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

The Head of Project Management – CNS/Neuroscience Therapeutic Area will lead and drive the delivery of all the clinical development projects conducted by their assigned Therapeutic Area. 

This role requires outstanding leadership, highly developed strategic vision and energy to grow the book of business of the Therapeutic Area; operational expertise and the ability to effectively motivate the team of Portfolio Directors, Project Oversight Directors, Project Delivery Directors and Project Managers working in the Therapeutic Area to successfully achieve their goals. 

The Head of Project Management will take a lead role in developing Novotech’s client relationships, including taking the role of Executive Sponsor for nominated accounts; the award of new and repeat business awards and ensuring the successful delivery of projects to time, budget and quality expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Therapeutic Area Growth & Management

• 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.
• Nomination of 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.       
• Where appropriate to propose best possible fit of experience and experience of Project Team Lead positions, for example Global Project Manager, Clinical Lead and Medical Monitor in collaboration with appropriate Function Leads.   
• 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.

Leadership and People Management

• 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.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Collaborate with the SVP, Global Project Management to contribute to the strategic plans and direction of Global Project Management and their assigned Therapeutic Area.
• Take a lead role 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.

Client Engagement & Satisfaction

• 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.

Risk Management

• 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.

Financial Oversight

• 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. Ideally, they would have both biotech and pharma combined with CRO experience and with deep neuroscience expertise.

• 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.

This role is open to talents in US/EU regions. You must have full unrestricted working rights in USA/EU to be considered for this role as we unfortunately cannot provide sponsorship for this role. 

Salary Band – $260K to $380K USD – Salary offered will be based on candidates’ experience level.

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 one 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 talking to you about working at Novotech.