Operations Strategy Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The mission of UT MD Anderson is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
The Associate Vice President (AVP), Infrastructure and Operations is the senior-most digital technology operations leader within MD Anderson's Technology, Data & Innovation (TDI) division, reporting directly to the VP, Chief of Digital Operations and Infrastructure (CDOI). This role carries full accountability for the architecture, delivery, reliability, and continuous evolution of the physical and digital infrastructure that underpins every mission of MD Anderson - patient care, cancer research, clinical trials, education, and administration.
The AVP leads a broad and deeply technical portfolio spanning Infrastructure Engineering, Cloud Services, Data Center Management & Operations, Service Delivery, and Super Computing. This executive is responsible for ensuring that mission-critical systems are available, performant, secure, and able to scale to the demands of a world-class comprehensive cancer center.
As a key member of the TDI senior leadership team, the AVP partners across the CDOI peer group; including the Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Head of the PMO; to align infrastructure strategy with enterprise digital transformation objectives, AI adoption, Epic infrastructure optimization, PACS infrastructure and operations, high-performance computing and storage needs of researchers, and the ongoing TDI operating model transformation.
The successful candidate is a proven infrastructure and operations executive who combines deep technical command with enterprise leadership capability. They bring a track record of modernizing large-scale I&O functions, driving cloud adoption at scale, delivering measurable improvements in reliability and cost, and building high-performing organizations in complex, mission-driven environments.
KEY FUNCTIONS
The Associate Vice President will lead the enterprise infrastructure and operations vision and align technology delivery with organizational strategies and key priorities. The AVP serves as the change agent of technology-enabled operational transformation by setting the tone, enabling innovation, and challenging the status quo.
This role partners closely with TDI peer executives, including the Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Chief Information Security Officer, and Head of the PMO; on shaping and executing MD Anderson's Digital Roadmap as it relates to infrastructure modernization, cloud transformation, and operational excellence.
Define, own, and continuously evolve the enterprise infrastructure and operations strategy aligned to MD Anderson's multi-year digital transformation roadmap and TDI's target operating model.
Drive infrastructure modernization including on-premises, cloud-native architecture, hybrid cloud management, software-defined infrastructure, and network transformation.
Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies - including AI/ML-enabled operations (AIOps), observability platforms, and automation tooling - to continuously improve service quality, speed, and cost.
Define and enforce enterprise-grade availability, performance, and resilience standards across all infrastructure domains, championing ITSM frameworks anchored in ITIL best practices.
Establish and maintain robust disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities, working in close partnership with Operations leadership, Risk Management, and TDI leaders to ensure institutional digital resilience.
Provide executive oversight for MD Anderson's hybrid cloud strategy, including public cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform), private cloud, and co-location environments including TACC.
Direct the Data Center Management & Operations function, ensuring facilities meet clinical, research, and administrative reliability requirements with best-in-class power, cooling, and physical security practices.
Oversee the super computing function, ensuring high-performance compute (HPC) and research computing capabilities support cancer research, genomics, and AI-driven discovery at the forefront of the institution's scientific mission.
Lead the Service Delivery function responsible for end-user computing, service desk operations, device lifecycle management, and the overall digital experience of MD Anderson faculty, clinicians, researchers, and staff.
Drive continuous improvement in end-user satisfaction and service delivery efficiency, leveraging automation, AI, and self-service mechanisms to empower end users.
Work in close collaboration with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to ensure all infrastructure domains incorporate, enforce, and continuously improve security architecture, controls, and vulnerability management practices.
Embed security-by-design into infrastructure provisioning, change management, and architecture review processes, maintaining governance frameworks that support HIPAA, HITECH, and applicable Texas state information security mandates.
Develop, own, and actively manage the I&O budget, applying a total cost of ownership lens to all infrastructure investment decisions and driving cost optimization through consolidation, automation, and cloud right-sizing.
Lead strategic vendor and partner relationship management for I&O, including major technology vendors and managed service providers, negotiating to maximize institutional value and service quality.
Build, develop, and retain a high-performing I&O organization, establishing a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, psychological safety, and data-driven decision-making.
Mentor and develop directors and executive directors, providing challenging growth opportunities and clear career pathways within TDI.
Serve as a trusted advisor and executive partner to the CDOI and broader TDI leadership team on all matters related to infrastructure strategy, operational performance, and technology risk.
Represent MD Anderson on relevant University of Texas System committees, Texas Department of Information Resources working groups, and professional and industry organizations.
Participate in incident management involving infrastructure systems and digital technologies that impact care delivery and patient safety; facilitate clear communication with stakeholders during major incidents.
The role is responsible for the full lifecycle of infrastructure strategy, delivery, and operations, ensuring MD Anderson's technology foundation is resilient, scalable, and aligned to institutional mission.
EDUCATION
Required: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Preferred: Master's degree (MBA, MS) strongly preferred.
EXPERIENCE
Required:
Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in IT infrastructure and operations, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role with enterprise-wide accountability.
Demonstrated experience leading large, complex I&O organizations across multiple technical domains including cloud, data center, service delivery, and end-user computing. Proven track record of driving infrastructure modernization and cloud transformation at scale in large, complex organizations.
Experience managing significant capital and operating budgets, including cloud cost optimization and vendor negotiations. Demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing, various technical teams and leadership organizations.
Experience partnering with cybersecurity leadership to embed security and compliance practices into I&O operations. Strong executive presence with demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders, present compelling business cases, and build trust across a matrixed organization.
Preferred:
Experience in healthcare, academic medical center, life sciences, or other highly regulated industries. Experience with Epic or other large-scale clinical information system infrastructure. Experience leading high-performance computing (HPC), research computing, or super computing environments.
Familiarity with University of Texas System governance and Texas state technology regulations (DIR). Experience with AI/ML infrastructure, including GPU compute environments and large-scale data platforms. Experience operating in an environment undergoing large-scale ERP or enterprise system transformation.
SKILLS
Deep expertise across hybrid cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform), data center operations, networking, and end-user computing. Strong command of ITSM frameworks (ITIL), service catalog management, and operational governance.
Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles as applied to infrastructure environments (NIST, HIPAA Security Rule, Zero Trust). Familiarity with AIOps, observability, automation, and SRE methodologies.
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a broad range of technical and administrative professionals. Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving transformation.
Strong financial acumen including budget development, TCO modeling, and cost optimization. Experience applying KPI frameworks and outcome-driven metrics to I&O performance management.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to information technology in healthcare, with emphasis on HIPAA, HITECH, Joint Commission, and other regulatory standards.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.