Global Head of Biostatistics

About the Role

The Global Head of Biostatistics is a senior executive leader responsible for defining and executing the global biostatistics strategy for Novotech. This role carries full P&L responsibility for the biostatistics function, with a strong emphasis on strategic leadership, commercial growth, operational scalability, quality, client partnership and global capability development

The role requires strong credibility in biostatistics and clinical development, with the ability to engage senior sponsor stakeholders on statistical strategy and provide expert guidance when needed. While not expected to be hands-on in SAP development, TLF production, statistical programming, or project-level analysis, the role is accountable for ensuring scientific rigor, delivery excellence, client confidence, and sustainable global growth.

Reporting to Global Head of Data Science, this role partners closely with Executive Management, Clinical Development, Data Sciences, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial Leadership to position Biostatistics as a differentiated revenue-generating capability and a trusted advisor to global biopharmaceutical clients.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and execute the global biostatistics strategy aligned with the company’s overall business and growth objectives.
• Establish a clear value proposition for biostatistics offerings across therapeutic areas, trial phases, and statistical methodologies.
• Anticipate and respond to industry trends (e.g., adaptive designs, real-world evidence, advanced analytics, AI/ML, complex trial designs).
• Serve as the global thought leader and internal authority on biostatistics strategy and innovation.

P&L Ownership & Commercial Accountability

• Own end-to-end P&L responsibility for the global biostatistics function, including revenue growth, margins, cost optimization, and investment planning.
• Drive top-line growth through new business enablement, portfolio expansion, and client upsell opportunities.
• Partner with Business Development and Sales to: 
  • Shape statistical strategy in proposals
  • Lead or support client-facing engagements, bids, and governance meetings
  • Influence pricing, resourcing models, and delivery approaches
• Track financial performance, forecast demand, and ensure sustainable scalability of the function.

Operational & Organizational Leadership

• Lead a global, multi-region biostatistics organization, ensuring consistent quality, delivery excellence, and scalability.
• Design and evolve the global operating model, including regional hubs, sourcing strategies, and workforce planning.
• Define and monitor KPIs, SLAs, utilization, and performance metrics across regions.
• Ensure seamless collaboration with Data Management, Statistical Programming, Medical Writing, and Clinical Operations.

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure global biostatistics services meet or exceed regulatory and quality standards (e.g., ICH, FDA, EMA, PMDA).
• Oversee governance, audit readiness, SOP alignment, and inspection support.
• Identify and mitigate delivery, compliance, and business risks within the biostatistics portfolio.

Client Partnership & External Representation

• Act as a senior executive sponsor for key global accounts.
• Build long-term, trusted partnerships with sponsors by providing strategic statistical leadership across development programs.
• Represent the company externally at industry forums, conferences, and advisory boards to enhance brand positioning and credibility.

Talent & Leadership Development

• Build, retain, and develop a high-performing global leadership team within biostatistics.
• Drive succession planning, leadership capability building, and a strong performance-driven culture.
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and a modern, flexible global workforce strategy.

What you must have

Education

• PhD or MSc in Biostatistics, Statistics, Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in biostatistics within: 
  • CROs, bio/pharmaceutical companies, or global life sciences organizations
• Demonstrated experience leading large, global, multi-site teams.
• Proven track record of P&L ownership, business growth, and financial accountability.
• Significant experience operating at executive or senior functional leadership level.
• Strong exposure to client-facing, commercial, and consultative engagements.

Desired Competencies

• Executive presence with the ability to influence at Board and C-suite level
• Strong commercial acumen and financial literacy
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into execution
• Deep understanding of global clinical development and drug lifecycle
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Comfort operating in a matrixed, fast-paced, global environment

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.

You must have full unrestricted working rights in USA/EU to be considered for this role. We unfortunately cannot provide sponsorship for this role.