Therapeutic Area Head, Cardio Metabolic and Intensive Care
Job ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Vice President (SVP), Clinical Development - Cardio Metabolic and Intensive Care provides strategic, scientific, and operational leadership across global clinical development programs within the Cardio Metabolic and Intensive Care (CMIC) therapeutic areas. This executive role is responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of complex, high-value studies across all phases, driving operational excellence, financial performance, innovation, and client satisfaction.
As a senior member of the Global Project Management leadership team, this individual shapes the organization's therapeutic delivery strategy, ensures scientific and operational rigor, and fosters high-impact partnerships with clients and internal stakeholders. The SVP, CMIC acts as a trusted advisor and scientific authority within Cardiology, Metabolic Disorders, Critical Care, and related domains-bringing both credibility and vision to drive Syneos Health's position as a market leader in these therapeutic areas.
Key Responsibilities:Impact to the Organization- Directly influences Syneos Health's success in the Cardio Metabolic and Intensive Care therapeutic areas by ensuring delivery excellence, strengthening client partnerships, and driving innovation across clinical operations.
- Serves as both a scientific authority and operational leader, shaping the future of clinical delivery and reinforcing Syneos Health's reputation for excellence and leadership in the global CRO landscape.
Strategic Leadership- Develop and execute the strategic vision for Cardio Metabolic and Intensive Care delivery, aligning clinical execution with corporate goals and client expectations.
- Anticipate emerging trends and therapeutic innovations to position Syneos Health as the preferred partner in these therapeutic areas.
- Drive organizational strategy for operational excellence, scalability, and delivery modernization.
- Collaborate closely with senior leaders to align project delivery with enterprise objectives and strategic growth priorities.
Scientific Authority & External Influence- Maintain fluency in current and emerging clinical standards across cardiovascular, metabolic, and intensive care indications.
- Act as a recognized thought leader-engaging in high-level discussions with client C-suites, regulatory stakeholders, and industry influencers.
- Contribute to scientific and clinical development discussions, leveraging evidence-based insights to shape client strategies and partnerships.
- Represent the company in scientific and industry forums to enhance visibility and credibility.
Therapeutic Portfolio Oversight- Provide executive oversight of all Cardio Metabolic and Intensive Care projects from early to late development phases.
- Ensure operational excellence, delivery performance, and proactive risk mitigation across the portfolio.
- Establish and monitor governance frameworks for performance tracking, escalation management, and continuous improvement.
- Partner cross-functionally with operational, scientific, and quality leaders to drive consistency and innovation in project delivery.
Executive Client Management & Business Development- Serve as the senior executive liaison for key strategic clients within the CMIC portfolio.
- Partner with BD and functional teams to expand client relationships and identify growth opportunities.
- Support high-stakes client engagements, including bid defenses, RFIs, and strategic presentations; coach senior leaders to do the same.
- Cultivate long-term partnerships by demonstrating deep therapeutic expertise, strategic insight, and delivery excellence.
Financial & Operational Leadership- Maintain accountability for the financial health and performance of the CMIC therapeutic area.
- Drive forecasting accuracy, portfolio profitability, and efficient resource utilization.
- Collaborate with finance and operations leaders to ensure sustainable cost management and growth.
- Champion data-driven decision making using operational analytics and performance metrics.
Organizational Leadership & Talent Development- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of global leaders (VP and below) within the CMIC therapeutic area.
- Build a culture of collaboration, inclusion, empowerment, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with HR and organizational leadership to strengthen succession pipelines and develop next-generation leaders.
Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement- Ensure compliance with ICH/GCP, regulatory standards, and internal quality systems.
- Collaborate with quality leadership to drive inspection readiness and consistency across global operations.
- Lead process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, scalability, and client satisfaction.
- Model a culture of quality and operational integrity across all delivery teams.
Qualifications- Advanced degree (MS, PharmD, MD, or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, or related scientific discipline required; Ph.D. preferred but not required.
- Minimum of 15+ years of experience in clinical research, project management, or clinical operations within CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environments.
- Extensive experience leading complex clinical development programs in cardiology, metabolic disorders, or intensive care indications.
- Proven ability to manage large, global portfolios and lead multi-layered leadership teams.
- Strong business acumen and financial management experience (budgeting, forecasting, P&L ownership).
- Deep understanding of drug development processes, GCP/ICH guidelines, and global regulatory expectations.
- Exceptional executive presence with demonstrated ability to influence and engage at C-suite and senior client levels.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of driving innovation, transformation, and operational excellence.
- Ability to travel as required (approximately 30-35%).
At Syneos Health, we believe in providing an environment and culture in which Our People can thrive, develop and advance. We reward and recognize our people by providing valuable benefits and a quality-of-life balance. The benefits for this position may include a company car or car allowance, Health benefits to include Medical, Dental and Vision, Company match 401k, eligibility to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Eligibility to earn commissions/bonus based on company and individual performance, and 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 complies with all applicable federal, state, and municipal paid sick time requirements.
Salary Range:
$245,600.00 - $454,300.00
The base salary range represents the anticipated low and high of the Syneos Health range for this position. Actual salary will vary based on various factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
