Senior Director, Portfolio Leadership

The Portfolio Leader, Solutions Architecture is a senior, commercially sharp, solution-oriented, client-facing strategic study solutions leader responsible for shaping, packaging, and delivering high-value solutions across Cytel’s services with a focus on Biometrics Services. This role bridges client needs, market opportunities, and Cytel’s capabilities to design scalable, differentiated solutions that drive revenue growth, profitability, and client impact.
The role partners closely with Business Development, Strategic Account Management, and functional leaders to architect solutions, influence deals, and ensure seamless translation from opportunity to delivery.
 

• Oversee delivery of their portfolio of studies, ensure all client contracts are up to date (scope and timelines), ensure study teams follow appropriate SOPs, and are up to date with client specific training. Ensure clear knowledge on project / program objectives – from opportunity until closure - and ensure the study teams' understanding of this as well
• Act as the first point of escalation to the study team and the client. Support or act upon any quality issues found, until resolution. Partner with Quality and other stakeholders to manage business impact as appropriate .
• Perform a holistic review of the RFP, proposal, and budget. Ensure the RFP deliverables align with the client needs, collaborate with the functional SMEs as appropriate. Ensure study teams understand delivery model after award and implement accordingly
• Develop and manage service catalogue and supporting materials, ensure latest version of proposal and budget tools are used by the Proposals and Contracts team. Ensure latest service capabilities being deployed and BDM is bespoke to the opportunity
• Oversee financial reviews of their portfolios - analyze for trends and mitigate as appropriate
• Ensure study teams on their portfolios complete Project Operational Progress meetings and complete documentation. Analyze data across portfolio and mitigate risks as appropriate
• Continue to be “hands on”, oversee scope management with respect to planning, resourcing, delivery to scope, forecasting – partner closely with PFM to determine operational cause of financial performance indicators
• Partner with Commercial team on current and future strategy or PBS capabilities and strategy, to grow the business within accounts or account segments
• Collaborate with Global Functional Heads to ensure cost efficient, impactful operating models are being kept up to date and are deployed across portfolio.
• For their Portfolios, oversee the dependencies between projects and oversee the creation Project-level plans to accomplish this (if applicable)
• Contribute to the selection of best fitting candidates for open jobs, and mentor new Project Managers or other staff withing Cytel (as needed).
• Initiate and contribute to continuous improvement activities and projects, related to PBS.

• Bachelor’s degree required, Advanced degree in a Life Science-related discipline, or business management  strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the clinical research and/or clinical development services sector, with specific experience in new business pursuit, portfolio delivery and oversight, and portfolio financial management 

Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of Project Management Principles and Methods. Action-oriented and resilient in a fast-paced environment and the ability to oversee and motivate project teams.  Excellent ability in client relationship management and portfolio oversight
• Proficiency in English, orally and written. Excellent communication and influencing skills. High emotional and social intelligence
• Ability to build and maintain trust and confidence and communicate effectively with client, external vendors, and internal team members. Stays calm and proactive in moments of stress, act as a point of escalation for their assigned clients and project teams
• Good computer application skills (MS Office Suite, project management tools )
• Exhibits structured approach to problem-solving, well organized and systematic.
• Ability to oversee and support study teams assigned to their portfolios and bring them to success.
• Develop and implement a consistent approach to the portfolios within their remit, including reporting out to the client. 
• Act as a mentor to their study teams as appropriate.