Director, Strategic Partnerships & Client Relationship

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

Responsible for strategy and oversight for assigned clinical research studies, as well as the overall relationship for a specific client. Responsible for overall cross-functional leadership of assigned project(s)/program and project/program team(s) to ensure delivery within specified budgets and timelines and in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines/requirements, Tempus Compass Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and project specific instructions. Independently oversees the execution of assigned clinical research studies under a specific sponsor/client, applying and providing guidance to client and team members on best practices tailored to the applicable project, patient population, drug product or device (if applicable) and client project/program goals and objectives. The Director, SPCR will have regular interactions with key internal and external stakeholders to discuss project status, escalate issues, and troubleshoot inquiries. This role is expected to build and maintain positive rapport and working relationships with internal and external project team members, broader stakeholders and executive leadership. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, operational leadership, and decision-making, ability to delegate, strategic thinking, conflict resolution, clinical project management experience and attention to detail are required. The role is primarily responsible for operational study strategy and study execution, and client relationship management.

Job Responsibilities:
 

Working as Director, Strategic Partnerships & Client Relationship tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute strategic partnership initiatives to grow client portfolios and enhance long-term client satisfaction, retention, and expansion

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a key client and their projects, ensuring high levels of engagement, trust, and retention

• Collaborate with clinical operations, project management, and executive leadership to align service delivery with client expectations

• Understand client objectives and ensure they are translated effectively across project teams

• Lead cross-functional project and program teams to manage the development and execution of program strategy in alignment with corporate goals

• Have accountability as the primary contact for the client program, including ownership, maintenance, and communication of all program information, including strategy, scope, deliverables, timelines, status and key risks

• Identify new business opportunities with assigned client(s) and support proposal development in collaboration with the Commercial Operations and Business Development teams

• Monitor client satisfaction and implement strategies to proactively address concerns or performance gaps

• Represent Tempus Compass at industry conferences, client meetings, and strategic forums

• Stay informed on clinical research trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape to advise clients and internal stakeholders

• Contribute to, interface with, or lead different levels of study governance, as required

• In conjunction with functional area leads and sponsor, recommend, implement and oversee operational strategies as well as risk management plans inclusive of the Risk Assessment Categorization Tool (RACT)

• Oversee the development of applicable study specific plans across a program including critical path activities and interdependencies for assigned clinical stud(ies)

• Oversee the assigned project(s)/program scope of work and associated contractual agreements including recognizing and negotiating changes in scope in collaboration with Project Manager/Clinical Study Manager and Commercial Operations throughout the project lifecycle from start-up to close-out

• Collaborate with clients to proactively provide win/win solutions

• Lead cross-functional teams and third parties/vendors to ensure effective teamwork and communication

• Oversee and analyze project deliverables including timeline, quality, scope, and financials

• Leverage input from all critical functions to define critical path activities/decisions and associated risks, in collaboration with project/program teams, to ensure the projects/program meet their milestones on time and on budget

• Oversee resource needs throughout the project/program lifecycle including ensuring that project tasks are correctly assigned to team members and vendors

• Oversee and coordinate internal team members working on assigned project(s)/program as required

• Mentor and lead project/program teams

• Manage team dynamics and provide feedback on project team members’ performance to the project team member and respective line management

• Contribute to business development initiatives, including proposals, responses to RFIs, and bid defense presentations as needed

• Contribute to Tempus Compass initiatives as needed

• Line manage - onboard, mentor and oversee Project Managers/Clinical Study Managers assigned to project(s) for assigned key client(s) as needed
   

Demonstration of Tempus Compass Values:
Consistently strives to demonstrate the following Tempus Compass values:

• Recognizes that the team is always stronger than the individual

• Seeks to inspire others by demonstrating consistently strong performance

• Treats people with respect regardless of role or point of view

• Listen well and seek to understand before reacting

• Provides candid, helpful and timely feedback to colleagues

• Demonstrates curiosity about and contributes effectively to areas outside of their specialty

• Keeps the bigger picture in mind when making decisions

• Never stops learning

• Questions assumptions and offers suggestions for improvement

• Focuses on results rather than process and seeks to minimize complexity when process is required

• Identifies and addresses root causes, not symptoms

• Demonstrates poise in stressful situations

• Strives to always do the right thing

• Questions actions that are incongruent with Tempus Compass values

Minimum Qualifications:

• University/college degree with preference in a health or life science field from an appropriately accredited institution, advanced degree preferred

• Minimum of ten (10)+ years relevant clinical research experience with five (5)+ years in a client-facing or strategic partnership role in a combination of research site, biotech or pharma, or CRO experience

• Minimum of five (5)+ years Project Management experience at a CRO

• Proven ability to build and maintain successful relationships and to effectively communicate at senior management level

• Highly effective communicator at all levels with both clients and internally. Must be open and direct with strong oral and written communication skills

• Proven track record of developing and maintaining high-value strategic partnerships

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization

• Strategic thinker with a client-first mindset and an eye for innovation and growth

• Strong understanding of the clinical trial lifecycle and regulatory landscape

• Working knowledge of ICH Guidelines and GCP including international regulatory requirements for the conduct of drug development programs, or of ISO Guidelines and GCP including US regulatory requirements for devices

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing priorities and to utilize resources effectively

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with team members and clients

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple competing and changing priorities within tight timelines

• Able to proactively anticipate needs and follow through on all assigned tasks

• Proficient in Google for Business products including but not limited to GMail, GDrive, Google Documents, and Google Sheet. Proficient in Microsoft Office products including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint

• Proficient in project management tools and processes (Smartsheet, Financial management systems)

• Ability to travel overnight (up to 20%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) Certified

• Cell Therapy experience

• Oncology clinical trial experience

• Early phase oncology clinical trial experience

• Diagnostics experience

• IDE trial experience

• Observational trial experience

• Global Project Management experience

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Illinois Pay Range: $170,000-$210,000

The expected salary range above is applicable if the role is performed from California and may vary for other locations (Colorado, Illinois, New York). Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.