Head of Project Management - CNS/Neuroscience (US/EU)

Key Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in growing the CNS/Neuroscience Therapeutic Area's book of business through working closely with the Medical & Scientific Strategist (MSS) and Business Development Team to develop successful operational strategies and delivery plans for project proposals.
• Participate in Bid Defense Meetings and lead operational follow up activities either personally or by overseeing the work of Portfolio Directors, Project Oversight Directors, and/or Project Delivery Directors.
• Work with MSS to oversee and manage the Portfolio Directors' and the SMEs' development and maintenance of "Play Books", White Papers, Marketing materials, Scientific Advisor Panels, service offerings, etc to ensure the continued growth of the Therapeutic Area.
• Forecasting and allocation of resources to support the growth and service enhancement of the Therapeutic Area including hiring of staff with specific trial methodology and investigational product expertise.
• Nominate Portfolio Director (as appropriate), Project Oversight Directors, Project Delivery Directors, and Global Project Managers for new Accounts and Proposals in collaboration with TSLs, Business Development and Workforce Planning.
• Provide executive oversight to the execution of multiple clinical development Portfolios within the Therapeutic Area, ensuring alignment with client strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as the primary point of contact for client governance.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure Portfolio and project performance, delivery timelines, financial health, and client satisfaction across the Therapeutic Area.
• Ensure that all projects conducted by the Therapeutic Area comply with ICH-GCP guidelines and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Manage and coach Portfolio, Project Oversight, and Project Delivery Directors, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities both within the Therapeutic Area and the wider Novotech business.
• Foster a high-performing culture across the Therapeutic Area by encouraging collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure optimal resource allocation and utilization across the Therapeutic Area in alignment with business needs.
• Collaborate with the SVP, Global Project Management to contribute to the strategic plans and direction of Global Project Management and their assigned Therapeutic Area.
• Long-term planning for the Therapeutic Area, driving initiatives to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and achieve (surpass) growth targets.
• Work closely with cross-functional senior leadership to ensure Project Team and project success.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for client senior leadership, managing relationships at the Account level (>$75 Million) backlog to ensure client satisfaction and loyalty.
• Lead client governance meetings and provide holistic updates on account performance, business environment risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Identify and address client considerations to maintain and develop the health of the relationship in a proactive manner.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks at the Therapeutic Area level, implementing corrective and preventive actions as needed.
• Ensure that all projects within the Therapeutic Area adhere to internal and external risk management policies and procedures.
• Oversee the financial performance of the Therapeutic Area, managing budgets, forecasting, and ensuring profitability.
• Collaborate with Finance and senior management to ensure financial health and accurate reporting of the Therapeutic Area's financial performance.
• Ensure appropriate resource allocation to meet the financial and operational needs of the Therapeutic Area.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Life Sciences, Clinical Research, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in clinical research, with 10+ years in project management or portfolio management roles.
• Deep neuroscience expertise, ideally with both biotech and pharma combined experience.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trials, drug development, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ICH-GCP).
• Proven experience in leading large, complex projects and managing cross-functional teams in a global environment.
• Highly developed strategic development skills and excellent business development skills.
• Exceptional client management skills with a track record of successful stakeholder engagement and client satisfaction.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Financial acumen with experience managing project budgets and financial performance.