What are the responsibilities and job description for the Global Head of Research Outsourcing & External Innovation position at SoTalent?
Global Head of Research Outsourcing & External Innovation
Overview
A senior executive leadership role responsible for defining and executing the global strategy for outsourced research and external innovation across discovery and preclinical R&D. This position operates at the intersection of science, business strategy, and strategic partnerships to build a high-performing, scalable external research ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and drive the long-term research outsourcing and external innovation strategy aligned with enterprise R&D priorities
- Identify emerging scientific capabilities, global research hubs, and industry trends to maintain competitive advantage
- Transition outsourcing from transactional vendor management to a fully integrated strategic partner ecosystem
CRO Network Strategy & Governance
- Design and lead a global network of Contract Research Organizations (CROs) across discovery, preclinical, and platform capabilities
- Establish governance frameworks to ensure quality, compliance, and operational excellence
- Lead strategic selection and evaluation of partners based on innovation, capability, and risk
Partnership Management
- Act as senior executive interface for key external partners, building long-term, high-value relationships
- Negotiate strategic agreements and partnership roadmaps
- Enable collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners to accelerate innovation
Scientific & Portfolio Integration
- Ensure seamless integration of outsourced capabilities into internal R&D workflows
- Partner with scientific leaders to assess capability gaps and externalization opportunities
- Oversee delivery of high-quality data, timelines, and outcomes from external partners
Operational Excellence & Risk Management
- Identify and mitigate risks across the global outsourcing ecosystem (e.g., IP, supply continuity, geographic exposure)
- Establish KPIs and performance frameworks to drive continuous improvement
- Enhance productivity, cost efficiency, and innovation through optimized outsourcing models
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop global teams responsible for outsourced research and partnerships
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and innovation-driven culture
- Build future-ready capabilities including digital integration, analytics, and advanced outsourcing models
Experience & Qualifications
- 12–15 years in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D, including leadership in outsourcing or external partnerships
- Deep expertise in discovery and preclinical research workflows
- Proven experience designing and executing global outsourcing strategies
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills
- Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Life Sciences, Chemistry, or related field; MBA a plus
What Sets You Apart
- Strategic thinker with the ability to drive enterprise-level transformation
- Strong communicator able to translate complex scientific and business concepts
- Experience managing global, cross-functional teams and high-value partnerships
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment