Director, Digital Transformation - Site Management Operations

Sarah Cannon Research Institute • Work at Home - Tennessee, USA (WTNA), TN

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Digital Transformation – Site Management Operations is the primary product lead responsible for leading the design, implementation, and optimization of digital solutions that directly support site-level clinical research operations. This role ensures that digital initiatives are aligned with the operational needs of research sites, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and user experience. Duties include but are not limited to: Strategic Planning & Alignment Partner with senior executives and research leaders to embed digital technologies, data analytics, and AI into clinical research SMO operations—ensuring alignment with SCRI’s overarching business and research strategies. Translate strategic priorities into an executable product roadmap with clear delivery milestones, dependencies, and ownership. Data & AI Vision Execution Define a forward-looking strategy for data and AI integration in SMO. Champion the deployment of AI-driven tools to transform cancer care Own the execution and productization of AI use cases, including data readiness, system integration, validation, and operational monitoring. Product Management Leadership Lead the full product lifecycle for digital solutions—from ideation and roadmap development to stakeholder alignment and continuous improvement. Lead product teams to prioritize features and initiatives based on their potential benefit and business objectives. Own end‑to‑end product delivery accountability, including backlog prioritization, scope tradeoffs, sequencing of product work, and release execution. Ensure delivery commitments are met through active risk management, dependency resolution, and escalation when required. Use Case Development & ROI Articulation Identify high-impact use cases for digital transformation and AI across clinical operations. Conduct rigorous ROI analyses to build stakeholder confidence and secure investment. Prioritize use cases based on delivery feasibility, capacity, and speed‑to‑value—not just strategic appeal. AI-Driven Process Optimization Leverage AI and machine learning to analyze and streamline business processes, eliminate manual steps and increase productivity, improve data integrity, and elevate the patient experience. Change Management & Adoption Leadership Lead enterprise-wide change initiatives to drive adoption of new technologies. Partner with change management teams to deliver training, communication, and support strategies that ensure sustained value realization. Risk & Compliance Oversight Provide strategic guidance on the risks and benefits of digital and AI technologies in clinical research. Ensure compliance and quality requirements are built directly into delivery workflows and acceptance criteria. Performance Measurement & Reporting Establish and track KPIs to evaluate the impact of digital and AI initiatives on research productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. Team Leadership & Talent Development Build and lead a high-performing digital transformation team. Mentor and coach team members to grow capabilities, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and excellence. Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Collaboration Build and nurture strong relationships with internal stakeholders, technology vendors, regulatory bodies, and clinical partners to foster innovation and cross-functional alignment.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in clinical research or a related healthcare field, with a strong focus on digital transformation, data analytics, and AI integration.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, project management, and change leadership.
• In-depth understanding of clinical research processes, regulatory requirements, and industry trends.
• Experience with ensuring interoperability between different clinical systems and platforms to facilitate seamless data exchange and collaboration.
• Strong working knowledge of technical product management in complex, integration‑heavy environments.
• Experience partnering with engineering teams to translate business and clinical needs into scalable, production‑ready solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and inspire across all levels of the organization.
• Agile product delivery and execution leadership (roadmapping, backlog prioritization, release planning).
• Technical product decision‑making across build vs. buy, integration patterns, and platform reuse.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Collaborate in a dynamic, fast-paced setting with a team of skilled professionals.
• Ability to lead teams through ambiguity while driving clarity, alignment, and outcomes.
• Accountability for results, not just initiatives or plans.

Nice To Haves

• Key Competencies: Digital Clinical Research Tools and Technologies Innovation and Change Advocacy Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management Data-Driven Decision Making Regulatory Knowledge and Compliance Leadership and Team Development

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior executives and research leaders to embed digital technologies, data analytics, and AI into clinical research SMO operations.
• Translate strategic priorities into an executable product roadmap with clear delivery milestones, dependencies, and ownership.
• Define a forward-looking strategy for data and AI integration in SMO.
• Champion the deployment of AI-driven tools to transform cancer care.
• Own the execution and productization of AI use cases, including data readiness, system integration, validation, and operational monitoring.
• Lead the full product lifecycle for digital solutions—from ideation and roadmap development to stakeholder alignment and continuous improvement.
• Lead product teams to prioritize features and initiatives based on their potential benefit and business objectives.
• Own end‑to‑end product delivery accountability, including backlog prioritization, scope tradeoffs, sequencing of product work, and release execution.
• Ensure delivery commitments are met through active risk management, dependency resolution, and escalation when required.
• Identify high-impact use cases for digital transformation and AI across clinical operations.
• Conduct rigorous ROI analyses to build stakeholder confidence and secure investment.
• Prioritize use cases based on delivery feasibility, capacity, and speed‑to‑value.
• Leverage AI and machine learning to analyze and streamline business processes, eliminate manual steps and increase productivity, improve data integrity, and elevate the patient experience.
• Lead enterprise-wide change initiatives to drive adoption of new technologies.
• Partner with change management teams to deliver training, communication, and support strategies that ensure sustained value realization.
• Provide strategic guidance on the risks and benefits of digital and AI technologies in clinical research.
• Ensure compliance and quality requirements are built directly into delivery workflows and acceptance criteria.
• Establish and track KPIs to evaluate the impact of digital and AI initiatives on research productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Build and lead a high-performing digital transformation team.
• Mentor and coach team members to grow capabilities, foster innovation, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with internal stakeholders, technology vendors, regulatory bodies, and clinical partners to foster innovation and cross-functional alignment.

Benefits

• Total Rewards package that includes comprehensive benefits to support physical, mental, and financial well-being.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed