_{21st March, 2026}

Who are we?
We're Avance Clinical a Contract Research Organisation. We offer specialised services supporting drug development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. We have a rich history in this area with our founding roots dating back to the 1980's. If you already work in this industry you'll know that we are experts in our field.
 
Why should you join Avance Clinical?
We appreciate that our most important asset is our people. We offer a fun, friendly work environment and a culture that values honesty and respect. We have a strong sense of team. We genuinely appreciate each individual but recognise the collective when achieving success.
 
We are committed to creating a flexible work environment for our people by supporting them to balance their work commitments and personal needs, both now and into the future.
 
Broad Purpose
Avance Clinical is a Contract Research Organisation which offers specialised services supporting drug development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
 
Avance Clinical is seeking a Senior Director of Proposals to strategically lead our global proposal operations. This key role is dedicated to the development of high-quality, compliant, and strategically aligned proposals focusing on global clinical trials. The Senior Director will provide leadership across the commercial business unit, driving the delivery of global opportunities, and ensuring alignment with overall business strategies and client engagement. The Senior Director will work closely with the other team leaders and together lead the proposals team, ensuring the development of compelling proposals and RFIs that effectively secure new business opportunities and support client engagement.
 
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Global Focus:

• Develop and execute a specialized strategy for clinical trial proposals globally, enhancing Avance Clinical's position in this segment.
• Evaluate and enhance proposal processes based on a comprehensive understanding of global trial complexities and client requirements.
• Prioritize and lead the pursuit of business development opportunities, aligning proposal strategies with broader market trends and client needs.

Collaborative Team Management:

• Collaborate closely with the other team leaders to ensure a cohesive approach across all phases of clinical trial proposals.
• Foster synergy between the early phase and late phase proposal teams to leverage cross-functional expertise and insights.
• Act as a senior point of contact for high-visibility, strategic client interactions, including bid defenses and negotiations.

Financial and Operational Strategy:

• Lead complex budget models and pricing strategies that reflect an in-depth understanding of financial requirements and profit margins.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of proposal templates that incorporate key performance data and operational metrics.

Proposal Management Excellence:

• Oversee the RFI/RFP process for global trials, ensuring that submissions are strategically aligned with client needs and Avance's capabilities.
• Utilize advanced project management tools/Salesforce and techniques to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple, high-complexity proposals simultaneously.
• Implement advanced methodologies specific to global proposals, ensuring compliance and competitiveness.

Team Leadership and Talent Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders across Business Development, Operations, Finance, and all other supporting cross functional teams.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the proposals team with a focus on global expertise and best practices, ensuring high levels of skill and professional growth.
• Design and implement training programs tailored to global proposal development, enhancing team capabilities and industry knowledge.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Maintain the highest standards of quality and compliance in all global proposals through stringent review processes and quality control measures.
• Actively manage risks associated with global proposal development, ensuring robust mitigation strategies are in place.

Industry Engagement and Advocacy:

• Act as a subject matter expert in late phase clinical trials within industry forums, enhancing Avance Clinical's thought leadership.
• Drive innovation in global proposal strategies, staying ahead of regulatory changes and competitive pressures.

Characteristics:

• Strategic and visionary leadership abilities with a specialized focus on global clinical trials.
• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills to effectively work with different levels of management and cross-functional teams (Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Clinical and Project Operations, Marketing, Business Development, Site Solutions, Client Services and Contracts, etc.).
• High resilience and adaptability to manage the complexities and challenges of global trials in a dynamic environment.
• Strong commitment to ethical standards and fostering a transparent and inclusive team culture.
• Other duties as directed by Line Management or delegate in line with skills, experience and/or qualifications.

Departmental Responsibilities (This may include departmental reporting, functional activities and procedures, line management, client management, Human Resource Management, Quality and Safety Compliance)
 
Resource Management:

• Allocate department resources effectively to balance workload and maximize efficiency.
• Manage budgeting for the proposals department, ensuring optimal utilization of resources for maximum return on investment.

Process Optimization:

• Continually assess and refine proposal development processes to ensure they are agile and responsive to industry dynamics and client requirements.
• Implement technology solutions to enhance proposal quality and team productivity.
• Implement rigorous quality control measures to ensure the highest standards in all proposal submissions.

Performance Metrics:

• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department to measure effectiveness and improve performance - (e.g., win rate improvement, client satisfaction scores, turnaround times for proposal submissions).
• Report regularly to senior management on department achievements and challenges, using data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders across the company to ensure alignment and integration of the proposals department with broader business goals.
• Engage with industry partners and clients to stay informed of market needs and enhance Avance Clinical's competitive edge.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years in proposal management within a CRO, with a significant focus on late-phase clinical trials.
• Proven track record of leading global teams and managing high-complexity proposals across diverse geographical locations.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exceptional leadership and communication abilities and experience in change management are valuable.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and strategic proposal writing.
• Proficiency in MS Office, project management software, and CRM systems.
• Can build and maintain positive relationships with management, peers, and subordinates.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Strategic thinker with robust analytical skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• High degree of initiative and capability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer

• Stimulating work
• Project diversity
• An intellectual challenge
• An agile & flexible workplace
• Opportunity to progress
• Stability
• Sense of community
• A leadership team that are working together on a common goal
• Flexible work options
• Great tools / tech to do your job

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