Director, Transformation Enterprise Program Office

Worldwide Clinical Trials•Research Triangle Park, NC

1d•$145,500 - $288,500

About The Position

This is an opportunity to help a world-class specialty Contract Research Organization (CRO) bring its deep scientific expertise to new customers and new markets. The Director, Transformation Enterprise Program Office is a pivotal role within the Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO). This position acts as the strategic partner and driving force for a dedicated portfolio of EPMO projects. Each lead has a distinct area of deep expertise: Change Management: Focused on organizational readiness, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of new processes and tools. Contract Research Organization (CRO) Operations: Focused on enabling underlying process and technology improvements in a CRO context. Technology Delivery: Focused on guiding project teams to implement new technology across the enterprise. Each Portfolio Lead will own and manage a portfolio of high-impact initiatives within their area of expertise, serving as the single point of contact for project teams. They will drive proactive planning, problem-solving, capability building, and progress tracking to ensure the successful execution and value realization of the portfolio. While each role has a dedicated focus area, the Portfolio Leads will operate as a cohesive team, collaborating to align their portfolios, share insights, resolve cross-cutting issues, and contribute to the overall success of the EPMO. A Portfolio Lead may have direct reports. This team-based approach ensures that projects benefit from multidisciplinary expertise and a unified approach to execution. The ideal candidate is a master facilitator, strategist, and coach with deep expertise in their domain (Change Management, CRO Operations, or Technology Implementation), a strong track record of navigating complexity, and the ability to support and enable project leaders to succeed.

Requirements

Exceptional leadership and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence, motivate, and align cross-functional teams toward a common vision
Advanced strategic thinking, capable of synthesizing complex information and developing actionable plans that drive enterprise value
Outstanding communication abilities, both written and verbal, with a proven aptitude for preparing executive-level documentation and delivering high-impact presentations
Superior problem-solving and critical thinking skills, able to anticipate risks, analyze challenges from multiple perspectives, and implement effective solutions quickly
Strong organizational acumen, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize competing demands in a dynamic environment
Deep proficiency in project and portfolio management methodologies, Transformation Office techniques, tools, and best practices
High emotional intelligence and the ability to foster a culture of trust, engagement, and continuous improvement
Change management expertise, with a knack for guiding organizations through ambiguity and transformation
Flexible and adaptable, thriving in fast-paced, evolving environments, and embracing opportunities to innovate and learn
Technological curiosity and literacy, especially as it relates to emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years of Contract Research Organization (CRO) and Life Sciences experience
Minimum of 12 years of experience in strategy execution, business transformation, digital program management, portfolio management, software technology implementation, change management, or a similar role within a large-scale EPMO or Transformation Office
Proven track record of managing a portfolio of complex projects and achieving strategic objectives
Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex organizational and project-related challenges
Strong executive presence with experience presenting to and communicating with senior leadership
Expertise in change management principles and their practical application in a corporate environment
Exceptional coaching, mentoring, and influencing skills
Adept at navigating complex global organizations
Familiarity with AI concepts and their application in business is highly desirable
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to influence and align stakeholders from frontline teams to executive leadership

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or certifications in Agile, Change Management, or Lean Six Sigma are a plus

Responsibilities

Serve as the single point of contact for all projects within the assigned EPMO portfolio
Proactively engage with and support project teams to monitor progress and ensure the successful delivery of intended value and outcomes
Collaborate with Project Leaders to refine overall project plans, including the establishment of critical milestones and success metrics
Identify, analyze, and help resolve significant blockers to project success, such as lack of stakeholder alignment, fear of change, organizational capability gaps, etc.
Prepare and develop clear, concise documentation for executive- and board-level governance meetings
Lead comprehensive post-mortems to capture lessons learned and foster a culture of continuous improvement
Integrate the assigned portfolio of projects into the overall EPMO, ensuring alignment with broader enterprise objectives
Coach and mentor Project Leaders on best practices for executing successful, high-impact projects
Champion and guide the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into project methodologies and solutions
Act as a key enabler of critical resources and support to Project Leaders, including access to expert interviews, targeted research, and analytical support
May supervise direct reports, supporting their performance and development
Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.