Associate Director, Clinical Operations, CKD

Maze Therapeutics • South San Francisco, CA

9d • $185,000 - $226,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Maze Therapeutics, we believe that precision medicine has the power to transform the lives of patients with both common and rare diseases. As an Associate Director of Clinical Operations , you will be at the heart of our APOL1 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) clinical development strategy, partnering with cross-functional teams t o driv e lead clinical trial execution. You’ll work closely with the Clinical Development Sub-Team, providing both strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure the success of our ongoing CKD Phase 2 study. Th is is a n opportunity to take ownership of clinical study , engage with key opinion leaders, and meaningfully contribute to our Clinical Operations department. If you enjoy rolling up your sleeves, collaborating across teams, and bringing innovative medicines to patients, this role could be the perfect fit for you. The Impact You’ll Have Clinical Trial Execution & Leadership Lead or Phase 2 CKD clinical trial, aligning study execution with broader clinical development plan and object ives from study design and protocol development to completion of key study milestones ( enrollment completion, data analysis, database lock, and final CSR). Develop study enrollment forecast ing and develop site engagement strategies to drive enrollment . Partner with Clinical Science to engage with therapeutic area KOLs as well as plan clinical advisory committee meetings and patient advocacy engagements . Participate on Clinical Development Sub-Team (CDST) and contribute to clinical development strategy. Vendor, CRO & Site Management Lead and facilitate engagement with clinical trial vendors, including budget and contract negotiations Oversee CROs, vendors, and study sites, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Develop KPIs in collaboration with CRO to help guide oversight and partner with oversight Director to establish governance structure. Budget & Financial Oversight Provide financial oversight across multiple clinical studies, ensuring budget efficiency and alignment with corporate goals. Data Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Readiness Ensure high quality clinical trial data and adherence to study protocols, SOPs, ICH GCP guidelines through overall study management, diligent oversight of CROs/vendors and monitoring activities at investigative sites. Partner with Quality Assurance on inspection readiness. Process Optimization & Technology Implementation Take a leadership role in identifying and integrating emerging technologies (AI/ML-driven solutions, advanced analytics) to improve trial planning and execution. Partner with Clinical Operations Team in the development of best practices and scalable processes. Partner with Clinical Operations Team and other internal stakeholders to evaluate off the shelf systems and tools (e.g. eTMF, CTMS, RBM, etc.) to license and implement at Maze. Cross-functional Collaboration Work at a higher strategic level, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to influence program-wide decisions, including clinical development, regulatory, data science, CMC and supply chain. As an Associate Director, we also expect you to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies: Communication and Influence Communicates the reasoning behind decisions to appropriate stakeholders. Promotes open communication with internal and external stakeholders. Fosters healthy and respectful debate. Teamwork and Collaboration Creates opportunities for team members to connect with others outside of team. Manages conflict effectively between teams. Openly values thoughts, opinions, and contributions of employees. Execution and Results Exercises astute judgment to make decisions with only the necessary amount of data. Supports team members in creating their own resolutions to challenges and problems. Works with other to reinforce process compliance, what good looks like, and risk mitigation. Develop Others and Self Articulates what good looks like throughout Maze. Pursues development activities for continuous improvement of self and team.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or health related field with 8–10 years of clinical operations experience, including leadership of Phases II–III trials, with a broader program-wide and strategic focus.
• Experience in common disease and/or rare disease drug development.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines and inspections (FDA, EMA, ICH-GCP)
• A proven track record planning, conducting, and managing clinical trials including study maintenance, study close-out, clinical trial databases (e.g., Medidata RAVE, Veeva), and knowledge of clinical trial budgeting.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, EMA, ICH-GCP guidelines and inspection experience preferred), proficiency with clinical trial databases (e.g., Medidata RAVE, Veeva), and knowledge of clinical trial budgeting.
• Direct experience analyzing, negotiating, and managing clinical trial budgets and vendors and leveraging technology to drive clinical trial efficiency.
• Strong strategic thinking, ability to shape clinical development strategy, and influence management at both study and program levels.
• A startup mindset, willingness to roll up sleeves, and ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving, and collaborative team environment.
• Experience providing program-level leadership, mentoring junior staff, and driving strategic decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Are willing to travel up to 30% to support study needs.

Nice To Haves

• 1 – 2 years of people management experience with at least 2-3 direct reports highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Trial Execution & Leadership Lead or Phase 2 CKD clinical trial, aligning study execution with broader clinical development plan and object ives from study design and protocol development to completion of key study milestones ( enrollment completion, data analysis, database lock, and final CSR).
• Develop study enrollment forecast ing and develop site engagement strategies to drive enrollment .
• Partner with Clinical Science to engage with therapeutic area KOLs as well as plan clinical advisory committee meetings and patient advocacy engagements .
• Participate on Clinical Development Sub-Team (CDST) and contribute to clinical development strategy.
• Vendor, CRO & Site Management Lead and facilitate engagement with clinical trial vendors, including budget and contract negotiations
• Oversee CROs, vendors, and study sites, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Develop KPIs in collaboration with CRO to help guide oversight and partner with oversight Director to establish governance structure.
• Budget & Financial Oversight Provide financial oversight across multiple clinical studies, ensuring budget efficiency and alignment with corporate goals.
• Data Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Readiness Ensure high quality clinical trial data and adherence to study protocols, SOPs, ICH GCP guidelines through overall study management, diligent oversight of CROs/vendors and monitoring activities at investigative sites.
• Partner with Quality Assurance on inspection readiness.
• Process Optimization & Technology Implementation Take a leadership role in identifying and integrating emerging technologies (AI/ML-driven solutions, advanced analytics) to improve trial planning and execution.
• Partner with Clinical Operations Team in the development of best practices and scalable processes.
• Partner with Clinical Operations Team and other internal stakeholders to evaluate off the shelf systems and tools (e.g. eTMF, CTMS, RBM, etc.) to license and implement at Maze.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Work at a higher strategic level, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to influence program-wide decisions, including clinical development, regulatory, data science, CMC and supply chain.

Benefits

• Maze offers a robust benefits package to our eligible employees including competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings, equity incentive plan, 401(k) program with employer match and a generous holiday and PTO policy.

What This Job Offers

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