Director IT Strategy and Security

Director of IT Strategy and Security We are seeking a strategic technology leader to oversee cybersecurity governance, AI strategy, vendor risk management, and digital transformation. This role drives the organizations compliance, security posture, and AI maturity while serving as the primary liaison to the parent organization on cybersecurity and AI programs. Reporting to the VP Finance, the Director partners closely with the Director of IT (Infrastructure) and manages the Systems Administrator & Security Analyst. Key Responsibilities Cybersecurity Governance & Compliance Lead development and maintenance of cybersecurity frameworks, policies, and procedures Oversee SOX IT general controls and ISO 13485 IT-related compliance Manage PCI DSS compliance in partnership with payment processing teams Conduct risk assessments, vulnerability reviews, and drive remediation Maintain incident response and business continuity plans Lead cybersecurity audits and maintain targeted audit benchmarks AI Strategy, Governance & Integration Develop and maintain the organizations AI governance framework Translate enterprise AI protection requirements into actionable policies Evaluate, approve, and manage the lifecycle of AI tools and platforms Define secure, compliant integration architectures between AI systems, ERP, and databases Drive AI-enabled process improvement across operations, quality, and finance Establish AI vendor assessment criteria and maintain an AI maturity roadmap Vendor Risk Management & Procurement Lead the vendor risk assessment program for all SaaS and technology procurements Review and negotiate technology agreements with a focus on security and compliance Coordinate legal reviews for contracts with data or regulatory implications Maintain ongoing vendor security monitoring and reassessments Strategic Technology Leadership Drive the multi?year digital transformation and IT strategy roadmap Manage the IT Strategy & Security budget Provide executive-level reporting on cybersecurity, AI maturity, and technology risk Partner cross?functionally on technology?driven process improvements Required Qualifications 7+ years of progressive IT leadership, including 3+ years in a security or strategic role Expertise in cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, etc.) SOX ITGC experience in manufacturing or regulated environments Hands-on AI governance, AI tool implementation, and vendor AI risk assessment Experience defining integrations between AI platforms, ERP, and databases Strong vendor risk management and SaaS contract review background ERP experience (NetSuite preferred) Certifications preferred: CISSP, CISM, CISA Preferred Qualifications Experience in life sciences, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing industries Familiarity with ISO 13485 PCI DSS experience AI governance or model risk management background Competencies Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into actionable technology plans Excellent communication skills, able to explain risk to non?technical leadership Compliance?minded with sound judgment Forward?looking on AI and emerging technologies Collaborative leadership style and high integrity Please reach out to dc@nielsenstaffing.com with resume and interest!