Senior Director, Regional Pharmacy Operations
About the role
The START Center for Cancer Research (“START”) is the world’s largest early phase site network, fully dedicated to oncology clinical research. We are seeking a Sr. Director, Regional Pharmacy Operations.
Responsibilities
- Provide enterprise-wide pharmacy leadership across all START USA sites, ensuring consistent, compliant, and high-quality pharmacy operations.
- Partner closely with the executive team, site leadership, and clinical operations to align pharmacy strategy with organizational goals.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of standardized pharmacy workflows, including investigational drug accountability, sterile compounding, and clinical documentation.
- Maintain strong relationships with external regulatory bodies, vendors, partner practices, sponsors, and audit teams as needed.
- Oversee pharmacy-related planning for new protocol activation, site launches, and volume forecasting.
- Serve as a senior subject matter expert on investigational drug management in early-phase oncology trials.
Requirements
- Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy (PharmD or equivalent).
- Active and unrestricted State Pharmacist License.
- 10+ years of progressive pharmacy leadership experience, including direct oversight of investigational pharmacy operations.
- Deep knowledge of investigational drug services, clinical trial protocols, and regulatory standards.
- Proven ability to lead people, drive strategic initiatives, and manage organizational change.
- Familiarity with pharmacy automation systems, EMR platforms, and drug accountability technologies.
- Advanced understanding of GCP, ICH, and regulatory inspection readiness.
- Proven experience applying continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent) in pharmacy or clinical operations environments, with demonstrated measurable outcomes.
- Experience owning or co-owning a pharmacy quality management system, including SOP governance, deviation management, and CAPA program oversight.
- Proven experience in financial accountability, including budget ownership, variance management, and business case development for operational or capital investments.
- Experience leading pharmacy technology strategy, including evaluation, implementation, and optimization of automation systems, drug accountability platforms, or EMR integrations.
- Competency in data analytics and operational reporting, including KPI framework development, dashboard design, and translating data into operational decisions.
- Knowledge of investigational product supply chain management, including cold chain integrity, chain of custody compliance, and drug logistics in a regulated environment.
Qualifications
- Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy (BCOP).
- Completion of a PGY2 residency in oncology or health-system administration.
- Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certification.
- Experience in supporting early-phase oncology research and regulatory audits (FDA, EMA, sponsor).
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience building or leading pharmacist residency or academic pipeline development programs.
- Demonstrated experience in regulatory horizon scanning and proactive compliance adaptation across multiple jurisdictions.
- Experience with cross-regional pharmacy governance in a distributed CRO, health-system, or pharmaceutical manufacturing network.
Skills
- Strong background in pharmacy regulations, quality improvement, operational efficiency, and people leadership.
- Ability to lead with clarity and cohesion across geographically distributed sites, balancing the urgency of growth with the non-negotiable boundaries of patient safety and regulatory compliance.
- Proven ability to partner with peer regional pharmacy leaders to achieve and maintain complete consistency in pharmacy operations, metrics, and standards across all START regions.
Benefits
Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks We value the time, talent, and dedication our employees bring to START. Our commitment to your well-being and growth is reflected in a competitive compensation package—based on experience—along with comprehensive benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally:
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, based on role and company results
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage and optional insurance options
- Company paid life and disability insurance for added financial protection
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential, no-cost support for you and your family from day one
- Flexible FSA and HSA plans to support your financial wellness
- Commitment to a supportive environment that values balance, wellbeing, and flexibility
Pay
The annual base salary for this remote role is $220,000 - $230,000. However, base pay may vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Schedule
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday