Clinical Research Lead – Strategic Network Operations Manager

Role Summary

The Clinical Research Lead-Strategic Network Operations Manager is a strategic, field-based scientific and operational leader responsible for driving the execution of Lilly clinical trials through exceptional investigator engagement and high-performing site partnerships. This role is pivotal in ensuring Lilly’s portfolio is prioritized across Strategic Network Partners and that trials are delivered with quality, speed, and insight. Combining deep therapeutic knowledge with operational agility, this role leads the coordination of joint activities, fosters strong relationships with site leadership, and ensures alignment between internal Lilly stakeholders and external partners. The CRL-Strategic Network Operations Manager serves as a trusted partner, co-developing tailored enrollment strategies, elevating protocol understanding, and shaping the clinical trial landscape through collaboration with Lilly’s Strategic Network Partners.

Responsibilities

• Operational Partnership Management
  • Accountable for the full spectrum of investigator engagement across Strategic Network Partners—from identification and qualification through enrollment support, database lock, and study closeout.
  • Serve as the primary operational point of contact for designated Strategic Network Partners across the portfolio.
  • Develop and sustain strategic, high-trust relationships with network-affiliated investigators and network leadership that span trials and therapeutic areas.
  • Influence enrollment by co-creating tailored recruitment strategies aligned with network capabilities, patient population realities, and study objectives.
  • Lead network-level strategy and risk planning to ensure strong and predictable enrollment and data delivery across partner sites.
  • Manage planning, tracking, and delivery of partnership activities, ensuring alignment with timelines, expectations, and strategic goals.
  • Monitor and support network-level operational performance, escalating issues or risks as appropriate to ensure continuity and quality.
• Internal Coordination
  • Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., CRLs, Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), Medical, Clinical Development, Study Delivery) to ensure coordinated engagement with partner sites align on trial and network priorities, troubleshooting challenges with urgency and creativity.
  • Act as a key liaison between field teams, vendors, and Strategic Network Partners, ensuring alignment, shared purpose, and continuous knowledge transfer.
  • Partner closely with field team colleagues to elevate the investigator and site experience across the network, improving enrollment outcomes and strengthening long-term relationships.
  • Support integration of Strategic Network Partners into portfolio planning, operational reviews, and leadership updates.
  • Align with external operational partners (e.g., CROs, monitoring teams) on site interface activities.
  • Capture and elevate critical insights from network sites to optimize feasibility, protocol design, and study conduct at scale.
  • Collaborate across internal functions and with vendor partners to resolve operational barriers, ensuring delivery with speed and quality.
  • Provide oversight and quality assurance for vendor monitoring activities across the network, escalating risks proactively.
• Performance & Reporting
  • Track operational KPIs related to partner engagement (e.g., activation timelines, enrollment performance, site satisfaction).
  • Leverage performance metrics to anticipate issues, intervene decisively, and maintain momentum toward clinical milestones.
  • Prepare reports and updates for internal stakeholders and leadership forums.
  • Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities to improve collaboration and site outcomes.
• Process & Capability Building
  • Develop and maintain standard processes for Strategic Network Partner engagement to ensure consistency across teams.
  • Support knowledge-sharing and operational capability building related to partnership management.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen network relationships and optimize delivery.
• Country / Regulatory Engagement (where applicable)
  • Represent Investigator Engagement with regulatory agencies, ethics committees, and national research organizations in countries/territory
  • Influence the clinical trial ecosystem to improve regulatory agility and operational feasibility
  • Ensure that local requirements are translated into compliant, efficient trial execution and that Lilly’s internal processes reflect evolving country landscapes
  • Partner with leadership to identify and align regional initiatives and contribute to enterprise-wide clinical development success

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; strong preference for scientific, clinical, or health-related fields
• Required: Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical research or pharmaceutical industry with experience directly interacting with or working with HCPs and clinical sites
• Required: Minimum 2 years of relevant clinical or therapeutic area experience in Oncology
• Required: Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B or TN status) for this employment position.
• Preferred: Advanced degree in a scientific or clinical field (PharmD, PhD, MD, or MSc preferred)
• Preferred: Excellent understanding of GCP, clinical development and operations, and trial lifecycle
• Preferred: Strong background in clinical operations, site management, or vendor/CRO partnership management
• Preferred: Agility in balancing competing priorities
• Preferred: Demonstrated ability to manage complex operational partnerships with multiple stakeholders
• Preferred: Demonstrated understanding of the therapeutic landscape and standards of care, with the ability to apply this knowledge to decision making
• Preferred: Proven ability to build credibility and influence HCP community through scientific acumen and relationship strength
• Preferred: Strategic approach with demonstrated success in delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments with a focus on execution and delivery
• Preferred: Data-driven decision-making skills; ability to interpret and act on performance and operational metrics
• Preferred: Excellent communication, negotiation, problem-solving and organizational skills
• Preferred: Deep therapeutic area knowledge and familiarity with network clinical research ecosystems
• Preferred: Experience directly influencing network-level performance and driving enrollment success
• Preferred: Track record of delivering or exceeding performance targets in a collaborative matrix environment
• Preferred: Experience working with regulators or national bodies in support of clinical trial delivery
• Preferred: English fluency and proficiency in local language(s) as needed

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Willingness to travel extensively (60-80%)