SR AD / Director, Clinical Development Operations Lead

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a SR AD / Director, Clinical Development Operations Lead in the United States.

This senior leadership role sits within global clinical development and is responsible for defining and executing operational strategies for late-phase clinical programs, with a strong focus on speed, quality, and patient value. You will play a key role in shaping and delivering clinical trial execution strategies across complex global studies, particularly in therapeutic areas such as obesity and MASH. Operating in a highly matrixed and cross-functional environment, you will collaborate closely with Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics, Drug Safety, and external partners to ensure alignment across development programs. The role requires a strategic mindset to design efficient trial delivery models, optimize timelines, and drive innovation in clinical trial execution. You will also contribute to patient-centric approaches, ensuring studies are feasible, compliant, and scientifically robust. This is a high-impact position influencing late-stage development decisions and the successful delivery of global clinical programs.

• Lead operational strategy and execution input for late-phase clinical development programs, ensuring alignment with clinical development plans and organizational objectives.
• Design and oversee end-to-end clinical trial operational frameworks, including timelines, country and site selection, and sourcing strategies.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure consistency, efficiency, and elimination of redundancies across global studies.
• Drive the adoption of innovative trial designs, digital tools, and data-driven methodologies to improve clinical execution.
• Ensure patient-centric approaches are embedded throughout study design and execution.
• Identify operational risks, feasibility challenges, and vendor requirements, and develop mitigation strategies prior to trial initiation.
• Provide strategic direction to study teams and ensure effective communication of key priorities and trial objectives.
• Collaborate with study operations teams to monitor performance, enhance execution quality, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain strong engagement with clinical sites and external partners to ensure smooth study delivery and stakeholder alignment.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or MD) preferred depending on level.
• 10+ years of experience in clinical development or clinical operations within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Extensive experience managing late-phase or global clinical trial programs, ideally across multiple therapeutic areas.
• Experience in obesity and/or MASH strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of global clinical development processes, regulatory requirements, and GxP compliance.
• Proven leadership experience in matrixed, cross-functional, global teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence and deliver complex programs under tight timelines.
• Commitment to ethical standards, quality, and patient-focused clinical innovation.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary range of $170,000 to $316,000 depending on level and experience
• Eligibility for discretionary annual bonus and potential additional compensation elements (e.g., relocation support where applicable)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plans and financial wellbeing programs
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee wellbeing support
• Opportunities for global collaboration and international career exposure
• Professional development and learning opportunities in a leading global pharmaceutical environment
• Inclusive and collaborative culture focused on innovation and patient impact
• Flexible, hybrid/global working environment depending on role requirements