Regional Director of Operations

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities. As a leading network of advanced clinical trial sites, we leverage cutting-edge technology and exceptional support services to broaden outreach and participation. Founded in 2018, our rapidly growing company currently operates 20+ sites across the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.

The Role

Headlands Research is seeking a highly motivated, and seasoned operations leader looking for an opportunity to support and empower site leaders to grow and lead efficient site operations. This individual should bring a strong background in the clinical trial industry with specific experience in research trial execution and multi-site leadership. Candidates should appreciate the atmosphere of a growing company and the need to impact process development while supporting sites. Success in this position requires agility, collaboration and exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Duties

• Operations oversight of approximately 6-8 DeNovo and/or integrated clinical trial sites within an assigned region

• Successfully integrate newly acquired sites into Headland’s network processes, systems, workflows, etc.

• Collaborate with sites and central recruitment services as applicable to ensure sites meet targeted enrollment goals for all studies

• Lead and develop site leaders (direct reports) through exceptional people management skills and collaboration to influence positive operational outcomes

• Build strong partnerships with Site Directors/Presidents, Business Development, PI’s and central support teams to identify opportunities for strategic site growth and operational excellence

• Ensure operational, quality, and financial standards, systems and practices are in place and each site receives the necessary central support to achieve its objectives

• Work with site leaders and Finance business partners on forecasting and budgeting resulting in continuously improved revenue and expense management

• Support strategy for site level recruitment, training, and employee development to ensure sites are adequately staffed for current and future demand

• Conduct in person visits to sites on a regular cadence based on site needs

• Plan and set individual and site goals and track the progress of each to ensure that objectives are met

• Serve as primary point of escalation for Site Directors in resolving operational challenges

• Collaborate with site leaders and Quality and Training business partners to ensure GCP quality standards are in place and all quality and regulatory requirements are adhered to

• Support site sponsor interactions by acting as a point of escalation and providing confidence in site operations

• Conduct monthly financial and operations reviews with sites to include KPI's, employee and patient retention & enrollment, capacity, revenue, and expense management

• Participates and presents at meetings with internal and external representatives as needed

• Identify opportunities to expand business within the region through new therapeutic capabilities, equipment, or site development

• Collaborate with the business development team to assess site capabilities

• Facilitate performance improvement monitoring and discussions between site staff and human resources

• Additional project work as assigned

Requirements:

• Education – Bachelor's degree in business or a health-related field required; master’s degree preferred

• 5 years + experience in clinical trials industry (sponsor, IRB, CRO, site)

• Proven success in a multi-site healthcare leadership role- experience leading multiple sites and teams across several geographic locations

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage people/projects across a continuum of experience, knowledge, and diversity.

• Proactive problem-solving abilities and follow-through

• General understanding of GCP, CFR, and state regulations as applicable

• Results oriented- demonstrates strong business planning skills, communicates objectives clearly to teams, reviews, and monitors KPI’s and provides coaching and mentoring to achieve goals

• Driven- self-starter, excellent time management skills, ready to execute in a tactical and strategic manner, holds themselves and others to high standards of accountability

• Collaborative- ability to develop relationships and collaborate along the vertical

• 5 years + experience managing direct reports

• Superior communication skills, written and verbal including emails and presentations both internal and external with sponsors and CROs

• Displays professionalism and integrity in all actions – Demonstrated ability to foster concepts of teamwork, cooperation, self- control, and flexibility to get the work done timely with a high degree of responsiveness with multiple stakeholders

• Knowledgeable and able to confidently speak in the following areas of clinical research

• Business Development

• Finance/Accounting

• Human Resources

• Legal

• Clinical Development / Key Therapeutic Areas such as CNS/Psych/Metabolic/Endocrine/Vaccines

• Recruitment

• Information Technology

• Business Operations