Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology

Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology

Full-Time 100000 - 130000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Syneos Health

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative oncology clinical trials and drive strategic project delivery.
  • Company: Join a leading organisation in clinical development with a focus on oncology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a culture that champions innovation, diversity, and excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research and shape the future of healthcare.
  • Qualifications: 18+ years in clinical research, with 10+ years in oncology and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 € per year.

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.

Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology employer: Syneos Health

As a Therapeutic Area Lead in Oncology, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and excellence in clinical development. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and strategic leadership opportunities, while our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a supportive environment for all employees. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and the chance to make a significant impact in advancing critical care research.

Syneos Health

Contact Detail:

Syneos Health Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend conferences, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know in oncology, the better your chances of landing that Therapeutic Area Lead role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the job. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led projects or improved client relationships in your previous roles.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic vision for clinical trials and how you can drive success in oncology.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly. This way, we can keep track of your progress and ensure you’re considered for the Therapeutic Area Lead position.

We think you need these skills to ace Therapeutic Area Lead, Oncology

Scientific Leadership
Clinical Development Strategy
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Regulatory Oversight
Financial Acumen
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Therapeutic Area Lead role. Highlight your oncology experience and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in clinical research. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive results.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your expertise.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Syneos Health

Know Your Oncology Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and breakthroughs in oncology. Familiarise yourself with key studies, regulatory guidelines, and the competitive landscape. This will not only show your passion for the field but also demonstrate your ability to lead complex clinical trials.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles, particularly in high-stakes environments. This will help convey your capability as a strategic advisor.

Understand Financial Acumen

Since financial leadership is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and resource allocation. Bring examples of how you've optimised profitability in past projects, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Engage with Strategic Thinking

Think about how you can contribute to the organisation's strategic initiatives. Prepare to discuss your approach to risk management and performance tracking in clinical research. Showing that you can think ahead and align with corporate objectives will set you apart from other candidates.