Head of Study Start-Up

Julius Clinical is a leading global, full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) delivering integrated clinical development and real-world evidence solutions across five continents. Formed through the strategic merger of P95 and Julius Clinical, the organization combines P95's leadership in infectious diseases, vaccines, and real-world evidence with Julius Clinical's expertise in central nervous system, cardio-metabolic, renal, and rare diseases, creating a unique mid-sized CRO with scale, agility and scientific depth. With regional hubs in Africa, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, we operate with a team of 500 professionals and a track record that includes more than 1000 clinical trials conducted in over 50 countries. We offer comprehensive CRO capabilities supporting both full-service and modular approaches across the entire development lifecycle and post-marketing phases for pharmaceutical, biotech, and public health partners. The Head of Study Start-Up will play a critical role in building and evolving the SSU function to meet current operational needs while establishing a scalable, high-performing model for future growth. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the implementation and the subsequent end-to-end delivery, performance, and strategic development of the Study Start-Up (SSU) function across P95 and Julius Clinical. As leader of the Study Start-Up department, this individual will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and people leadership while acting as a senior partner to sponsors and internal stakeholders.

• Define and scale the global Study Start-Up function to support rapid CRO growth
• Own end-to-end start-up delivery across a growing portfolio, ensuring speed, quality, and consistency from feasibility through first patient in across diverse clients and therapeutic areas
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and active partnership with key stakeholders - including Project Management and Study Operations - throughout the study set-up phase, ensuring alignment on timelines, deliverables, and site readiness ahead of first patient in
• Act as an executive client partner, strengthening strategic relationships and positioning Study Start-Up as a value driver in client delivery and retention
• Leverage analytics, and operational insights to establish KPIs to continuously improve cycle times, productivity, and cost efficiency
• Partner closely with Commercial and Business Unit leadership to shape competitive proposals, differentiated service offerings, and compelling bid defense strategies
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement, standardized processes, and new delivery models to accelerate timelines and enhance quality
• Ensure global compliance and inspection readiness, embedding consistent, high-quality practices aligned with ICH-GCP and regulatory expectations across all regions
• Contribute to broader leadership initiatives and growth strategy

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ yrs in clinical research, significant CRO experience, and hands-on expertise in study start-up
• Experience implementing new departments in a growing organization
• Proven experience leading large, cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams, including mentoring and performance management
• Deep knowledge of clinical trial regulations, guidelines (FDA, EMA, ICH-GCP, GEP, etc.) and start-up best practices
• Stakeholder management and negotiation skills including the ability to manage multiple client portfolios and competing priorities
• Solid financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning
• Strong collaboration skills, resolving issues in a constructive and team-oriented manner