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

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. 

Core 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. 

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. 

Additional Qualifications 

• Experience in regulated environments, including SOX, GxP compliant operations. 

• Background in Pharma or Biotech preferred but not required. 

Competency 

• Strategic Thinking & Business Vision 

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement 

• Global Mindset 

• Stakeholder Management 

• Agility, Adaptability & Tolerance for Ambiguity 

• Influence, Persistence & Accountability 

• Team Leadership & Talent Development 

Education & Experience 

• 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. 

• Experience in both established enterprises and highgrowth environments is advantageous. 

Gilead Core Values 

• Integrity – Doing What’s Right 

• Inclusion – Encouraging Diversity 

• Teamwork – Working Together 

• Excellence – Being Your Best 

• Accountability – Taking Personal Responsibility 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Gilead Sciences is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. Applicants requiring accommodations during the application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.