Associate Director, Vendor Oversight & Process Improvement

Structure Therapeutics•South San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Structure Therapeutics develops life-changing medicines for patients using advanced structure-based and computational drug discovery technology. The company’s platform combines the latest advancements in visualization of molecular interactions, computational chemistry, and data integration to design orally available, superior small molecule medicines that overcome current limitations of biologic and peptide drugs. We are advancing a clinical-stage pipeline of differentiated treatments focused on chronic diseases with high unmet need, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary conditions. Structure Therapeutics is led by an experienced group of international drug innovators and financed by top-tier global life sciences investors. The company completed an initial public offering (IPO) in February 2023. With offices in California and Shanghai, Structure Therapeutics has the benefit of being at the center of life science innovation in both the US and China and capitalizing on the strengths of each geographic location. Reporting to the Director, Clinical Operations Process Improvement & Vendor Oversight, this position will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight of outsourced clinical trial activities to ensure delivery of high quality, compliant, and timely results. This role manages relationships with key vendors—including CROs, laboratories, and technology partners—by establishing performance expectations, monitoring service quality, mitigating risks, and driving continuous improvement. The Associate Director collaborates closely with Clinical Development Operations team members to ensure vendor deliverables align with program objectives, timelines, and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the role leads governance interactions, oversees issue escalation and resolution, and contributes to the development and optimization of vendor management frameworks, standards, and best practices across the organization.

Requirements

Minimum BS/BA degree
Minimum of 10 years of experience in clinical operations, vendor management, outsourcing, or related roles within the biopharmaceutical or CRO industry.
Demonstrated experience overseeing outsourced clinical trial activities across multiple phases or programs in North America and Europe.
Prior experience managing CROs and clinical service providers, including performance oversight and issue escalation.
Experience contributing to or leading governance frameworks and KPIs/metrics.
Strong knowledge of GCP, ICH guidelines and regulatory expectations related to outsourced clinical trial execution.
Leadership experience – either direct people management or strong matrix leadership of cross-functional teams.
Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and planning skills along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks to meet critical deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft suite or products such as Word, Excel etc.

Nice To Haves

Experience in APAC preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight of CROs and other outsourced partners to ensure high ‑ quality delivery of clinical trial services.
Establish vendor performance expectations, KPIs, and quality standards aligned with program and study objectives.
Monitor vendor performance through dashboards, governance meetings, metrics reviews, audits, and routine check ‑
Lead issue escalation, root ‑ cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) follow ‑ up to ensure timely resolution.
Evaluate risks related to vendor delivery and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, quality, and vendor accountability.
Support the development and refinement of vendor management frameworks, SOPs, tools, and best practices.
Build strong vendor partnerships that foster transparency, collaboration, and consistent delivery across programs.
Provide guidance and support to study teams on effective vendor management, issue handling, and process adherence.
Models our core values: Passion, integrity, Innovation and Patient Focus.
Will have direct reports