At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT projects and drive AI initiatives to enhance business growth.
- Company: Join Bicycle Therapeutics, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovative science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of AI and digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT project management and software procurement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
You will be the operational engine of the IT function, driving excellence and seamless execution across the entire IT project portfolio. In this role, you will bridge the gap between strategy and execution, supporting portfolio delivery, leading high-impact artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives and holding full accountability for software license procurement to secure the absolute best commercial and operational outcomes for Bicycle Therapeutics (BCYC). Success in this role will be measured by your ability to work seamlessly across BCYC to drive a portfolio of digital and AI projects to completion on time and within budget, optimize our software licensing footprint for maximum value, and accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge digital and AI capabilities that support our vital scientific research and overall business growth.
IT Portfolio & Operational Delivery
- Lead the execution of the IT project portfolio, working closely with IT team, external partners, and business stakeholders to ensure on-time and high-quality delivery.
- Track project progress, manage risks and dependencies, and proactively unblock technical and operational obstacles.
- Facilitate regular portfolio status reviews, providing clear and transparent visibility into delivery timelines, resource constraints, and budgets.
License Procurement & Commercial Optimization
- Take absolute accountability for the end-to-end software licensing lifecycle across Bicycle, including sourcing, procurement support, renewals, and ongoing compliance.
- Partner with IT leadership, legal, and finance to negotiate enterprise agreements and software contracts, ensuring we secure the best commercial terms, volume discounts, and operational alignment.
- Maintain an up-to-date, centralized license inventory, tracking utilization metrics to optimize software spend and prevent 'shelfware'.
AI & Digital Transformation Delivery
- Take delivery accountability for AI, machine learning, and advanced digital initiatives within the IT roadmap, translating strategic AI goals into clear, executable project delivery plans.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to deploy AI solutions that accelerate clinical discovery, enhance operational models, and improve productivity.
- Manage vendor relationships and external delivery partners specializing in AI technologies to ensure integration standards, timelines, and security guidelines are strictly met.
Qualifications Knowledge & Expertise
- Delivery Frameworks: Strong expertise in IT project delivery methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and portfolio management principles.
- Commercial & Procurement Rigor: Deep understanding of software licensing models (SaaS, enterprise agreements, cloud capacity pricing) and experience leading vendor contract negotiations to secure favourable terms.
- Emerging Technologies: A strong conceptual understanding of modern cloud environments, data integration, and emerging AI technologies/machine learning workflows to guide delivery.
- Data-Driven Insight: The ability to translate system diagnostics, portfolio metrics, and software spend data into actionable recommendations for cost optimization and delivery acceleration.
Job Complexity
- Multi-Track Delivery: Comfortably managing multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously across distinct domains (e.g., procurement negotiations, infrastructure upgrades, and highly novel AI deployments).
- Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate resource bottlenecks, commercial risks, and project delivery roadblocks, formulating creative mitigation strategies before they impact the business.
- Strategic Impact: Direct impact on BCYC’s fiscal health by actively driving down license waste, while shaping the operational pace of R&D and clinical programs through accelerated AI and IT delivery.
Independence & Leadership
- Autonomy: High degree of independence in managing vendor relationships, leading cross-functional project teams, and executing complex procurement workflows.
- Decision-Making: Empowered to make critical delivery and procurement recommendations that directly impact project schedules, vendor selections, and software budgets.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional capability to influence, build consensus, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from technical engineers to senior executives.
Values & Behaviours
- One Team: Build cohesive, collaborative partnerships across diverse scientific, clinical, and corporate departments to ensure IT deliverables are truly enabling business outcomes.
- We are Adventurous: Challenge traditional delivery methods by pioneering modern project management techniques and encouraging innovative, secure implementations of AI technologies.
- Dedicated to our Mission: Take absolute ownership of project and commercial outcomes, remaining fiercely focused on enabling our technology landscape so that our vital science can reach patients.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience in an IT project manager, IT delivery lead, PMO lead, or similar IT operations management role—ideally within a fast-growing biopharmaceutical, life sciences, or technology-driven organization.
- Demonstrated track record in managing software procurement, license compliance, and vendor contract negotiations with major software publishers.
- Hands-on experience directing or coordinating the delivery of advanced data, analytics, or AI/ML-driven technology projects.
- Excellent understanding of IT Service Management (ITSM) best practices (ITIL certification is highly desirable).
- Exceptional organizational, communications, and presentation skills, with a track record of translating complex technical issues into clear executive-level updates.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or equivalent practical experience.
Additional Information
- Pension (10% employer contribution)
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI) (including optical and dental cover)
- Health Cash Plan
- Group Life Assurance (4x basic salary)
- Group Income Protection
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Gym membership (subsidized by Company if on campus, subsidized by PMI if joined elsewhere)
- Time off (28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays & the option to buy up to 5 additional days annually)
- Competitive reward including annual company bonus
- Employee recognition schemes
- Enhanced parental leave policies
- Flexible working environment
- State-of-the-art campus environment with on campus restaurant and Montessori nursery
- Eligibility for an option grant to subscribe to shares in Bicycle Therapeutics plc.
Bicycle Therapeutics is committed to building a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We recognize that diverse and inclusive teams build a stronger and more innovative company. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, marital status, or veteran status.
Associate Director, It Delivery Lead in England employer: Bicycle Therapeutics
Bicycle Therapeutics is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, generous pension contributions, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within the biopharmaceutical sector. Joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact through cutting-edge IT and AI initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, It Delivery Lead in England
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Bicycle Therapeutics values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Bicycle Therapeutics might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Bicycle Therapeutics!
✨Direct Apply to Bicycle Therapeutics
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Bicycle Therapeutics website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, It Delivery Lead in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Bicycle Therapeutics.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Bicycle Therapeutics. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bicycle Therapeutics
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
