Executive Director, Clinical Development Operations (Early Oncology)

About the Role

This transformative leadership role sets the strategic direction, operational excellence, and future vision for Early Oncology (EO) clinical programs within the Clinical Programs & Study Operations (CPSO) organization. The Executive Director oversees a significant portion of the EO portfolio, integrating advanced modalities, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation to redefine clinical trial operations globally. The position holds full accountability for strategy, execution, resource optimization, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide global oversight for a significant portion of the EO clinical portfolio, guiding project planning, operational delivery, and resource allocation to Global and Clinical Project Teams (GPTs/CPTs).
• Maintain continuity and minimize disruption through agile management of modality and indication groups, adapting responsively to the evolving clinical landscape.
• Embrace novel operational models, platform studies, and customized strategies for complex modalities, commissioning and implementing AI/digital solutions to keep the organization at the cutting edge of clinical execution.
• Anticipate and address emerging regulatory requirements (e.g., IVDR) by embedding compliance into operational strategy and process optimization, collaborating cross-functionally to share best practices and harmonize quality standards.
• Champion the deployment and integration of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and process automation across clinical operations to accelerate cycle times, enhance decision-making, and amplify productivity.
• Foster strong cross-functional and external partnerships with Tumour Councils, Late Development Oncology (LDO) teams, vendors, and industry thought leaders, supporting project handovers and driving shared accountability for study outcomes.
• Build, inspire, and mentor high-performing, diverse teams—directly leading 8-10 Sr. Directors and indirectly overseeing 15-20 Study Leaders—while cultivating a pipeline for future leadership.
• Establish and refine operational frameworks, leveraging AI and analytics to monitor performance, optimize site selection, and accelerate study start-up, close-out, and patient engagement.
• Lead strategic vendor engagement and procurement, ensuring effective collaboration with key delivery partners and overseeing resource alignment to support trial delivery needs.
• Set and uphold target metrics for clinical quality, overseeing compliance and process improvement initiatives in partnership with relevant Quality roles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (MSc or PhD highly desired).
• Over 10 years of combined experience in managing clinical programs, with early oncology experience preferred.

Skills

• Strategic Leadership: Visionary, forward-thinking, and adept at navigating complex, fast-paced environments.
• Operational Excellence: Track record of delivering high-quality, timely, and cost-effective clinical operations.
• Inclusive Team Development: Commitment to building diverse, talented, and resilient teams through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Digital & AI Proficiency: Good understanding of how digital and AI technologies can unlock significant efficiencies for clinical trial execution.
• Vendor Management: Expertise in partnering with alliance management, procurement, and SMEs to optimize vendor performance.
• Change Leadership: Ability to inspire and mobilize teams to lead change within a dynamic clinical operations ecosystem.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Outstanding skills in stakeholder engagement, internal and external partnership, and consensus building.
• Innovative Mindset: Adopts industry trends and pioneers new approaches in clinical trial design, delivery, and patient engagement.

Impact and Opportunities

• Accelerate EO clinical execution by redefining processes, employing real-time analytics, and embedding AI at every stage of the study lifecycle.
• Shape the future of clinical operations, setting new industry standards for speed, quality, and innovation.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning.
• Drive strategic initiatives that enhance patient recruitment, site engagement, and data integrity.
• Secure operational readiness for the transition to Phase 3 delivery, ensuring seamless integration with late oncology teams and maximizing clinical impact.

Commitment to Inclusion & Excellence

This role actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that varied perspectives drive transformative progress in clinical research.

Pay

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $284,381 to $426,572 USD. Base pay may vary depending on market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The role also offers a short-term incentive bonus opportunity, eligibility for an equity-based long-term incentive program, and a retirement contribution.

Benefits

• Qualified retirement program (401(k) plan).
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Paid leaves.
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.

Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an offer of employment is extended.