Global Director Thought Leadership

About the Role 

Novotech, a globally recognized leader in clinical research and scientific advisory services, is seeking a Global Director of Thought Leadership to lead the development and execution of high-impact thought leadership initiatives that strengthen the company’s global brand, credibility, and market influence.

Reporting to the Global Head of Marketing, this role is responsible for shaping Novotech’s voice in the market, translating complex scientific, clinical, and industry insights into compelling narratives that resonate with both scientific and commercial audiences.

The role will be responsible for developing and articulating Novotech’s positions on key industry trends, ensuring the organization has a clear, differentiated, and credible voice across scientific, clinical, and commercial topics.

Responsibilities

Thought Leadership Strategy & Development

• Define and lead Novotech’s global thought leadership strategy, aligned with brand and commercial priorities. 
• Develop Novotech’s point of view on key industry trends, including clinical development, regulatory dynamics, and market shifts. 

Insight Development & Data-Driven Content

• Analyze internal and external data sources, including clinical trends, market dynamics, and industry developments, to inform thought leadership topics and narratives. 
• Identify emerging trends and insights that can be translated into high-value, forward-looking content. 
• Ensure all thought leadership is grounded in insight, evidence, and relevance, not just opinion. 

Scientific & SME Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with scientific leaders, therapeutic experts, and senior stakeholders. 
• Partner closely with SMEs to extract insights and shape content, creating an environment where expertise is shared openly and effectively. 
• Guide SMEs on thought leadership topics, positioning, and content development, helping them articulate clear and compelling perspectives. 

Content Creation & Editorial Leadership

• Lead the development of a wide range of high-impact external thought leadership assets, including: 
  • White papers, reports, and industry insights 
  • Executive bylines and POVs 
  • Webinars and presentations 
  • Conference content and speaking narratives 
  • Blogs and digital content 
• Ensure content is designed not only for engagement, but to establish authority and influence in the market. 
• Act as a hands-on editorial leader, shaping, refining, and elevating content quality. 

Agency & Resource Management

• Manage and direct external agency partners, including medical writers, to scale content development as needed. 
• Provide strategic and editorial direction, ensuring all externally developed content meets Novotech standards. 

Executive & SME Positioning

• Partner with senior leaders, including executives and therapeutic experts, to develop their external voice and visibility. 
• Position Novotech’s experts as recognized voices on key industry topics, supporting media engagement, panels, webinars, and industry commentary. 

Distribution & Amplification

• Work closely with Brand, Digital, and Commercial Marketing teams to amplify thought leadership across channels. 
• Ensure content is effectively distributed through digital, social, PR, and events. 
• Align thought leadership initiatives with demand generation and brand-building activities. 

Hands-On Execution & Leadership

• Actively contribute to the creation and execution of high-priority thought leadership initiatives. 
• Step into writing, editing, and shaping content directly where needed. 
• Operate effectively in a lean environment, balancing strategy, execution, and prioritization. 

Performance & Impact Measurement

• Establish a metrics-driven approach to thought leadership performance, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual tracking of content engagement, reach, and influence. 
• Measure impact on brand perception, audience engagement, and commercial relevance. 
• Continuously refine strategy based on performance data and market feedback. 

Project Management & Operational Excellence

• Manage multiple concurrent thought leadership initiatives across regions and stakeholders. 
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, at quality, and aligned with strategic objectives. 
• Bring strong project management discipline to a complex, cross-functional environment. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Brand & Digital, Commercial Marketing, and Business Development teams. 
• Ensure thought leadership supports broader marketing and commercial objectives. 
• Collaborate with regional teams to ensure global content is relevant and effectively localized. 

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, healthcare, marketing, communications, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MSc, PhD, or MBA) preferred. 
• Must demonstrate the ability to translate scientific or technical expertise into strategic, market-facing thought leadership. Proven ability to develop high-impact, insight-driven thought leadership programs. 
• Strong experience working with scientific or technical subject matter experts. 
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with SMEs and senior stakeholders. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to contribute directly when needed. 
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data and insights to inform content strategy and development. 
• Demonstrated experience guiding SMEs and executives in developing thought leadership content.  Experience managing external agencies and medical writers. 
• Strong hands-on capability—comfortable operating at both strategic and executional levels. 
• High level of adaptability and resilience. 
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities. 
• Experience working across global or multi-regional teams. 

Salary Band – Global Director Thought Leadership: $180,000 to $210,000 USD – Salary offered will be based on candidates experience level.

Find out more about working at Novotech at: www.novotech-cro.com/careers

Novotech is proud to offer a great workplace. We are committed to being an employer of choice for gender equality and providing an inclusive work environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.  

Our team members are passionate about what we do, but we understand work is only of the things that is important to them. We support our team members with flexible working options, paid parental leave for both parents, flexible leave entitlements, wellness programs and ongoing development programs. 

We are looking for people who are passionate about working clinical research and biotech, including people who identify as LGBTIQ+, have a disability or have caring responsibilities. 

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every application. We look forward to contacting you regarding your application.