Director, IT Applications at Forge Biologics

About Forge  

Our mission at Forge Biologics, is to enable access to life changing gene therapies and help bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most.   

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.  

About The Team 

The Information Technology (IT) department plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all technology-related systems within the company. They are responsible for managing and maintaining the company's digital infrastructure, including servers, data centers, and cloud computing platforms. They are responsible for providing technical assistance, troubleshooting issues, and resolving problems related to hardware, software, and network connectivity. The department also ensures data security and privacy by implementing robust cybersecurity measures and protocols.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Applications to lead our technology initiatives within the biotech sector. In this critical role, you will collaborate closely with business stakeholders, R&D teams, and IT professionals to drive the successful implementation and optimization of applications supporting research and development processes.

What You’ll Do

• Business-IT Alignment:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with business leaders, understanding their strategic goals and translating them into technology roadmaps.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to executives, providing insights on how technology can enhance company processes.
  • Champion the alignment of applications and systems with overall business objectives.
• Applications Strategy and Governance:
  • Identify emerging technologies and opportunities for innovation to enhance productivity and maintain a competitive advantage.
  • Oversee the selection, implementation, and enhancement of critical systems, and data analytics platforms.
  • Coordinate governance processes to manage application lifecycles, and vendor relationships.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with business units to understand their needs, prioritize projects, and allocate resources effectively.
  • Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Change Leadership and Adoption:
  • Lead change management efforts related to applications, ensuring smooth transitions during system implementations and upgrades.
  • Drive user adoption by providing training, documentation, and ongoing support.
  • Monitor application performance and user satisfaction, addressing any issues promptly.
• Team Leadership:
  • Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to team members to enhance their skills and capabilities.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Computer Science, Information Systems, Life Sciences, or related).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in applications management, business partnering, or related roles.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing and optimizing Enterprise, Quality and/or Manufacturing systems, such as NetSuite, Veeva, BMRAM, Benchling, Rockwell.
• Familiarity with biotech/pharma industry processes.
• Strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to think strategically and translate business needs into actionable IT initiatives.
• Experience in a regulated (eg, FDA, GxP, HIPAA, etc.) environment.
• Ability to work onsite, in Columbus, Ohio 3-4 days/week on average.

Work Environment and Physical Demands  

This position works in a typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. This is largely a sedentary role; persons holding office positions are generally subject to inside environmental conditions having the lighting, temperature, and noise of an open floor-plan office environment. Regularly operate a computer and other office equipment. Regularly communicate with others in person, over the phone, and electronically. Must be able to move and/or carry objects weighing up to 10 lbs. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned. 

Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

Life at Forge  

We are a team of diverse, driven and passionate people working together to trailblaze a new model for how we make medicines to treat patients with genetic diseases. Our team members use their creativity and talent to invent new solutions, meet new demands, and offer the most effective services in the industry. Forge’s core values lay the foundation for H.O.P.E. It provides us a common purpose that we all understand, work towards and live by.   

HARDWORKING - We work hard and smart, making a persistent and determined effort toward success. Working hard, with focus and desire is the key. 

OPEN - We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We positively offer and receive constructive feedback. 

PURPOSE DRIVEN - We are passionate about working towards and delivering on our mission to manufacture gene therapies. 

ENGAGED - We are fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about our work and take positive action to further Forge’s vision, mission and goals. 

We’ve Got You Covered 

We take the health and happiness of our employees seriously and are consistently evaluating new ways to make our benefits truly UnFORGEttable. 

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance that starts on your first day at Forge, with 90% of premiums covered for team members as well as dependents 
• Flexible PTO (plus 14 paid company holidays) 
• Annual bonus for all full-time employees
• 401(K) company match 
• Fully-stocked kitchen with free food/drinks 
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave - additional discount programs include childcare support & dependent care 
• Employee Assistance Program  
• Wellness benefits (financial planning services, mental health counseling, employer paid disability) 
• Professional & Personal development resources - LinkedIn Learning, a dedicate training staff in-house, mentoring opportunities & access to leadership development coaches