As the Director of Innovation and Strategic Solutions, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our clinical trial management systems (CTMS) and driving innovation within the life sciences industry.

Business Acumen:

• Understand the organization’s goals, financial constraints, and competitive landscape.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and industry dynamics, with a specific focus on the life sciences industry.

Portfolio Strategy and Alignment:

• Define and execute the strategic direction for the CTMS product portfolio.
• Ensure alignment with RDS business goals, technology roadmaps, and organizational priorities.
• Formulate long-term plans aligned with business objectives, including the development of the next-generation CTMS platform to execute clinical trials in 5+ years.

Product Roadmap and Prioritization:

• Develop a comprehensive product roadmap considering RDS’s complex ecosystem.
• Prioritize initiatives based on business impact, resource availability, and market dynamics.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, data science, operations, etc.).
• Engage with RDS leadership, business units, internal and external partners.

Vendor Management and Build-vs-Buy Strategy:

• Evaluate external solutions (vendor products) against internal development (build) options.
• Make informed decisions based on cost, scalability, integration, and strategic fit.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and service-level agreements.
• Assess vendor stability and support capabilities.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation:

• Identify risks related to technology choices, dependencies, and market shifts.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies.

Performance Metrics and KPIs:

• Define measurable KPIs for product success.
• Regularly assess performance against targets.

Change Management and Adoption:

• Drive adoption of new tools and technologies across RDS.
• Communicate the rationale behind decisions to stakeholders.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Typically in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Life Sciences, Business, or Engineering.

Experience:

• Product Management Experience: Several years of experience in product management, preferably within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Complex Ecosystem Exposure: Experience managing complex product portfolios with interdependencies.
• Strong understanding of CTMS products from both a technology and business perspective.
• Understanding of ICH E6 (R3) guidelines and their impact on clinical trials, including the emphasis on flexibility, risk-based quality management, and the integration of advanced data governance.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to formulate long-term plans, assess market dynamics, and align product strategies with business goals.
• Market Research and Analysis: Proficiency in gathering insights, understanding customer needs, and evaluating competitive landscapes.
• Data Privacy and Compliance: Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and their impact on product development.
• Technical Understanding: Familiarity with software development, APIs, and integration.
• Change Management: Skills to navigate organizational transitions and drive adoption of new tools.
• Negotiation and Vendor Management: Ability to negotiate contracts, evaluate vendors, and build strong partnerships.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
• AI and Machine Learning Proficiency: Understand AI models, machine learning algorithms, and their practical applications.

Attributes:

• Adaptability: Given the dynamic industry, adaptability to changing trends and technologies is crucial.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to analyze data, assess risks, and make informed decisions.
• Strategic Vision: A forward-thinking approach to drive innovation and growth.