requirements across regions (including EU and APAC).
Partner with Security Architecture & Governance and IT Risk & Compliance teams to define effective control requirements and operational implementation.
Conduct and oversee security assessments, penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and remediation efforts.
Operational Leadership & Incident Response Guide the deployment and optimization of security technologies including SIEM, IDS/IPS, SecOps tools, endpoint and network security, and firewalls.
In the event of a cyber incident, lead coordinated response with SOC, IT teams, and business partners to contain impact and support recovery.
Metrics, Reporting & Communication Develop and track key performance indicators that measure the effectiveness of security controls and digital risk posture.
Create compelling executive presentations that articulate strategy, risks, solution architectures, and roadmaps to senior leaders and stakeholders.
Team Leadership & Talent Development Lead and develop a high performing, globally distributed Security, Risk & Compliance team.
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative team culture aligned with Gilead’s core values.
Identify, attract, and retain top security talent, including management of external partners, vendors, and academic collaborators.

Benefits

This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

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