Associate Director Study Start-up

About the role

For our client, we are seeking an Associate Director, Study Start‑up to join the team of a leader in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotech space. This role will lead study start‑up operations for clinical programs, ensuring high‑quality execution from planning through activation. The Associate Director will manage a team focused on start‑up delivery, partner with cross‑functional leaders, and help strengthen processes that support regulatory readiness and operational performance across global studies. The position also calls for coaching talent, resolving escalated risks, and driving consistency and innovation in study start‑up practices. Location: Remote – US‑based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Study Start‑up Managers to ensure high‑quality study start‑up delivery.
• Drive end‑to‑end planning and execution of study starts, meeting regulatory requirements.
• Oversee study start‑up performance and recommend solutions for escalated risks.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching and mentoring in study start‑up practices.
• Collaborate with leaders to enhance operational readiness and study start‑up processes.
• Implement and maintain consistent study start‑up business processes across teams.
• Promote an innovative culture through sharing knowledge and best practices.

Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical and clinical trial operations expertise required; no specific therapeutic knowledge necessary.
• Proven experience managing global teams and projects.
• No prior experience with Veeva required.
• Doctorate plus 3 years, or Master's plus 7 years, or Bachelor's plus 9 years, or Associate’s plus 12 years, or High School diploma/GED with 14 years of clinical execution experience needed.
• Minimum of 3 years managing people or leading projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Retirement and Savings Plan contributions.
• Annual discretionary bonuses and stock‑based incentives.
• Award‑winning time‑off plans, including bi‑annual shutdowns.
• Flexible work options, including remote arrangements.

Pay

$182,145 – $212,860 annually