Sr Director, Commercial Strategy & Operations

Syneos Health, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 225,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Syneos Health, Inc. in Chicago, IL is seeking a Sr Director of Commercial Strategy & Operations to act as a strategic advisor and operational leader. The role connects AOP Health and Syneos on key projects, guiding go-to-market plans, budgets, and performance metrics.

The ideal candidate has a strong pharma strategy background, product launch expertise, and outstanding leadership, communication, and project management skills. Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in business, life sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in pharmaceutical/biotech with sales leadership and product strategy experience.
• 5+ years in commercial strategy, sales leadership, marketing, market access, ops, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, annual/quarterly reviews, and launch readiness.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives across Sales, Marketing, Market Access, and Operations.
• Develop dashboards and performance metrics to monitor commercial success.
• Manage multiple workstreams and maintain project timelines.
• Provide executive-level recommendations and governance for strategic initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Life Sciences

Tools

Smartsheet

MS Project

Veeva

Job description

Sr Director, Commercial Strategy & Operations

Updated: Today
Location: Chicago, IL, United States
Job ID:16999

This position serves as a pivotal strategic advisor and operational leader, reporting to the Syneos Health Senior Vice President and in close collaboration with the customer's Vice President, Head of Sales. The core responsibility is to act as a key connection between AOP Health and Syneos on key projects and objectives that are core to the business objectives set by AOP Health.

In this role you will be accountable for the development, coordination, and measurement of strategic commercial initiatives, which impact the overall effectiveness of the organization, including incentive programs, POA execution, , operational excellence, training and monitoring,budget andexpense management, field force effectiveness (performance management and productivity analysis) as well as identifying key opportunities that will accelerate client objectives.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in pharmaceutical industry strategy and operations combined with proven product launch expertise. Success in this role requires a leader with exceptional project management capabilities, strong business acumen, prior sales leadership experience, and excellent communication skills. They must have a demonstratable ability to manage relationships effectively and assist with guiding teams through the complexities of go-to-market strategies, from planning and risk mitigation to post-launch analysis. The candidate should have a range of experience in key commercial functions such as Sales, Operations and Market Access.

Essential Requirements: Strategic Planning & Business Execution

• Manage multiple key workstreams, connect key decision makers from both organizations, and maintains timelines for each project.
• Partner with Commercial Leadership to develop, execute, and monitor short- and long-term commercial strategies.
• Lead annual strategic planning, monthly and quarterly business reviews, launch readiness assessments, and operating plan development.
• Monitor progress against key commercial priorities, identifying risks, opportunities, and mitigation plans.
• Ensure alignment of resources, investments, and organizational priorities with business objectives.
• Manages multiple key workstreams, connect key decision makers from both organizations, and maintains timelines for each project.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Commercial Leadership Team.
• Prepare executive presentations, business reviews, and strategic recommendations.
• Lead development of leadership meeting agendas, action tracking, and decision governance.
• Support executive communications and change management initiatives.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate activities across Sales, Marketing, Market Access, Operations, Finance, HR, and Analytics.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment on critical initiatives including product launches, organizational transformations, and growth strategies.
• Remove barriers to execution and resolve cross-functional issues impacting performance.

Commercial Operations & Organizational Effectiveness

• Establish processes that improve decision-making, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Lead commercial governance processes, including business reviews and performance management cadence.
• Drive implementation of key initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Develop dashboards and performance metrics to monitor commercial success.
• Lead high-priority strategic initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Manage commercial project portfolios to ensure milestones, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Coordinate launch planning activities for new products, indications, or business initiatives.
• Provide structured project management support for enterprise-wide programs.

Business Insights & Performance Management

• Analyze market, competition, and business performance trends.
• Synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Monitor commercial KPIs and performance against goals.

Culture & Organizational Development

• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive employee engagement efforts and organizational communications.
• Operational Oversight: Support all aspects of the co-employment agreement to include interviewing and hiring, aligning strategic perspectives, coaching core behaviors, financial and administrative oversight, and all aspects of employment including performance management solutions.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience, with sales leadership experience & direct experience in developing product strategy and executing product launches.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial strategy, sales leadership, marketing, market access, consulting, business operations, or related functions.
• Experience supporting senior executives (CCO, Commercial President, General Manager, or Business Unit Head) preferred.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical commercialization, product launches, market access, customer engagement, and healthcare ecosystem dynamics.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn complex data into actionable insights.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong formal presentation skills (Expertise with MS360)
• Strategic Agility: Ability to synthesize data, deliver key messages, and recommend action plans.
• Program & Project Management: Familiarity with launch planning software and project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Veeva).
• Adaptability: Able to adapt to changes in the work environment, ambiguity, and managing demands.
• Ability to travel up to 25% required.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $225,000 to $245,000. 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. In addition, some positions may include eligibility to earn commissions/bonus based on company and / or individual performance.

Syneos Health companies are affirmative action/equal opportunity employers (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)

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 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.