What does a Resource Planner do?

Explore the responsibilities, collaboration, and growth opportunities of a Resource Planner in the Clinical Research Industry

Resource Planners are vital to Parexel's success in delivering efficient and effective clinical trials. They ensure optimal allocation of talent across projects, balancing skills, availability, and project needs. By strategically managing human resources, Resource Planners contribute directly to Parexel's goal of accelerating the delivery of life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.

Browse our open Resource Planner positions or learn more about a day in the life of a Resource Planner.

Q: What are the job responsibilities of a Resource Planner?

A: A Resource Planner at Parexel is responsible for:

• Identifying and assigning team members for proposals, bid defense meetings, and new projects
• Running reports on resource management tools and forecasting resource needs
• Engaging with senior leadership to influence resource-related decisions
• Evaluating specific resource needs for proposals and awarded studies
• Utilizing skills and experience databases to match team members with project requirements
• Providing CVs and bio-sketches for proposals and clients
• Developing and distributing resourcing projection reports
• Tracking and following up on assignments and proposal outcomes
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and Parexel SOPs
• Maintaining a macro-level understanding of awarded work and potential new business
• Using the 'Resource Optimization Framework' to drive optimal resourcing decisions
• Developing and tracking metrics related to Project Management resourcing 

Q: What career progression is typical for a Resource Planner?

A:  A Resource Planner at Parexel can expect a rewarding career path with various growth opportunities:

• Junior Resource Planner: Entry-level position focusing on basic resource allocation tasks
• Resource Planner: Handling more complex projects and larger resource pools
• Senior Resource Planner: Managing strategic resource planning for multiple departments or regions
• Resource Planning Manager: Overseeing a team of planners and developing resource strategies
• Director of Resource Management: Shaping company-wide resource policies and practices
• VP of Operational Excellence: Integrating resource planning with broader operational strategies

Advancement often involves expanding scope, increasing strategic input, and developing leadership skills. As Resource Planners gain experience, they may also specialize in specific therapeutic areas or take on global planning responsibilities.

Q: Which roles do I collaborate with as a Resource Planner?

A: As a Resource Planner at Parexel, you'll collaborate with various roles across the organization:

• Line Managers (LMs): Discussing team member availability and skills
• Portfolio Directors: Aligning resource allocation with project priorities
• Project Managers: Understanding project-specific resource needs
• Proposal Teams: Providing resource information for bids and proposals
• Human Resources: Addressing staffing needs and skill gaps
• Senior Leadership: Presenting resource forecasts and strategic recommendations
• Finance Teams: Aligning resource plans with budgets
• Recruitment Teams: Identifying hiring needs based on resource projections
• Clinical Operations Teams: Ensuring appropriate staffing for clinical trials
• Therapeutic Area Experts: Matching specialized skills to specific project requirements
• Change Management Teams: Participating in organizational change initiatives

This cross-functional collaboration is key to effective resource management and organizational success.

Q:  How does a Resource Planner in clinical research differ from other industries?

A: A Resource Planner in clinical research, particularly at Parexel, differs from those in other industries in several ways:

• Specialized knowledge: Requires understanding of clinical trial processes, regulatory requirements, and therapeutic areas
• Impact on patient care: Resource decisions directly affect the progress of potentially life-saving therapies
• Regulatory compliance: Must ensure resource allocation aligns with strict industry regulations (e.g., ICH GCP)
• Global scope: Often manages resources across multiple countries and time zones
• Rapid changes: Adapts to frequent protocol amendments and shifting trial landscapes
• Diverse skill matching: Aligns highly specialized scientific and medical expertise with specific project needs
• Ethical considerations: Balances resource efficiency with the ethical conduct of clinical trials
• Technology focus: Utilizes advanced clinical trial management systems and resource optimization tools
• Therapeutic area specialization: Matches resources based on specific disease or treatment expertise
• Bid and proposal focus: Plays a crucial role in winning new business through strategic resource allocation

These unique aspects make resource planning in clinical research a challenging yet rewarding career path.

Q: Will I have to travel as a Resource Planner? 

A: As a Resource Planner at Parexel, travel requirements are typically minimal. Most of your work can be accomplished remotely using advanced resource management tools and communication platforms. However, occasional travel may be required for:

• Team meetings or training sessions at other Parexel offices
• Resource planning workshops or strategy sessions
• Industry conferences or professional development events
• Client meetings for high-priority projects or proposals
• On-site resource assessments for large or complex projects

The frequency of travel can vary based on your specific role, level of seniority, and the global distribution of your team. Parexel values work-life balance and strives to keep travel requirements reasonable and purposeful. Most Resource Planners can expect travel to be infrequent, typically not exceeding 10-20% of their time.

Q: Are there remote job opportunities as a Resource Planner? 

A: Yes, Parexel offers remote job opportunities for Resource Planners. As a global organization, we embrace flexible working arrangements to attract and retain top talent. Remote Resource Planner positions typically offer:

• Full-time remote work options
• Hybrid models combining remote and office-based work
• Flexible schedules to accommodate different time zones
• Advanced digital tools for seamless remote collaboration
• Virtual team-building and engagement activities
• Access to global resource management systems from anywhere
• Regular video conferences with team members and stakeholders

While some roles may require occasional in-person meetings or on-site work, many Resource Planner positions can be performed entirely remotely. Parexel provides the necessary technology and support to ensure remote Resource Planners can effectively manage global resources and contribute to the company's success from any location. Our commitment to flexible work arrangements allows us to tap into a diverse talent pool and provide an optimal work-life balance for our employees.