Job description
Program Director, Clinical Operations (Contract)
Location: South San Francisco/San Diego, CA or Remote
This is a 6-month contract.
Pay rate range is $120s
A dynamic biotech organization is seeking a seasoned Program Director of Clinical Operations to provide strategic leadership across one or more oncology clinical programs. This contractor role will drive operational execution, vendor oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure trials are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with global regulatory standards. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments and brings deep expertise in early- and late-stage oncology trials.
Position Summary:
Qualifications
Location: South San Francisco/San Diego, CA or Remote
This is a 6-month contract.
Pay rate range is $120s
A dynamic biotech organization is seeking a seasoned Program Director of Clinical Operations to provide strategic leadership across one or more oncology clinical programs. This contractor role will drive operational execution, vendor oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure trials are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with global regulatory standards. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments and brings deep expertise in early- and late-stage oncology trials.
Position Summary:
- Lead and guide Study Execution Teams (SETs) to ensure efficient trial initiation and completion
- Oversee CRO/vendor relationships and serve as escalation point for governance discussions
- Monitor program status and proactively communicate risks, timelines, and budget impacts
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to remove executional barriers and meet program goals
- Represent Clinical Operations in cross-functional development teams and strategic planning
- Contribute to clinical development plans, site selection, enrollment strategy, and data quality
- Serve as program-level liaison for external clinical trial collaborations
- Manage vendor budgets, contracts, and lead RFP/vendor selection processes
- Implement quality checks and performance metrics across multiple clinical trials
- Provide input on clinical documents including protocols and informed consents
- Lead development of SOPs and work instructions; support functional and cross-functional initiatives
- Hire, coach, and mentor Clinical Operations staff with a focus on succession planning
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Nursing, or Pharmacy; advanced degree preferred
- 12+ years in clinical operations, with 8+ years in leadership roles
- 4+ years of direct line management experience
- Experience in small biotech environments strongly preferred
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing clinical operations teams
- Strategic thinker with strong organizational awareness and cross-functional insight
- Exceptional project management skills with ability to manage complex timelines and shifting priorities
- Deep understanding of global regulatory requirements and GCP compliance
- Successful track record in study planning, execution, data cleaning, and regulatory inspections
- Oncology experience across early and late-phase trials highly desirable
- Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of resolving complex challenges
- Expertise in quality systems and global compliance standards