Executive Director, Biotech Partnership Lead at Covance in Durham, NC

Executive Director, Biotech Partnership Lead Location: Durham Job Overview: The Executive Director, Biotech Portfolio Lead (BPL) is an enterprise commercial leader accountable for the strategic direction, commercial performance, and delivery excellence of Fortrea’s most critical biotech client portfolios. Serving as executive sponsor for a regional portfolio of strategic biotech partners, this role owns the long‑term health, growth, and outcomes of complex, multi‑program relationships. The BPL provides executive‑level continuity across the full client lifecycle, maintaining clear line of sight across all portfolio work to enable proactive planning, predictable execution, and alignment with sponsor scientific strategy, clinical development priorities, and business objectives. Through strategic portfolio leadership, executive client engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration, the BPL drives sustained partnership growth, supports business development, and strengthens Fortrea’s reputation as a trusted leader in biotech strategy and delivery. Summary of Responsibilities: Strategic Operational Leadership Lead Commercial Account Management strategic roadmap and direct execution of global biotech initiatives. Champion innovation and continuous improvement across delivery models, governance, operational processes, and cross‑business collaboration. Own and orchestrate relationship strategy across enterprise by partnering with delivery, business unit, and Business Development leaders Client Relationship Leadership Act as the executive lead in client engagements, proposals, and bid defenses for strategic biotech accounts. Act as the executive partner with Business Development to identify, prioritize, and scale strategic biotech relationships and repeat business. Represent the function as a senior functional leader to advance new business and portfolio expansion opportunities. Partnership Portfolio Oversight and Accountability Provide enterprise, governance, and accountability for global clinical program planning, execution, and delivery across the biotech portfolio. Achieves or exceeds annual sales plan and sales targets for assigned accounts through proactive high-level sales engagement and strategic networking with potential and existing accounts Act as the trusted advisor and retain ultimate accountability for portfolio‑level operational outcomes. Lead or chair in governance forums to ensure enterprise alignment with client strategy and objectives. Departmental and Organizational Leadership Establish clear strategic direction aligned with organizational priorities. Develop and steward a high‑performing leadership team and succession pipeline. Lead enterprise change initiatives and uphold ethical standards aligned with Fortrea’s values. Serve as a leadership voice within Commercial, setting expectations for culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance. All other duties as needed or assigned. Qualifications (Minimum Required): Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic qualification in life sciences, public health, health economics, or a related field. Fortrea may consider relevant and equivalent experience in lieu of educational requirements Deep enterprise‑level knowledge of biotech strategy, clinical development, and long‑term partnership models, with a sustained record of success delivering highly complex, global portfolios. Exceptional strategic leadership, commercial acumen, and executive presence, with the ability to influence C‑suite stakeholders and enterprise decision‑making. Proven ability to define portfolio strategy, drive growth, and own long‑term financial and delivery outcomes. Advanced communication, analytical, and organizational skills to navigate ambiguity, lead senior leaders, and make high‑impact decisions. Ability to represent Fortrea externally as a trusted executive partner and to build leadership capability across the organization. Valid driver’s license appropriate for the country of residence and role requirements and have a clean driving record. Ability to read and interpret maps, GPS systems, and delivery instructions. Experience (Minimum Required): 12 years of experience in within the clinical research, project delivery, and/or consulting within the pharmaceutical or CRO industry, A minimum of 6 years of director-level leadership. Physical Demands / Work Environment: Work Environment: Frequent travel to clients/site locations with occasional travel both domestic and international. Travel: up to 50%; travel may require overnight stays. Flexibility in working hours may be required to meet global demands. Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods. Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck. Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf. Light to moderate lifting and carrying, or moving of objects, including luggage and laptop computer with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs. Regular and consistent attendance. Varied hours may be required. Pay Range: $230,000-$250,000 (The range does not include benefits, and if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity) Benefits: All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), and Company bonus where applicable. For more detailed information, please click here. Application deadline: May22, 2026 Learn more about our EEO & Accommodations request here.