Job Description

About us

Southern Star Research is a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to navigating the complexities of bringing new medical products to market. With a legacy of excellence that began 14 years ago in Sydney, we have grown from a small, passionate team into a global network of experts committed to delivering high-quality services in medical writing, clinical monitoring, project management, biostatistics, data management, safety and medical monitoring, and quality assurance.

Southern Star Research has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to the field, winning prestigious awards such as the Frost and Sullivan 2024 Asia-Pacific Competitive Strategy Leadership Award and being named as Great Place to Work in Australia in 2024 and 2025. Our international team continues to deliver innovative clinical trial solutions across diverse therapeutic areas, ensuring the success of every study we manage.

The role

We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute Head of Client Solutions to lead our pre-award Strategy and Proposals functions and materially lift our win rate and win volume across the portfolio.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will oversee two Directors of Strategy, a Clinical Strategy & Bid Manager and the Head of Proposals. Together with the VP of BD and CFO, you will shape how we prioritise, resource and prosecute opportunities so that every significant RFP, bid and re-bid is pursued with coordinated, high-quality leadership from first contact through bid defence and commencement of work.

You will design and track meaningful performance metrics (responsiveness, win rate, conversion by segment, quality and consistency of response), drive continuous process and technology improvements, and build a culture of accountability, collaboration and learning across your teams.

A key goal will be to build on the strengths of the strategy and proposals functions, supporting their continued evolution as a proactive, client-focused and data-driven capability that works hand-in-glove with BD, Operations, Finance and Marketing. You will proactively identify solutions to meet our clients and their project’s needs, improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness through process improvement, the thoughtful adoption of new technologies, and the strategic enhancement of our approach to RFPs. You will ensure that strategy, narrative, design and budgets are closely aligned to deliver compelling, high-quality proposals for our clients.

To be successful in the role, we’re looking for candidates with:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, health sciences, business, commerce, or a related discipline.
• Formal training or demonstrated capability in process improvement, change management, digital transformation, or AI-enabled workflow design is highly desirable.
• Advanced degree (e.g. MSc, MPH or MBA) in a relevant field is desirable.

• Significant experience in proposals, pre-award strategy, commercial operations, business development or bid leadership within the CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical or healthcare services sector, supported by a strong understanding of clinical trial delivery and operations.
• Proven success leading teams and driving transformation, including process improvement, technology implementation, performance frameworks and cultural change.
• Strong commercial and client-facing capability, with experience in solution development, bid defences, contract negotiations, pricing and strategically prioritising opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and collaborate across functions and geographies, while driving accountability, quality and timely outcomes.
• A commercially astute, strategic and analytical leader who is decisive, resilient, highly organised and effective in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with the confidence and credibility to engage clients and senior executives; additional Asia-Pacific language capability is advantageous.
• Forward-looking and innovative, with an interest in technology, data-driven decision-making and AI-enabled ways of working.

Why Southern Star?

• Join a passionate team committed to our shared purpose to create brighter futures, one study at a time.
• Exciting growth phase, creating ongoing career development opportunities for our teams
• Competitive remuneration
• Flexible work environment, with hybrid and fully remote options
• STAR day - one extra day off per year for you to recharge.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Southern Star Research, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. We celebrate the diversity of our team and recognise the strength that comes from different perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences.

We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process and providing equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or cultural background.