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Global Clinical Operations Program Director

Lieu South San Francisco, California, United States Job ID R-248920 Date de publication 03/27/2026

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.  

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.  

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.  

Introduction to role

TheGlobal Clinical Operations Program Director (GPD)isacore global role withintheCell Therapy Clinical Operations(CTCO) function.The span of responsibilitiesisbroad and may support one or several products depending onscopeand complexity.The products supported will be in Phase1-3 development, but the program may include studies inall phases of drug development.On behalfoftheSenior Global Clinical Operations Program Director (Sr GPD),the GPD providesstrategic operational leadership andoversight of asuiteofglobalclinicalstudieswithin a programcovering all clinicalprogramdeliverables,covering all clinicaloperationsdeliverablesto scope, quality, budget, time,resource,and risk, ensuringnew innovative design and delivery models are used appropriately.The role involves integratingstrategy,design,feasibilityand operational planning toproduce business-focusedclinical drug development programsthat alignwith priorities and strategy.The GPD will develop the core clinical operations components for governance interactions with the oversight of the Sr GPDTheGPDmayalso actas the lead for cross-functional teams in delivery ofclinicalprogramteam (CPT)activities assigned.

TheGPDmay provide project leadershipforcross-functionalclinical submission teams in support of regulatory marketing applications andpost-registration product maintenancedeliverables

Additionally, theGPDmayleador contribute toimprovementandchange projectswithin clinicaloperationsand/orotherbusiness areas

Accountabilities:

  • Leadcross-functional teams of experts in the planning and delivery of a defined clinical program of studiesand/orclinical activitiesto scope, quality, budget, time,planningtheresource andmanagingrisk 

  • Work closely withglobalstudy leaders to provideappropriatestrategicoversight ofaprogram of studies on behalf ofSr GPDandClinical Program Team (CPT) 

  • Provideclinical operationsexpertiseinto the project (e.g. country selection, feasibility, operational input into design,risksandexternal partner management)using new innovative design and delivery modelsto support governance interactions and project start-up.

  • Responsible forproviding clinical operationsexpertiseinto the development of new business case opportunities for review by governance bodies (cost, timelines,quality,feasibility,risk)

  • On behalf ofCPT,responsible formanagingclinical plans (cost,FTEsand timelines) in business reporting system, such as PLANIT

  • Lead large or complex deliverables and the process toidentifyand solve/escalateoperational issues and drive delivery to plan through internal or external partners (Alliance partners, Clinical Research Organizations (CROs),vendorsand Academic Research Organizations(AROs)). 

  • Act astheAZpointof escalation forstudy teamsforexternal (e.g. CRO) partners for externally managed/outsourced studies as appropriate

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

  • 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 Experts

  • Mentor, coach and support people development asappropriate

  • Activelyparticipatein networking both within and outside thetherapeutic area, sharing best practises and lesson learnt

  • Beanearly adopter for new ways of working and act as ambassadors for change,driving the implementationandutilizationof 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 10years’ experiencefrom within the pharmaceutical industry or similar large multinational organizations.

  • Proven knowledge ofproject management tools and processes

  • Proven experienceinclinical development/drug development process in various phases of development and therapy areas.

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

  • Experience from leading clinical projects and deliverables or similarexpertisefrom otherareas of drug development (such as pharmaceutical development). 

  • Ability to mentor, develop and educate staff

  • Proven leadership promoting motivation and empowerment of othersin order toaccomplishindividual, team and organizational objectives

  • Skilled & experienced in change management

  • Ability to look for and champion more efficient and effective methods/processes of deliveringclinical operationscomponentsfocusing on key performance metrics around reliability, productivity,cost,and quality

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

  • Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performancetargetsand project initiatives in a regional and local environment

  • Integrity and high ethical standards

  • Excellent stakeholder management 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 improvementmethodologysuch as Lean Sigma/Change Management is desirable but not mandatory

  • Regulatory submission experience

  • Proven knowledge of clinical operations,

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

Where can I find out more?
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $171,622.40 to 257,433.60 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com
AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can be empowered to make bold decisions and move at pace. With a focus on Oncology, we are driven by speed and backed by leadership that empowers every level to prioritize smart risks based on scientific evidence. Our scale, agility, and passion ensure fast delivery every time. Join us in pioneering new frontiers in cancer research, where courage, curiosity, and collaboration drive patient outcomes. Be part of a team committed to improving the lives of millions with cancer.
Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to join our dynamic team!
#LI-Hybrid

Date Posted

26-Mar-2026

Closing Date

05-Apr-2026

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.



AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.

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