Vice President (Global Head) Site Management and Monitoring

AstraZeneca • Boston, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role leads the global Site Management and Monitoring organisation for the Biopharma portfolio, setting the direction for how clinical trials are delivered across more than 30 countries. The remit spans country-level trial delivery, from feasibility and site selection through to close-out, ensuring high quality data, timely recruitment and strong alignment with Biopharma and Oncology R&D strategies. Therapeutic expertise in areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, inflammation and autoimmune disease is vital to guide where studies are placed and how they are executed. The position combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, and people management, working closely with country leadership, Program and Study Management teams to embed robust country insights into operational plans. As a key escalation point for issues in new and ongoing studies, the role also owns recruitment, retention, capability building and performance management for SMM staff in direct line, as well as quality and compliance with ICH GCP and local regulations. As a member of both the Biopharma Clinical Operations Leadership Team and Development Operations Leadership Team, the role drives a unified “One SMM” mindset in partnership with the Oncology SMM Head.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in scientific discipline or relevant subject area
• Mastery of Clinical Development area with 10 years+ relevant experience and multi-disciplinary experience (cross-functional or functional)
• Previous experience of working in a site management organisation at a country, regional or global level
• Strong technical and TA extensive Biopharma Clinical Operations expertise
• Proven line management expertise; experience of line management of associate director level staff (experience of managing Director level staff desirable but not essential)
• Ability to effectively influence and communicate
• Ability to engage, influence and collaborate across boundaries with a problem solving and delivery focus
• Ability to assimilate complex information and identify key issues and message
• Functional management experience, managing resourcing, budget planning and functional level activities

Nice To Haves

• Post graduate degree is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Lead the global SMM function for Biopharma, driving operational excellence across all clinical trial activities, including planning, feasibility, site and country selection, monitoring, risk management and oversight of timely, efficient, quality and compliant study delivery from start-up through to closure.
• Shape and implement an agile, future-oriented site management strategy that meets the needs of Biopharma and Oncology R&D, using external intelligence and competitor insights to refine ways of working and benchmark performance against top-quartile industry metrics.
• Champion and support the implementation of AstraZeneca’s digital strategy within SMM, embedding data, technology and digital tools into trial delivery.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing and capabilities across all SMM roles to deliver the portfolio, including robust forecasting and staffing models at country level.
• Build and strengthen collaborations between global stakeholders and market-level functions such as Business Units, Regulatory, Payor and government institutions to secure input into, and delivery of, all internally delivered clinical trials.
• Develop and execute a strong people agenda so that SMM teams are trained, high performing and ready to support evolving therapeutic area strategies.
• Create performance and talent management plans that attract, develop and retain a highly skilled, agile workforce able to respond quickly to changing portfolio needs.
• Oversee outsourcing strategies and sourcing models with CROs and other partners to deliver optimal time, cost and quality outcomes, including selection, governance and performance management through clear metrics and MSAs.
• Communicate business priorities and vision in a clear, compelling way that enables staff to translate strategy into action and deliver as one global organisation.
• Act as an active member of the Global Development Operations Leadership Team and Biopharma Clinical Operations Leadership Team, contributing to cross-functional strategy and decision-making.
• Develop trusting, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including country and regional medical and commercial teams, to align trial delivery with broader business objectives.
• Ensure excellence in the development and implementation of processes, templates, guidelines, SOPs, tools and systems that underpin successful clinical trial conduct.
• Own clinical trial budget creation, management, forecasting and updates (internal and external costs), ensuring adherence to financial reporting procedures.
• Lead the design and use of metrics dashboards with Development Operations and Biopharma/Oncology leaders to track quality, speed and cost performance.
• Ensure full compliance with ICH/GCP, CFR and other applicable regulations and requirements across all countries in direct line responsibility.

Benefits

• 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