Senior Manager, Research Data Operations

Denver Health•Denver, CO

2d•$109,200 - $174,800

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Research Data Operations provides unified operational leadership over the Research Department’s Data Management and Biostatistics functions. The role ensures coordinated workflows in support of research projects, including surveillance programs such as the RADARS System, patient registries, statistical analysis plans, and real-world evidence deliverables for regulatory and pharmaceutical clients. It is an operational and technically literate leadership position; technical expertise is primarily provided by team leads. The Senior Manager coordinates work between functions, maintains quality and resourcing across the research portfolio, and drives innovation in the data systems and infrastructure used by the Research Department. The position oversees operational coordination, project handoffs, portfolio staffing, data-system evaluation and modernization, quality and compliance practices, staff development, and input into project planning and client engagement. It supervises supervisors and staff in the Data Management and Biostatistics teams and supports regulatory and audit readiness.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Health Informatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Computer Science, Public Health, or a related discipline.
7–9 years of progressive experience in research data management, biostatistics operations, health informatics, or a related field.
4–6 years of experience managing or leading multidisciplinary teams in a research, pharmaceutical, CRO, or regulatory science environment.
1–3 years of demonstrated experience leading or contributing to data-system evaluation, implementation, or modernization efforts.
Understanding of relational databases, SQL environments, Tableau, and statistical programming such as SAS or R sufficient to evaluate technical work, ask informed questions, and assess system requirements; the role is not a hands-on technical lead.
Familiarity with research data platforms, including REDCap and electronic data capture systems.
Ability to evaluate data infrastructure proposals, vendor solutions, and technology options in light of organizational needs and regulatory requirements.
Ability to identify opportunities to improve data systems, reduce operational friction, and enhance research data workflow quality and efficiency.
Ability to translate organizational goals into system and process requirements at the intersection of technology, science, and operations.
Strong people-management skills, including performance development, coaching, conflict resolution, and team building across technical disciplines.
Ability to manage across functions with different technical cultures and priorities, and exercise sound judgment in resource allocation, prioritization, and cross-functional decisions.
Effective communication with technical staff, nontechnical stakeholders, clients, sponsors, and organizational leadership.
Ability to translate complex data operations into clear project status updates, risk flags, and strategic recommendations for leadership.
Experience participating in client-facing discussions concerning data capabilities, timelines, and deliverables.

Nice To Haves

4–6 years of experience working within or adjacent to regulated research environments, such as FDA, IRB, GCP, or 21 CFR Part 11 contexts.
Knowledge of developments in health data infrastructure, pharmacovigilance data standards, and real-world evidence methodology.

Responsibilities

Provide unified operational oversight of the Data Management and Biostatistics teams, coordinating workflow and prioritization.
Own handoffs between data management and statistical analysis teams and resolve bottlenecks affecting project timelines or deliverable quality.
Maintain visibility into the full project portfolio and allocate staff resources to meet contractual and internal deadlines.
Serve as the operational accountability point for integrated data and analysis deliverables requiring both functions.
Lead evaluation and adoption of data systems, processes, and tools supporting research projects, including REDCap instance management, SQL programming, surveillance data capture, and analysis-ready data pipelines.
Identify opportunities to modernize data workflows and partner with technical leads and external vendors, as applicable, to scope and implement system improvements.
Keep systems aligned with relevant regulatory data standards, including 21 CFR Part 11, CDISC, and applicable FDA data submission expectations.
Maintain quality-control standards across data management and biostatistics outputs in line with project requirements and contractual obligations.
Provide leadership in managing private health data, data use agreements, secure data transfer, de-identification practices, and stewardship of sensitive health data.
Ensure SOPs, documentation practices, and data governance are appropriate and consistently applied across departmental deliverables.
Support audit and regulatory review readiness, including documentation for systematic literature reviews, surveillance programs, and registry studies.
Directly supervise supervisors and staff in the data management and biostatistics teams, providing coaching, performance management, and development planning.
Build collaboration and shared accountability between the two teams; identify capability gaps and recommend training, tooling, or staffing solutions.
Oversee staff assignments and effort allocation.
Advise Research Department leadership on data, analytics, and technical capacity when scoping projects or proposals.
Support client and sponsor communications about data deliverables, timelines, and system capabilities when requested by project leads.
Contribute operational perspectives to departmental planning about anticipated project loads and resourcing needs.

Benefits

Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick time, and seven holidays.
100% paid parental leave for up to six weeks.
Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions up to 9.5%.
Medical, dental, and vision plans, plus employer-paid disability and life insurance.
Well-being programs, including an on-site employee fitness center and the RESTORE Center.
Free RTD EcoPass for public transportation.
Childcare discount programs and perks on brands, travel, and more.
Tuition reimbursement and assistance.
Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center, supporting career growth and advancement.
Professional clinical advancement program and shared governance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness-eligible employer, with free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the program.
National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps eligibility.