The Life Science Career Network
The CTC is a specialized search and recruitment partner for the life sciences industry, serving clients and candidates across Switzerland and Europe since 1997. We enable careers by connecting talented professionals with meaningful opportunities, and we support our clients in engaging, retaining, and developing the right talent when needed.
Our Client
Our client is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions that address serious health challenges today and anticipate the medical needs of tomorrow. Their mission is to make a remarkable impact on people’s lives through science, innovation, and collaboration.
The Opportunity
The Program Lead in Oncology is a permanent position based in the Zurich area, offering both strategic and operational leadership responsibilities. The role is focused on connecting science and execution to bring clinical studies to life. Acting as a key advocate for pipeline assets, this position transforms scientific strategy into operational reality through deep expertise, a global mindset, and innovative problem-solving.
Main Responsibilities
- Strategic Partnership: Act as an integral member of the Integrated Evidence Strategy Team and a strategic partner to the Asset Strategy Team and Development Review Committee to maximize portfolio value.
- Operational Leadership: Design and lead clinical operational strategies aligned with asset goals, ensuring efficient study execution, realistic timelines, and optimized trial designs.
- Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, providing strategic options to support sound decision-making and delivery success.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive alignment and communication across teams and senior leadership to ensure seamless program execution.
- Portfolio Planning: Contribute to financial and resource planning, including cost projections, resource allocation, and program timelines.
- Regulatory Support: Provide operational input to clinical and regulatory documentation (e.g., INDs, IBs, NDAs, BLAs, MAAs, briefing books).
- Budget Oversight: Manage external program budgets typically ranging from USD 20–200 million, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
- Process Improvement: Lead innovation and continuous improvement initiatives with measurable business impact and effective change management.
- People Leadership: Inspire, coach, and develop teams (4–15 direct reports, up to 30 indirect), fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and professional growth.
- Compliance: Ensure all clinical programs are executed in full adherence to ICH/GCP, global regulations, and internal quality standards.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline; advanced degree preferred.
- 12+ years of pharmaceutical or clinical research experience, including significant operational and leadership exposure.
- Proven success in leading global clinical programs across multiple phases (I–IV).
- Strong background in risk management, decision-making, and strategic execution.
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team management capabilities (including remote team leadership).
- Expertise in ICH/GCP and international regulatory standards.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken); other languages are an advantage.
Interested?
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Vanessa Gilardoni at vanessa.gilardoni@ctcresourcing.com or apply now.