General Manager

Parexel; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Parexel is seeking an experienced General Manager for a strategic FSP account to lead operations, drive financial performance, and strengthen executive-level client relationships. The role oversees complex global operations, builds high-performing teams, and aligns services with client priorities to achieve growth.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in clinical research environments, proven leadership in matrix organizations, and a track record of delivering value in CRO/FSP settings.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in CROs, pharma, biotech, or FSP environments.
• Experience managing large, matrixed, geographically dispersed teams.
• Proven ability to drive strategic growth and executive-level partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee account-level operational delivery and resource planning for FSP portfolios.
• Drive financial performance, margins, and cost optimization.
• Lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams across global operations.
• Establish KPIs, monitor performance, and provide executive status summaries.
• Engage in governance meetings with client and internal stakeholders; align Parexel capabilities with client priorities.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing FSP accounts, including RFP responses.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Matrix leadership

Team development

Stakeholder management

Executive presentation

Negotiation

Data-driven decision making

Job description

About Parexel

Parexel is a leading global clinical development partner delivering insights-driven clinical and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry. With 22,000+ employees worldwide, we partner with biopharmaceutical companies and research sites to design and deliver patient-focused clinical trials that broaden access and make research a care option for anyone, anywhere.

We work with focus, agility, and shared purpose -- moving with urgency to address patient needs and accelerate the delivery of new therapies. We embrace bold thinking, adapt quickly to change, and continually raise the bar for the speed and quality of clinical research. We are expanding our team and seeking talented individuals to help drive industry-leading innovation, With Heart(R).

About the Role

Lead Strategic Partnerships. Drive Operational Excellence. Shape the Future of Clinical Research.

Parexel is seeking an experienced and commercially-minded General Manager, Functional Service Provider (FSP) to lead one of our strategic customer relationships. This executive leadership role combines operational oversight, financial accountability, client partnership, and business growth responsibilities across a large-scale clinical research portfolio.

This position is ideal for a senior leader with deep experience in clinical research, contract research organizations (CROs), pharmaceutical, biotech, or functional service provider (FSP) environments who excels at building high-performing teams, managing complex global operations, and driving long-term customer success.

As the primary executive leader for an FSP account, you will be responsible for ensuring exceptional service delivery, achieving financial and operational targets, strengthening executive-level client relationships, and identifying opportunities to expand our partnership and services.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategize and oversee account-level operational delivery, including team management, resource allocation, quality control, and project efficiency. Develop and execute accurate resourcing plans in collaboration with stakeholders and ensure production of high-quality deliverables across the FSP customer portfolio.
• Drive financial performance and margin improvement by managing budgets, monitoring costs, allocating resources strategically, and identifying opportunities for revenue generation and cost savings. Provide strategic direction to functional and program leads on margin optimization while maintaining profitability targets.
• Lead and develop a skilled, motivated team by providing technical support, conducting performance reviews, implementing training plans, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ensure team members exceed productivity and quality metrics while meeting personal development goals.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze operational performance, and generate executive summaries of account status. Drive operational excellence through best practices, standard operating procedures, and data-driven decision-making.
• Serve as the primary account point of contact for the FSP customer, engaging in regular governance meetings with customer and internal stakeholders. Understand customer pipelines, products, and strategic priorities to ensure alignment with Parexel capabilities and customer satisfaction.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing FSP accounts, lead repeat business initiatives including RFP responses, and collaborate with Commercial Account Leads and FSP Solution Consultants to drive account growth aligned with corporate objectives.

Candidate Profile

• Strategic leadership and financial acumen, with demonstrated strength in account management, budget planning, and margin optimization
• Extensive experience leading in a matrix environment, managing multiple functional areas, and collaborating across diverse teams
• Advanced ability to develop and motivate teams, conduct performance management, and foster a culture of continuous improvement
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills with a client-focused approach and understanding of business implications of decisions
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with experience presenting to executive-level audiences
• Analytical mindset with ability to leverage data and analytics for strategy development, performance monitoring, and decision-making

Required Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience (10+ years) within Clinical research organizations (CROs), Pharmaceutical companies, Biotechnology companies, Functional service provider (FSP) environments or other healthcare research organizations
• Demonstrated success leading large, matrixed, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience managing strategic customer relationships at senior and executive levels.
• Strong financial acumen, in