Executive Director, Clinical Operations (Early Oncology)

AstraZeneca

84d • $284,381 - $426,572

About The Position

The Executive Director, Clinical Operations, is a transformative leader charged with setting the strategic direction, operational excellence, and future vision for Early Oncology (EO) clinical programs within the Clinical Programs & Study Operations (CPSO) organization. This role is at the helm of global clinical delivery, integrating advanced modalities, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation to redefine clinical trial operations. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing a significant portion of the EO portfolio with full accountability for strategy, execution, resource optimization, and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree (MSc or PhD are highly desired) and over 10 years of combined experience in managing clinical programs (early oncology experience preferred).
• Visionary, forward-thinking, and adept at navigating complex, fast-paced environments.
• Track record of delivering high-quality, timely, and cost-effective clinical operations.
• Commitment to building diverse, talented, and resilient teams through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Deep understanding of how digital and AI technologies can unlock significant efficiencies for clinical trial execution.
• Expertise in partnering with alliance management, procurement, and SMEs to optimize vendor performance.
• Ability to inspire and mobilize teams to lead change within a dynamic clinical operations ecosystem.
• Outstanding skills in stakeholder engagement, internal and external partnership, and consensus building.
• Adopts industry trends and pioneers new approaches in clinical trial design, delivery, and patient engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide global oversight for significant portion of EO clinical portfolio, guiding project planning, operational delivery, and resource allocation to Global and Clinical Project Teams (GPTs/CPTs).
• Champion the deployment and integration of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and process automation across all clinical operations.
• Consistently embrace novel operational models, platform studies, and customized strategies for complex modalities.
• Anticipate and address emerging regulatory requirements, embedding compliance into operational strategy and process optimization.
• Foster strong cross-functional and external partnerships, engaging with Tumour Councils, Late Development Oncology (LDO) teams, vendors, and industry thought leaders.
• Build, inspire, and mentor high-performing, diverse teams—directly leading 8-10 Sr. Directors and indirectly overseeing 15-20 Study Leaders.
• Establish and refine operational frameworks, leveraging AI and analytics to monitor performance, optimize site selection, and accelerate study start-up, close-out, and patient engagement.
• Lead strategic vendor engagement and procurement, ensuring effective collaboration with key delivery partners.
• Set and uphold target metrics for clinical quality; oversee compliance and process improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Annual base pay ranging from $284,381 - $426,572 USD.
• Short-term incentive bonus opportunity.
• Eligibility to participate in equity-based long-term incentive program.
• Retirement contribution (hourly roles).
• Commission payment eligibility (sales roles).
• 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: Executive
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees