Associate Program Director

Syneos Health Careers • $125K — $150K *
Philadelphia, PA 19120In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
  • 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical sales and leadership, including 5+ years managing sales representatives and 2+ years managing First Line Leaders.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams is highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute high-impact business plans.
  • Strong skills in negotiation and stakeholder management.
  • Expertise in interpreting data and translating insights into actionable strategies.
  • Knowledge of compliance standards in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with leaders and stakeholders to achieve project goals.
  • Coach and develop First Line Leaders through feedback and capability building.
  • Identify performance gaps and implement action plans for optimization.
  • Oversee talent acquisition and retention strategies for Sales Professionals.
  • Communicate objectives and results to establish a culture of accountability.
  • Provide strategic insights to align regional plans with franchise strategy.
  • Translate data into actionable recommendations and solutions.
  • Ensure adherence to compliance requirements and operational oversight.
  • Manage budgets to ensure alignment with client policies.
  • Propose solutions that enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

Benefits

  • Health benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
  • Company 401k with matching contributions.
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick leave policies.
  • Eligibility for paid sick time may vary based on state or local regulations.
Full Job Description
Description

Reporting to the Syneos Health National Business Director, the Associate Project Director (APD) provides leadership and operational oversight for assigned First Line Leaders and Sales Professionals within the franchise. The APD is accountable for delivering program results by driving business performance, ensuring operational execution, and developing and retaining talent in alignment with client and Syneos Health expectations.

Essential Functions
  • Partner closely with the National Business Director, First Line Leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver project goals and client expectations.
  • Lead, coach, and develop First Line Leaders through regular feedback, clear expectations, and targeted capability building to improve individual and team performance.
  • Guide leaders in diagnosing performance gaps and executing timely action plans to optimize business results.
  • Drive talent selection, onboarding, evaluation, and retention for Sales Professionals and First Line Leaders; conduct objective performance assessments and support development planning.
  • Establish and execute retention strategies aligned to franchise objectives and workforce plans.
  • Set a culture of ownership, accountability, and engagement by routinely communicating priorities, performance outcomes, and next-step actions; recognize results and reinforce expected behaviors.
  • Provide strategic input to regional and territory plans; ensure alignment to brand/franchise strategy, analytics, and customer needs.
  • Translate data and insights into clear, actionable recommendations by partnering with internal strategy and analytics resources.
  • Proactively identify risks and opportunities; apply rigorous problem framing to recommend solutions that improve effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Maintain operational oversight and ensure adherence to all promotional, legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
  • Monitor budgets (including promotional and T&E spend) in alignment with client policies; prepare analyses and summaries to support budget neutrality.
  • Recommend solutions to client issues that maximize revenue, improve efficiency, and control costs; understand management fee structures and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
  • Travel is required to support Syneos Health events, client needs, and home office priorities.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical sales and sales leadership, including: (a) 5+ years managing sales representatives and (b) 2+ years managing First Line Leaders; experience leading cross-functional workstreams or functional roles (e.g., Operations, Training, Marketing) strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify high-impact strategies, develop business plans within an approved strategy, and engage teams to execute.
  • Strong cross-functional influence, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proficiency in interpreting performance data and translating insights into clear actions and recommendations.
  • Working knowledge of promotional compliance expectations and ability to operate effectively in regulated environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

The benefits for this position will include a competitive compensation package, Health benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, Company match 401k, flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time. Because certain states and municipalities have regulated paid sick time requirements, eligibility for paid sick time may vary depending on where you work. Syneos Health complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.

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About Syneos Health Careers

Syneos Health Careers

Joining Syneos Health presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a global team of professionals dedicated to biopharmaceutical solutions. At Syneos Health, job opportunities abound, offering a gateway to enhancing career paths in a company celebrated for its commitment to therapeutic and operational excellence.

Work That Matters

Syneos Health is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, collaborating on projects that integrate smart technology and human ingenuity to improve patient outcomes. This dynamic company is actively seeking professionals who are eager to drive progress in the biopharmaceutical field through diverse job opportunities ranging from scientific roles to operational positions.

Innovative Employment Opportunities

Syneos Health offers a variety of positions that cater to a range of skills and experiences, from entry-level to senior leadership roles. Employment at Syneos Health means contributing to a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member’s voice is heard and valued.

Internship Programs and Professional Growth

For those starting their career, Syneos Health provides robust internship programs designed to foster professional growth and build essential industry skills. Interns at Syneos Health gain hands-on experience, beneficial for future employment opportunities within the company or the broader healthcare industry.

Cultivating Leadership and Professional Development

Syneos Health is committed to the professional development of its employees, offering leadership training and career growth opportunities that encourage innovation and leadership skills. Employees are supported through comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and initiatives that promote personal and professional growth.

Join a Team of Experts

The team at Syneos Health is composed of industry-leading experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company. Networking within Syneos Health’s global community allows for unparalleled professional development and insights into the latest industry trends.

Explore Career Opportunities

Syneos Health is hiring! Explore the numerous positions available that match a variety of skills and interests. The company looks for driven, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

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Industry
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* Ladders Estimates

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