The Head of Strategic Research Outsourcing is responsible for shaping and executing the long-term external innovation and outsourcing strategy across Research, leading efforts to design, govern, and optimize a global network of Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
Job Summary
The Head of Strategic Research Outsourcing is responsible for shaping and executing the long-term external innovation and outsourcing strategy across Research, leading efforts to design, govern, and optimize a global network of Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
This role drives the evolution from transactional vendor management to an integrated, strategic partner ecosystem, ensuring outsourced capabilities are best-in-class, scalable, and tightly integrated into internal research workflows.
The position involves leading, developing, and coaching teams responsible for CRO management, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and external-ready execution.
Matching Summary
The Head of Strategic Research Outsourcing is responsible for shaping and executing the long-term external innovation and outsourcing strategy across Research, leading efforts to design, govern, and optimize a global network of Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
Salary
Base: $208,200.00 - $327,140.00; Bonus/Equity: Not specified; Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteer time off, holidays, well-being benefits, sick time, vacation
Skills & Requirements
Must-have
External innovation strategy
CRO network governance
Strategic partnership management
Discovery and preclinical research
Enterprise-level leadership
Nice-to-have
Agile research organization
Scalable innovation
Cross-functional collaboration
Navigating matrixed environments
Key Requirements
12-15+ years pharmaceutical/biotech R&D experience
Extensive leadership managing outsourced research
Ph.D. strongly preferred in Chemistry or Life Sciences