Senior Manager, IT Operations & Security

SUMMARY OF ROLE:

The Senior Manager of IT Operations & Security is a key leadership role responsible for building, managing, and scaling Element Science's IT infrastructure, daily operations, and security posture. You will oversee all aspects of our corporate IT environment, from end-user support to the hands-on implementation of foundational systems. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will not only manage existing systems but also lead and execute the implementation of new IT and security infrastructure (e.g., SSO, MDM, EDR, cloud migrations) to support our rapid growth. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and an operational expert ready to ensure our technology services are reliable, scalable, and secure.

We have a hybrid office and may occasionally require you to travel between our two offices--San Francisco and Redwood City.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

IT Operations & Infrastructure Management

• Lead and manage all aspects of IT operations, including help desk services, network infrastructure, and system administration for our hybrid cloud/on-prem environment.
• Lead and execute critical infrastructure projects, including network upgrades, cloud migrations (AWS/Azure), and the implementation of new enterprise systems.
• Develop and implement a scalable IT operations framework, including ticketing systems, SLAs, and performance metrics to ensure exceptional service delivery.
• Perform hands-on management and troubleshooting of the IT environment to ensure high availability and performance.
• Manage the IT vendor relationships, and technology procurement to ensure cost-effective and strategic investments.

IT Security & Compliance Management

• Take ownership of the company's operational security posture by designing, implementing, and managing security tools and systems, including SSO, MDM, EDR, firewalls, endpoint protection, and vulnerability management.
• Lead the IT response to security incidents, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure IT systems and processes are compliant with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA and 21 CFR Part 11.
• Implement and enforce IT security policies, procedures, and best practices across the organization.

Team Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Operate as a hands-on leader, mentoring team members while establishing the operational foundation for the department.
• As the company scales, recruit, hire, and develop a high-performing team of IT professionals.
• Develop and execute a long-term IT Operations roadmap that aligns with business goals, focusing on scalability, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to inform strategic recommendations and drive innovation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The employee will sit for long periods of time during travel to and from our two Bay Area offices (Redwood City and San Francisco).
• The employee will walk frequently within our facilities.
• The employee will be required to crouch, kneel, stoop, balance, and reach.
• The employee shall be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, near and far vision, and depth perception.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive, hands-on IT experience, with a clear focus on infrastructure and systems administration.
• Leadership: 2-5 years of experience in a management or lead role, with a demonstrated ability to build, mentor, and scale technical teams.
• Technical Expertise:
• Demonstrated experience leading and executing IT infrastructure projects such as cloud migrations, network upgrades, and new system implementations (e.g., SSO, MDM, EDR).
• Expert knowledge of Windows and Mac operating systems in a corporate environment.
• Strong, hands-on experience with network management, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and managing security appliances (e.g., firewalls).
• Proficiency with cloud and SaaS platforms such as Google Workspace, Box, Microsoft, Slack,Jira,AWS, or Azure.
• Security Acumen:
• Proven experience managing operational security functions, including incident response, vulnerability management, and security tool administration.
• Solid understanding of information security frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., NIST, HIPAA).
• Skills:
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A strategic mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and process optimization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant IT or Security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+/Security+, CISSP, CISM, ITIL).
• Direct experience working in a regulated industry (e.g., medical devices, life sciences).

BENEFITS:

Element Science offers a very competitive salary and benefits package including, but not limited to:

• Stock Options
• 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan (Traditional and Roth)
• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)
• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Employee Assistance Program through PEO

The salary for this exempt-level position will be based on experience and qualifications within an established pay range.

• Pay range: $160,000 - $170,000 + bonus and stock options