[Hiring] Patient Engagement Lead @Syneos Health

Role Description

The Patient Engagement Lead is a senior-level role responsible for the end-to-end ownership of global patient recruitment and retention (R&R) strategy and execution across clinical trials. This is not a support function—this role is accountable for defining, operationalizing, and delivering recruitment strategy in partnership with sponsors.

• Lead the day-to-day execution of global enrollment strategies, ensuring performance against timelines, budgets, and quality expectations.
• Step in immediately, operate autonomously, and drive results across complex, global studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Full Ownership of Global Recruitment Strategy
  • Own and lead the global patient recruitment and retention strategy across assigned studies from start-up through closeout.
  • Translate strategy into execution by driving day-to-day delivery, performance tracking, and continuous optimization.
  • Serve as the accountable lead for enrollment outcomes, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation plans.
• Global Program Leadership
  • Lead global, multi-region recruitment programs, ensuring alignment across geographies, study teams, and solution partners.
  • Operate as the central point of coordination across stakeholders to ensure seamless execution and delivery.
  • Drive consistency and quality in strategy implementation across all regions and phases of the study.
• Sponsor-Facing Leadership
  • Act as a primary point of contact for sponsors on all recruitment-related activities.
  • Provide strategic guidance, performance insights, and clear recommendations to optimize enrollment outcomes.
  • Lead discussions on strategy performance, risks, and innovative approaches to accelerate recruitment.
• Vendor & Partner Oversight
  • Identify and lead selection of recruitment solution partners aligned to study needs and indication.
  • Oversee vendor performance, ensuring accountability to scope, timelines, and quality standards.
  • Resolve vendor-related challenges independently, maintaining momentum and delivery.
• Operational Execution & Delivery
  • Own the development and lifecycle management of the Participant Engagement Plan (PEP).
  • Oversee execution of patient-facing tactics, including material development, translation, distribution, and inventory management.
  • Ensure all deliverables meet sponsor expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Financial & Project Accountability
  • Manage recruitment-related budgets, forecasts, and scope changes.
  • Ensure financial discipline and proactively address out-of-scope activities through appropriate change processes.
  • Provide accurate reporting, projections, and updates to support overall study success.
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement
  • Mentor junior team members and provide oversight where needed.
  • Contribute to process improvements, innovation, and departmental growth initiatives.
  • Support business development activities, including pre-award strategy and consultation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Healthcare, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience with full ownership of global patient recruitment and retention strategy and execution within clinical research.
• Demonstrated experience serving as the accountable lead for day-to-day delivery of recruitment strategy for sponsors.
• Proven track record managing global, multi-phase clinical trials (Phase I–IV) across a variety of therapeutic areas.
• Experience leading global programs across regions, with accountability for overall management, execution, and results.
• Ability to operate independently and “hit the ground running” in a fast-paced, sponsor-facing environment.
• Strong expertise in data-driven enrollment strategies, including performance tracking and mitigation planning.
• Advanced vendor management experience, including selection, oversight, and performance optimization.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, forecasting, and scope changes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting pre-award strategy and feasibility.
• Background in patient advocacy and community engagement initiatives.
• Experience contributing to innovation in patient recruitment approaches.

Benefits

• Collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented team environment.
• Opportunity to take full accountability for global recruitment strategy.
• Work alongside experienced leaders committed to your success and career progression.