Sr. Director of Research Operations

Balboa Care Nephrology Research Enterprise United • Chula Vista, CA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director, Research Operations – SMO will serve as the P&L leader and strategic driver for our clinical research operations. This hybrid business development and operations executive will forge and strengthen relationships with CROs and sponsors, especially in nephrology and adjacent therapeutic areas, while overseeing study execution, financial performance, and team leadership. This is a highly visible, high-impact role where business growth, financial stewardship, and operational excellence converge. The Senior Director, Research Operations – SMO will build the growth engine and discipline to ensure our research arm is both profitable and scalable.

Requirements

• 8+ years in clinical research operations or SMO leadership, ideally with P&L or general manager experience.
• Proven track record in business development with CROs/sponsors.
• Deep understanding of clinical trial budgeting, enrollment modeling, and feasibility reviews.
• Strong financial acumen with forecasting and P&L management experience.
• Ability to navigate between strategic vision and operational execution.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nephrology or adjacent therapeutic areas.
• Previous experience collaborating with CROs or external BD firms.
• Familiarity with cost modeling and flexible staffing structures.

Responsibilities

• Business Development & Sponsor Engagement Be the primary business development executive, cultivating new relationships with CROs, sponsors, and investigator networks.
• Position the SMO as a multi-therapeutic research partner, emphasizing opportunities in nephrology and adjacent disease states where we have clinical expertise.
• Partner with PIs by highlighting their strengths in CRO/sponsor meetings to generate study opportunities.
• Represent the SMO at conferences, speaking engagements, and clinical/R&D forums to enhance visibility and build pipelines.
• Optionally coordinate with external BD firms on contingency contracts as supplementary resources.
• Operational & Financial Leadership Develop detailed financial and operational forecasts that account for the inherent variability of study revenue driven by patient enrollment timing and volume.
• Translate enrollment activity into revenue projections by tracking current enrollment and projecting out peaks/valleys in revenue and workload across the year.
• Set enrollment goals that balance financial targets with clinical and operational feasibility.
• Build labor models to align staffing with enrollment demand, including: Forecasting workload far in advance given long study lead times.
• Determining when contract staff may be needed for enrollment surges.
• Evaluating whether sustained demand warrants new FTE hires while avoiding future overstaffing.
• Create proactive study pipelines to smooth revenue cycles and support sustainable growth.
• P&L and Strategic Planning Own the SMO research business P&L: monitor profitability, identify growth opportunities, and implement corrective actions.
• Develop and manage a study pipeline to support budget goals and long-term financial sustainability.
• Recommend strategic reinvestment of surplus into expansion, new sites, or distributions.
• Team Leadership & Development Directly supervise the Director and Manager of Research; establish performance goals, career development plans, and cross-training initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-oriented work culture with strong operational discipline and accountability.
• Establish clear expectations and foster a culture of accountability, growth, collaboration, and fun across all research staff, including coordinators and assistants.
• Ensure team alignment with both BD and operational objectives to meet study and financial targets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental & vision on the 1st of the month 30 days after hire.
• Employer contribution of up to 10% of annual pay for your 401K.
• Generous paid time off plus 8 paid holidays, a birthday float day off and a mental health day!
• Company paid life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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