Associate Program Director

About the role

Reporting to the Syneos Health National Business Director, the Associate Project Director (APD) provides leadership and operational oversight for assigned First Line Leaders and Sales Professionals within the franchise. The APD is accountable for delivering program results by driving business performance, ensuring operational execution, and developing and retaining talent in alignment with client and Syneos Health expectations.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the National Business Director, First Line Leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver project goals and client expectations.
• Lead, coach, and develop First Line Leaders through regular feedback, clear expectations, and targeted capability building to improve individual and team performance.
• Guide leaders in diagnosing performance gaps and executing timely action plans to optimize business results.
• Drive talent selection, onboarding, evaluation, and retention for Sales Professionals and First Line Leaders; conduct objective performance assessments and support development planning.
• Establish and execute retention strategies aligned to franchise objectives and workforce plans.
• Set a culture of ownership, accountability, and engagement by routinely communicating priorities, performance outcomes, and next-step actions; recognize results and reinforce expected behaviors.
• Provide strategic input to regional and territory plans; ensure alignment to brand/franchise strategy, analytics, and customer needs.
• Translate data and insights into clear, actionable recommendations by partnering with internal strategy and analytics resources.
• Proactively identify risks and opportunities; apply rigorous problem framing to recommend solutions that improve effectiveness and efficiency.
• Maintain operational oversight and ensure adherence to all promotional, legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor budgets (including promotional and T&E spend) in alignment with client policies; prepare analyses and summaries to support budget neutrality.
• Recommend solutions to client issues that maximize revenue, improve efficiency, and control costs; understand management fee structures and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Travel is required to support Syneos Health events, client needs, and home office priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical sales and sales leadership, including:
  • 5+ years managing sales representatives
  • 2+ years managing First Line Leaders
  Experience leading cross-functional workstreams or functional roles (e.g., Operations, Training, Marketing) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to identify high-impact strategies, develop business plans within an approved strategy, and engage teams to execute.
• Strong cross-functional influence, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in interpreting performance data and translating insights into clear actions and recommendations.
• Working knowledge of promotional compliance expectations and ability to operate effectively in regulated environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Health benefits to include Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Company match 401k
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time

Because certain states and municipalities have regulated paid sick time requirements, eligibility for paid sick time may vary depending on where you work. Syneos Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.