Executive Director, Clinical Operations (Early Oncology)

Role Summary

Executive Director, Clinical Operations (Early Oncology) leads the strategic direction, operational excellence, and future vision for Early Oncology clinical programs within the Clinical Programs & Study Operations organization. This role oversees global clinical delivery, integrating advanced modalities, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation to redefine trial operations, with full accountability for strategy, execution, resource optimization, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Portfolio Leadership: Provide global oversight for a significant portion of EO clinical portfolio, guiding project planning, operational delivery, and resource allocation to Global and Clinical Project Teams. Maintain continuity and minimize disruption through agile management of modality and indication groups, adapting responsively to the evolving clinical landscape.
• AI and Digital Transformation: Champion the deployment and integration of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and process automation across all clinical operations‚Äîaccelerating cycle times, enhancing decision-making, and amplifying productivity. Collaborate with IT and digital partners for the continual development and deployment of future-focused solutions.
• Thought Leadership & Innovation: Embrace novel operational models, platform studies, and customized strategies for complex modalities. Commission and implement AI/digital solutions and monitor industry innovations to ensure the organization remains at the cutting edge of clinical execution.
• Regulatory & Compliance Stewardship: Anticipate and address emerging regulatory requirements, such as IVDR, by embedding compliance into operational strategy and process optimization. Collaborate cross-functionally to share best practices and harmonize quality standards.
• Collaborative Excellence: Foster strong cross-functional and external partnerships, engaging with Tumour Councils, Late Development Oncology teams, vendors, and industry thought leaders. Support project handovers and drive shared accountability for study outcomes.
• Talent Development & Inclusive Leadership: Build, inspire, and mentor high-performing, diverse teams‚Äîdirectly leading 8-10 Sr. Directors and indirectly overseeing 15-20 Study Leaders. Cultivate a pipeline for future leadership within a supportive environment.
• Operational Best Practice: 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. Drive continuous improvement through process excellence and data-driven insights.
• Vendor & Resource Management: Lead strategic vendor engagement and procurement, ensuring effective collaboration with key delivery partners. Oversee resource alignment to support trial delivery needs and evolving project demands.
• Quality Oversight & Process Enhancement: Set and uphold target metrics for clinical quality; oversee compliance and process improvement initiatives in partnership with Senior Director, Process and Execution Excellence and relevant Quality roles.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor degree (MSc or PhD highly desired) and over 10 years of combined experience in managing clinical programs (early oncology experience preferred).
• Preferred: Strategic Leadership; Operational Excellence; Inclusive Team Development; Digital, Automation and AI Proficiency; Vendor Management; Change Leadership; Cross-functional Collaboration; Innovative Mindset.

Skills

• Strategic Leadership: Visionary, forward-thinking, adept at navigating complex, fast-paced environments.
• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective clinical operations.
• Inclusive Team Development: Commitment to building diverse, talented, and resilient teams through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Digital, Automation and AI Proficiency: Deep understanding of how digital and AI technologies can unlock significant efficiencies for clinical trial execution.
• Vendor Management: Experience partnering with alliance management, procurement, and SMEs to optimize vendor performance.
• Change Leadership: Ability to inspire and mobilize teams to lead change within a dynamic clinical operations ecosystem.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong stakeholder engagement, internal and external partnership, and consensus building.
• Innovative Mindset: Adopts industry trends and pioneers new approaches in clinical trial design, delivery, and patient engagement.

Education

• Bachelor degree (MSc or PhD highly desired).