Associate Director, Clinical Operations Capabilities & Performance Excellence

AstraZeneca • Durham, NC

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Clinical Operations Capabilities & Excellence serves as a strategic capability partner who operationalizes the capability and learning strategy for R&D Clinical Operations within a highly regulated GxP environment. This role translates strategic capability frameworks into actionable learning solutions, facilitates knowledge transfer and skill development, and ensures clinical teams across BioPharma and Oncology possess the competencies needed to deliver inspection-ready, efficient, and patient-centric trials. Working as an individual contributor with strong influencing skills, the Associate Director partners closely with functional leaders, subject matter experts, and cross-functional stakeholders to design, develop, and deliver modern, data-driven learning experiences that drive measurable business impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific/technical subject area, Learning & Development, Organizational Development, or related field
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in learning & development, talent management, capability strategy, instructional design, or related fields
• Experience in pharmaceutical R&D or clinical operations environment strongly preferred; understanding of GxP and regulated environments highly valued
• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and modern learning technologies
• Proven track record of designing and delivering effective learning solutions that drive measurable business outcomes and capability development
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and create interactive, learner-centered experiences
• Experience with learning needs analysis, competency framework development, and curriculum design
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills with the ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and build partnerships across organizational boundaries
• Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives, prioritize effectively, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical mindset with experience using data and metrics to inform learning strategy and demonstrate impact
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable learning content
• Resourceful, self-directed, and outcome-focused with strong problem-solving abilities
• Experience working in global organizations across countries, cultures, and time zones

Responsibilities

• Translate the multi-year capability strategy into executable learning plans, curricula, and development pathways that align with R&D objectives and Clinical Operations priorities.
• Partner with the Director to operationalize capability frameworks, ensuring role-specific and role-agnostic competencies are embedded into practical learning solutions and development experiences.
• Support the implementation of annual learning roadmaps by defining detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and success metrics for capability-building initiatives.
• Collaborate with functional leaders across BioPharma and Oncology to understand specific capability gaps, business priorities, and learning needs, serving as their trusted capability partner.
• Design and develop education, exposure & experience (3E) focused solutions that incorporate adult learning principles, instructional design best practices, and modern learning methodologies (e.g., microlearning, social learning, experiential learning).
• Create blended learning experiences including eLearning modules, virtual instructor-led training, job aids, simulations, and on-the-job learning tools that support competency development.
• Ensure all learning content is aligned with internal SOPs and work instructions, maintaining strong linkages between process and training.
• Collaborate with the QMS Learning team and Learning Operations to ensure learning solutions are compliant, quality-assured, and integrated into appropriate learning systems and platforms.
• Curate and adapt external content and best practices to meet internal capability needs, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.
• Design and facilitate interactive workshops, learning circles, communities of practice, and knowledge-sharing sessions that promote peer learning, collaboration, and capability development.
• Lead capability-building sessions for new hires, new-to-role transitions, and advanced skill development within the ClinOps capability framework.
• Serve as a subject matter liaison, connecting learners with experts and fostering networks that support continuous learning and knowledge exchange.
• Coach and support functional leaders in embedding learning and development practices within their teams, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
• Monitor internal performance data, learner feedback, and business outcomes to identify opportunities for learning solution optimization and capability enhancement.
• Stay current with external workforce trends, emerging learning technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory changes that impact Clinical Operations capabilities.
• Synthesize trend insights and translate them into actionable recommendations for curriculum updates, new learning modalities, and capability roadmap adjustments.
• Contribute to learning effectiveness measurement by tracking completion rates, learner satisfaction, knowledge retention, and on-the-job application of skills.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with Clinical Operations functional leaders, serving as their go-to capability partner for learning and development needs.
• Influence stakeholders without direct authority, using data, insights, and compelling communication to gain buy-in and drive adoption of learning initiatives.
• Support change enablement efforts by partnering with change management teams to ensure smooth implementation of new capabilities, processes, and tools.

Benefits

• qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
• paid vacation and holidays
• paid leaves
• health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director