The Decision Support Lead/Chief of Staff role plays a pivotal function working closely with the CSL Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and the CSL Commercial & Medical Leadership Team (CBLT) to drive strategic initiatives, manage key projects, and facilitate organizational effectiveness. The role will serve as a trusted advisor, helping to translate the CSL Commercial & Medical vision into actionable plans, while providing leadership support across all functional areas.
This role will oversee CBLT communication management, leading special projects and programs; and business planning to coordinate, manage and measure Commercial business performance and reporting. The role ensures that the direction of the business is closely aligned with the mission, vision, and decisions of the CBLT, to identify optimization opportunities and to amplify the management of the Commercial Business. The role is also a platform for talent development, giving high-potential leaders direct exposure to executive decision-making, senior stakeholder management, and cross-functional leadership.
Principal Accountabilities
- Drives specific strategic projects on behalf of the CCO and CBLT end-to-end, from scoping and business case through execution, delivery, and measurement of outcomes.
- Ensures the CCO & CBLT spend their time and energy focussed on the key strategic priorities by identifying these priorities and bringing them to the fore.
- Effectively manages and leads key activities and processes based on strategic importance to support the CCO & CBLT
- In prioritising what issues and activities are presented to the CCO & CBLT (including requests for time), planning to ensure there is sufficient time available for preparation ahead of engagements/meetings, and that briefing materials are accurate, and concisely summarised around strategic issues/opportunities.
- Serves as a thought partner with the CCO and contributes to strategic planning and implementation of key initiatives.
- Acts as a strategic advisor keeping the CCO abreast of Company climate, employee well-being, project statuses, new proposals, etc. Is a trusted advisor to members of the leadership team, the organization, and can maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality.
- Identifies potential roadblocks and offers solutions for senior leadership to review.
- Conducts analysis, gathers relevant data and prepares reports for the CCO to aid decision making.
- Manages business initiatives, events and highly important projects to ensure deadlines are met across the CBLT.
- Collaborates with and supports CBLT with leadership initiatives and meetings that require their input or attendance.
- Decides agendas for CBLT meetings, driving main decisions and strategic topics for discussion, partnering with presenters, preparing minutes and following up with owners of allocated actions.
- Is involved as necessary in business reviews with GLT members, attends these meetings, taking notes and facilitating follow-up activities.
- Works closely with Communications to support the with communications and internal/external stakeholder engagements, partnering with Communications and Human Resources as required to ensure clear and concise communication.
- Organises the preparation of Board papers and presentations, earnings materials, strategic and annual operating plans.
- Improves executive-level communications and collaboration processes through use of contemporary technologies.
- Partners with other DSLs in CSL to agree on processes and co-ordinate opportunities across departments or business units.
- Acts as a delegate for the CCO in select meetings, forums, and decisions as appropriate, representing the CCO’s perspective and ensuring resulting actions are followed through.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and strategically with a focus on results.
- Proficiency in the ability to translate strategy into action
- Innovative problem solver who relies upon data and analysis to arrive at better solutions.
- Strong business knowledge and relevant external market information
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead interactions with multiple stakeholders at all levels.
- High level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and challenge senior leaders and peer groups.
- Ability to work independently and make decisions with limited oversight.
- Proactive, with the ability to anticipate needs and solve problems before they arise.
- Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle competing priorities.
- Experience using new technology to improve team collaboration and communication.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Role model for CSL Values
Minimum Education Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field; MBA or equivalent experience preferred
Minimum Experience Requirements
- 10+ years' business and leadership experience preferably in the pharmaceutical industry
- Experience within an international matrix environment managing global programs, projects, cross functional teams and events.
- Experience acting as a credible trusted partner to executive or senior leaders.
- Proven track record in project management, strategic planning and cross functional leadership
- Experience across multiple functions preferred
Travel requirements
Some domestic and international travel required