Global Clinical Operations Program Director

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.  

Introduction to role

The Global Clinical Operations Program Director (GPD) is a core global role within the Cell Therapy Clinical Operations (CTCO) function.  The span of responsibilities is broad and may support one or several products depending on scope and complexity. The products supported will be in Phase 1-3 development, but the program may include studies in all phases of drug development. On behalf of the Senior Global Clinical Operations Program Director (Sr GPD), the GPD provides strategic operational leadership and oversight of a suite of global clinical studies within a program covering all clinical program deliverables, covering all clinical operations deliverables to scope, quality, budget, time, resource, and risk, ensuring new innovative design and delivery models are used appropriately. The role involves integrating strategy, design, feasibility and operational planning to produce business-focused clinical drug development programs that align with priorities and strategy. The GPD will develop the core clinical operations components for governance interactions with the oversight of the Sr GPD.  The GPD may also act as the lead for cross-functional teams in delivery of clinical program team (CPT) activities assigned.  

The GPD may provide project leadership for cross-functional clinical submission teams in support of regulatory marketing applications and post-registration product maintenance deliverables.  

Additionally, the GPD may lead or contribute to improvement and change projects within clinical operations and/or other business areas.  

Accountabilities:

• Lead cross-functional teams of authorities in the planning and delivery of a defined clinical program of studies and/or clinical activities to scope, quality, budget, time, planning the resource and leading risk  

• Work closely with global study leaders to provide appropriate strategic oversight of a program of studies on behalf of Sr GPD and Clinical Program Team (CPT)  

• Provide clinical operations expertise into the project (e.g. country selection, feasibility, operational input into design, risks and external partner management) using new innovative design and delivery models to support governance interactions and project start-up.  

• Responsible for providing clinical operations expertise into the development of new business case opportunities for review by governance bodies (cost, timelines, quality, feasibility, risk) 

• On behalf of CPT, responsible for leading clinical plans (cost, FTEs and timelines) in business reporting system, such as PLANIT 

• Lead large or sophisticated results and the process to identify and solve/raise operational issues and drive delivery to plan through internal or external partners (Alliance partners, Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), vendors and Academic Research Organizations (AROs)).  

• Act as the AZ point of escalation for study teams for external (e.g. CRO) partners for externally led/outsourced studies as appropriate 

• Responsible for leadership and program management of non-drug project work as assigned, e.g. cross functional improvement/change initiatives 

• Provide project leadership & management to cross functional Clinical Submission Teams in planning and execution of clinical contribution to Marketing Applications (aligning closely with other key contributors to submission package) 

• Lead cross-functional teams in delivery of assigned clinical program team (CPT) activities  

• Contribute to functional and cross-functional initiatives as Subject Matter Authorities 

• Mentor, coach and support people development as appropriate.  

• Actively participate in networking both within and outside the therapeutic area, sharing best practises and lesson learnt  

• Be an early adopter for new ways of working and act as ambassadors for change, driving the implementation and utilization of new initiatives.  

Essential skills/experience:

• Minimum of university degree (or equivalent), preferably in medical or biological sciences or discipline associated with clinical research. Advanced degree is preferred. 

• At least 10 years’ experience from within the pharmaceutical industry or similar large multinational organizations

• Must have oncology/hematology experience

• Validated knowledge of project management tools and processes 

• Validated experience in clinical development/drug development process in various phases of development and therapy areas. 

• Validated ability to learn by working in multiple phases, TAs, and/or different development situations. 

• Experience from leading clinical projects and deliverables or similar expertise from other areas of drug development (such as pharmaceutical development).  

• Ability to mentor, develop and educate staff 

• Validated leadership promoting motivation and empowerment of others in order to accomplish individual, team and organizational objectives 

• Skilled & experienced in change management 

• Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes of delivering clinical operations components focusing on key performance metrics around reliability, efficiency, cost, and quality 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, negotiation, collaboration and interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with others at all levels of the organization 

• Demonstrated ability to set and lead priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a regional and local environment 

• Integrity and high ethical standards 

• Excellent stakeholder leadership skills 

• Adaptability 

Desirable skills/experience:

• Project management certification is desirable but not mandatory.  

• Cell Therapy Study Management Experience in a pharma/biotech setting 

• Knowledge of process improvement methodology such as Lean Sigma/Change Management is desirable but not mandatory 

• Regulatory submission experience 

• Validated knowledge of clinical operations, 

• Experience with development and implementation of digital health initiatives in Clinical Studies 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $171,622 to $257,433. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.  

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will help turn a rich, complex pipeline into real treatments by uniting science, disciplined execution, and smart digital tools. You will collaborate with unexpected teams that challenge ideas and accelerate progress, learning alongside peers who value kindness as much as ambition. With investment in cutting-edge capabilities and a clear focus on speed, quality, and sustainability, your leadership will shorten the path from study start-up to submission and, ultimately, to patients who need our medicines.

Call to Action:

Step forward to lead the clinical programs that shape the next wave of medicines—send your CV today and help us deliver impact at speed!

Date Posted

30-Mar-2026

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.