Director Operational Strategy – Spectrum Therapeutics (US/EU)
Location: US or EU
About the Role
The Director of Operational Strategy provides leadership, oversight, and
strategic direction for the Operational Strategy function, ensuring the
development of high-quality, competitive, and executable operational strategies
that support the acquisition of new clinical trial business. Leading a team of
Operational Strategy Managers, the Director is responsible for establishing
standards, methodologies, and best practices that drive consistency, quality,
and operational excellence across all proposal activities. The Director provides
leadership for the Spectrum Therapeutics portfolio, overseeing operational
strategy development across a broad range of non-oncology indications, including
CNS, metabolic, respiratory, rare disease, and other specialty therapeutic
areas.
Working closely with functional leadership across the organization, the Director
serves as a strategic advisor throughout the proposal lifecycle. The role
provides oversight and guidance on study execution strategies, proposal
positioning, budget assumptions, risk mitigation plans, and bid defense
preparation while ensuring alignment between sponsor requirements,
organizational capabilities, and business objectives. Leveraging broad
therapeutic and operational expertise, the Director supports the development of
differentiated strategies across diverse study designs, patient populations, and
clinical development programs. Although primarily focused on leadership and
governance, the Director may provide direct strategic support on highly complex,
high-value, or business critical opportunities as needed.
Responsibilities
1. Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop the Operational Strategy team, fostering a culture
of strategic thinking, collaboration, accountability, and continuous
improvement.
Provide coaching and guidance on proposal strategy development, operational
planning, sponsor engagement, and bid defense preparation.
2. Enterprise-Level Strategy Leadership
Review and prioritize incoming proposal opportunities by assessing strategic
alignment, historical delivery experience, right-to-win, operational
complexity, scope, timelines, and resource requirements, ensuring appropriate
Operational Strategy assignment and support of business objectives.
Provide strategic oversight of operational approaches, study execution plans,
and proposal recommendations across the opportunity portfolio.
3. Portfolio-Level Risk & Financial Oversight
Provide oversight of operational, recruitment, timeline, and execution risks
across proposal activities.
Review significant budget assumptions, resource models, country strategies,
and operational recommendations for strategic alignment and feasibility.
4. Process Governance & Quality Assurance
Establish and maintain operational strategy standards, methodologies,
templates, and best practices.
Ensure consistency, quality, and accuracy across operational strategy
deliverables, proposal content, and bid defense materials.
5. Systems, Tools & Strategic Enablement
Champion the adoption and effective use of operational, feasibility,
benchmarking, and market intelligence tools.
Ensure teams leverage available data and technology platforms to support
evidence-based strategic decision-making.
6. Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration
Partner with functional and executive leadership to align proposal strategies
and business objectives.
Facilitate resolution of complex cross-functional issues impacting proposal
development, study execution planning, or customer commitments.
Experience and Qualifications
Required
10+ years of experience in clinical research operations, feasibility,
operational strategy, proposal development, or related functions.
Demonstrated success leading managers, building teams, and driving
departmental performance.
Experience establishing strategic direction, workforce plans, operating
models, and capability-development initiatives.
Proven ability to influence senior leadership and lead cross-functional
organizational initiatives.
Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Clinical Research, Healthcare
Administration, Business, or related field.
Experience in clinical research operations, operational strategy,
feasibility, proposal development, or related functions within a CRO,
sponsor, or healthcare environment.
Demonstrated experience supporting clinical trial proposals, operational
strategy development, feasibility, or study planning activities across a
broad range of non-oncology therapeutic areas, including CNS, metabolic,
respiratory, rare disease, and related indications.
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, performance
management, and team development.
Strong understanding of clinical trial operations, feasibility assessments,
proposal strategy, study startup considerations, and study delivery models.
Demonstrated ability to review, challenge, and guide complex operational
strategies and business recommendations.
Strong executive communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and
influencing skills.
Experience working collaboratively across global, matrixed organizations.
Preferred
Experience supporting global clinical trial proposals and business
development activities.
Experience participating in sponsor presentations and bid defense meetings.
Experience leading departmental process improvement or capability-building
initiatives.
Exposure to commercial strategy, pricing, financial modeling, or portfolio
planning.
Experience managing geographically distributed teams.
Salary Band – Director Operational Strategy – Spectrum Therapeutics (US/EU):
$180K to $210K USD – Salary offered will be based on candidate’s experience
level.
Find out more about working at Novotech at: www.novotech-cro.com/careers
[http://www.novotech-cro.com/careers]
Novotech is proud to offer a great workplace. We are committed to being an
employer of choice for gender equality and providing an inclusive work
environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Our team members are passionate about what we do, but we understand work is only
of the things that is important to them. We support our team members with
flexible working options, paid parental leave for both parents, flexible leave
entitlements, wellness programs and ongoing development programs.
We are looking for people who are passionate about working clinical research and
biotech, including people who identify as LGBTIQ+, have a disability or have
caring responsibilities.
We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every
application. We look forward to contacting you regarding your application.
Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO).
At Novotech, ambition meets opportunity. As a globally recognized leader in
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Since 1997, we have expanded our global footprint, now with 30+ offices across
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At Novotech you will work alongside empowered teams with a shared commitment to
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Strategic vs transactional mindset.
Ability to gain insights and make proactive decisions quickly.
Culture that fosters partnership and collaboration, where every voice is
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Ongoing support from senior stakeholders and leadership team.
.