Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology The Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology provides scientific, operational, and strategic leadership for clinical development programs within oncology. This role supports the successful delivery of complex studies and strengthens organizational capability in critical care research. The role partners closely with project delivery teams, functional leaders, medical experts, and clients to ensure high‑quality execution, proactive risk mitigation, and optimized scientific strategy. Success is measured by delivery excellence, client satisfaction, scientific credibility, and the advancement of critical care capabilities across the organization.
Job Responsibilities Pre‑Award
Provides overall strategy and direction of clinical trials for a therapeutic portfolio, including processes and procedures.
Acts as Scientific Director / consultant as required by the needs of the projects.
Acts as a primary senior‑level contact for customers.
Participates in customer proposals, Request for Information (RFIs), presentations, proposal defenses and Steering Committees.
Provides scientific/regulatory oversight and project/therapeutic training to project teams.
Interacts and collaborates with the Medical Writing department in the preparation of clinical development plans, protocols, investigator brochures, and medical/clinical reports, as required.
Responsible for coordinating the acquisition of necessary medical/scientific input from outside experts/consultants/advisors.
Represents the Company by attending industry meetings, speaking engagements, participating in booth exhibitions, etc., and by publishing scientific or industry‑related articles in industry journals.
Participates in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), medical/scientific tools, training, staffing requirements, etc.
Interacts with senior management and contributes scientific/medical input to other departments, as appropriate.
Outcomes
Strengthened executive client relationships and expanded strategic partnerships.
Significant revenue growth from new and repeat business.
Elevated client satisfaction and reduced escalations.
Executive Client Management & Business Development
Serve as the senior‑most operational leader and strategic advisor for top‑tier clients, fostering trusted executive relationships.
Develop and implement strategic client engagement plans to drive long‑term partnerships and organizational growth.
Lead executive governance, resolving high‑impact escalations and delivering innovative solutions.
Present Syneos Health as a leader in clinical development solutions, driving market differentiation.
Oversee and influence high‑stakes proposal development and bid defense strategies.
Partner with senior business development leaders to secure significant new business and enterprise‑wide solutions.
Strategic Project Delivery Oversight
Define and oversee the strategic direction for the delivery of a complex and diverse portfolio of clinical research projects.
Establish governance frameworks for risk management, performance tracking, and strategic delivery checkpoints.
Utilize advanced analytics to identify risks, optimize delivery strategies, and drive operational improvements.
Provide executive leadership to ensure high‑quality project outcomes and adherence to corporate objectives.
Outcomes
Delivery of transformative, high‑impact projects on time, within budget, and to superior quality standards.
Enhanced portfolio performance through strategic oversight and risk mitigation.
Increased organizational capability through executive mentorship and operational excellence.
Financial Leadership
Maintain accountability for the financial health of a complex and high‑value portfolio.
Develop and implement strategic financial strategies to optimize profitability, resource allocation, and budget management.
Lead executive negotiations for change orders and out‑of‑scope activities.
Ensure financial strategies align with long‑term corporate objectives.
Superior financial performance and profitability across the portfolio.
Accurate, strategic financial forecasting.
Effective financial negotiations with minimal exposure.
Organizational Leadership & Talent Development
Lead a Therapeutic Segment and associated project teams.
Inspire and lead a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration across the organization.
Mentor and develop senior project leaders, fostering a pipeline of future executive talent.
Provide strategic guidance and coaching to senior leaders, driving leadership excellence.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within project teams and organizational leadership.
Outcomes
High engagement and retention of senior project talent.
Increased organizational capability through leadership development.
Recognition as a leader in fostering a high‑performance culture.
Quality & Compliance Excellence
Lead by example in embedding a culture of quality and compliance.
Oversee strategic quality initiatives to mitigate risks and ensure project excellence.
Collaborate with senior stakeholders to address systemic quality issues and implement enterprise‑level solutions.
Outcomes
Proactive risk mitigation and achievement of compliance milestones.
Effective resolution of systemic quality issues.
Strategic Initiatives and Organizational Innovation
Lead and influence enterprise‑level strategic initiatives.
Provide thought leadership to align GPM strategies with corporate objectives.
Drive innovation and operational excellence across project delivery.
Champion transformational change management efforts.
Outcomes
Successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Enhanced innovation and competitive differentiation.
Organizational advancement through effective change management.
Qualifications
Requires a BA/BS in the life sciences, nursing degree, or equivalent education or equivalent related experience, plus extensive clinical research experience in a contract research organization, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology company.
18+ years of experience recommended.
10+ years of Oncology experience.
Prior cross‑functional project management experience within the clinical trial industry is required.
Pharma/CRO experience is required, to include client relationship management.
Thorough knowledge of FDA regulations, drug development, and clinical monitoring procedures is necessary.
Must have demonstrated proficiency with ICH/GCP guidelines.
Proven ability to lead large, complex client portfolios and drive strategic business growth.
Exceptional financial acumen and resource management expertise.
Visionary leader with a track record of fostering innovation and delivering transformative solutions.
Superior communication, negotiation, and executive stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop senior leaders.
Impact to the Organization The Therapeutic Area Lead – Oncology directly influences the strategic success of the organization by delivering transformative project outcomes, fostering executive client partnerships, and driving organizational growth and innovation. This role plays a critical part in establishing the organization as a leader in clinical development and fostering a culture of strategic excellence and innovation.
Additional Information Tasks, duties, and responsibilities as listed in this job description are not exhaustive. The Company, at its sole discretion and with no prior notice, may assign other tasks, duties, and job responsibilities. Equivalent experience, skills, and/or education will also be considered so qualifications of incumbents may differ from those listed in the Job Description. The Company, at its sole discretion, will determine what constitutes as equivalent to the qualifications described above. Further, nothing contained herein should be construed to create an employment contract. The Company is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the provision of reasonable accommodations, when appropriate, to assist employees or applicants to perform the essential functions of the job.
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